Study data from A.J. Johnson and colleagues update understanding of encephalitis

   "The original data set on which the classification rules were based comprised 491 serum specimens obtained from the serum bank at the Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DVBID). The classification rules were used to provide a result and to determine whether confirmatory testing was necessary for a given sample. A validation study was coordinated between the DVBID and five state health laboratories to determine (i) the reproducibility of the test between different laboratories, (ii) the correlation between the IgM-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA) and the MIA, and (iii) whether the initial nonspecific parameters could be refined to reduce the volume of confirmatory testing. Laboratorians were trained in the method, and reagents and data analysis software developed at the DVBID were shipped to each validating laboratory. Validating laboratories performed tests on approximately 200 samples obtained from their individual states, the collections of which comprised approximately equal numbers of WN virus-positive and -negative samples, as determined by MAGELISA. In addition, 377 samples submitted to the DVBID for arbovirus testing were analyzed using the MIA and MAGELISA at the DVBID only. For the specimens tested at both the state and the DVBID laboratories, a correlation of results indicated that the technology is readily transferable between laboratories. The detection of IgM antibodies to WN virus was more consistent than detection of IgM antibodies to SLE virus," wrote A.J. Johnson and colleagues.

   The researchers concluded: "Some changes were made to the analysis software that resulted in an improved accuracy of diagnosis."

   Johnson and colleagues published their study in Clinical and Vaccine Immunology (Validation of a microsphere-based immunoassay for detection of anti-West Nile virus and anti-St. Louis encephalitis virus immunoglobulin M antibodies. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 2007;14(9):1084-1093).

   For more information, contact A.J. Johnson, US Dept. of Health & Human Service, DVBID, National Center Zoonot Vector Borne & Enteric Diseases, Center Diseases Control & Prevention, 3150 Rampart Rd., Foothills Campus, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.

   Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical and Vaccine Immunology is: American Society Microbiology, 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA.

   Keywords: United States, Fort Collins, Arbovirus Encephalitis, Biotechnology, Central Nervous System Disease, Encephalitis, Immunization, Immunoassay, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Parasitic Disease, St. Louis Encephalitis, Vaccines, Vectors, Viral, West Nile Fever, West Nile Virus, Zoonoses.

   This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.

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