Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Kornberger, EFR.
Detection of metapneumovirus in the routine diagnostic laboratory
[ Diplomarbeit/Master Thesis ] Graz Medical University; 2009. pp.61.
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Kessler Harald
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- Abstract:
- Background: Currently, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR is the method of choice for the detection of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in nasopharyngeal samples. Monoclonal antibodies for detection of hMPV surface antigens by a direct immunofluorescence (IF) test were described recently. Goals of the study: To evaluate the performance of a new IF test for the detection of hMPV and to compare results with those obtained by the routinely used real-time RT-PCR. Methods: A total of 97 nasopharyngeal samples were tested for hMPV with both, the new direct IF test and the real time RT-PCR as gold standard. Additionally, all samples were tested for other common respiratory pathogens. Results: Six samples (6.2%) gave an invalid result with the IF test and were therefore excluded from further investigations. Out of the 91 valid samples, 3 samples (3.3%) tested positive for hMPV with the new direct IF test and the routinely used RT-PCR. Fifty samples (55%) showed non-specific staining in the IF test. Eight samples tested positive for RSV (8.2%), two for Bordetella pertussis (2.1%), one for Chlamydia pneumoniae (1.0%), one for hMPV/RSV co-infection (1.0%), and one for RSV/Chlamydia pneumoniae co-infection (1.0%). Conclusions: The IF test is mainly manual, lacks automation, and the final interpretation remains subjective. Yet, because of the ease of the method and the shorter overall time, the IF test might be preferable.