Lassa fever other diagnostic studies
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: Lassa hemorrhagic fever; LHF
Overview
Other laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of lassa fever includes enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assays (ELISA), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry of skin, tissue and liver cells. ELISA test for antigen and IgM antibodies gives 88% sensitivity and 90% specificity for the presence of the infection. Lassa fever can also be found in cerebrospinal fluid. Immunohistochemistry performed on tissue specimens can be used to make a post mortem diagnosis. The virus can also be detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); however, this method is primarily a research tool.[1]
Other Diagnostic Studies
Listed below are some of the diagnostic test used to confirm Lassa fever.[2]
| Diagnostic Test | Samples required | Preparation & Storage | Detects |
| ELISA (Serology) | Serum or plasma | Freeze or refrigerate | Detects Viral antigen, IgM and IgG antibody |
| Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) | Serum or plasma or tissues (fresh frozen) | Freeze or refrigerate | Detects DNA, RNA (genetic material) from virus |
| Immunohisto-chemistry | Liver biopsy from fatal cases | Fix in formalin and store or transport in room temperature | Detects viral antigen in cells |
| Immunohisto-chemistry | Tissue biopsy from fatal cases | Fix in formalin and store or transport in room temperature | Detects viral antigen in cells |
| Immunohisto-chemistry | Skin biopsy from fatal cases | Fix in formalin and store or transport in room temperature | Detects viral antigen in cells |
Data from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention
References
- ↑ Lassa Fever Encephalopathy: Lassa Virus in Cerebrospinal Fluid but Not in Serum Stephan Günther, Boye Weisner, Andreas Roth, Thomas Grewing, Marcel Asper, Christian Drosten, Petra Emmerich, Jochen Petersen, Martin Wilczek and Herbert Schmitz The Journal of Infectious Diseases , Vol. 184, No. 3 (Aug. 1, 2001), pp. 345-349
- ↑ "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" (PDF).