Useful For: The West Nile Virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. Like other arboviruses (e.g., St. Louis Encephalitis, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever), its main route of transmission to humans is through mosquitoes (primarily culex species) that have acquired the virus from infected birds. A single elevated WNV result, including IgM that may persist for many months, could represent past infection with WNV or infection with another flavivirus including Dengue and St. Louis Encephalitis. Diagnosis of suspected WNV infection is confirmed by isolation of WNV or detection of WNV antigen or nucleic acid sequences in clinical samples or detection of WNV-specific IgM in blood or spinal fluid, confirmed with detection of WNV-specific neutralizing antibody in the same or a subsequent sample.
Methodology: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Specimen Requirements: 1 yellow-top SST tube (minimum: 0.7 mL of serum). Centrifuge SST 30 minutes after draw. Refrigerate specimen after collection.
Analytical Time: 3 days
Days Set Up: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
CPT Information:
86788 – West Nile Ab, IgM
86789 – Antibody; West Nile virus