Flavivirus PCR

Which test do we use?

Real-time RT-PCR for detection of viral RNA of flaviviruses (genus Flavivirus), among others dengue virus, West Nile-virus, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), Japanese encephalitis virus, yellow fever virus, zika virus, usutu virus, Saint Louis-encephalitis virus (SLEV) and Russian spring summer encephalitis virus.

Identification of the flavivirus can be done with sequencing of the flavivirus RT-PCR product or with a virus specific RT-PCR.

Sampling instructions

Serum/plasma or cerebrospinal fluid in a sterile tube.

1 ml serum/plasma or 350µl cerebrospinal fluid.

For stable RNA concentrations in the serum, the serum preferably has to be separated from the cells immediately after collection. If not possible, the sample can be stored for 6 hours at most at 4°C.

Storage conditions

Store sample at 4°C until transportation. Samples can be sent at room temperature, but transportation time must be kept to a minimum (avoid weekends and holidays). Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of the samples.

Important advice

This test is only carried out on sample obtained at most 7 days after the onset of the fever. PCR is complementary to tracing antibodies against the virus. Mention the country of origin, the date symptoms started and the date of sample collection on the request form.

The test is preferably replaced by a species-specific PCR (more sensitive).

Request form National Reference Center (NRC)