To the right, specific information for submitters is provided including acceptable specimen types, minimum sample volume, packaging and shipping information and a description of the testing performed.
Below please find general information about the viruses tested including a description of the disease, transmission, whether or not a vaccine is available and geographic and seasonal distribution.
VIRUSES
- Adenovirus
-
Disease:
Upper respiratory tract disease with fever, nasal congestion, and sore throat with cough. Some serotypes can cause gastroenteritis with diarrhea, vomiting and fever, while others can cause conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis.Transmission:
Via the fecal-oral route through droplets or contact with objects contaminated with virusVaccination:
No widespread use; a vaccine against some types has been given to military personnel in other countriesAge Association:
All ages, often young childrenGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swabs, stool, rectal swabs, urine, eye swabs, CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture; neutralization for serotypingMolecular: Real-time and conventional PCR; Genmark RVP (Subgroups B & C, and E) Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Cache Valley virus (CVV)
-
Disease:
Fever or more severe disease, including infection of the brain (encephalitis) or the lining around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).Transmission:
Usually spread through the bite of an infected mosquitoVaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Has been found in mosquitoes in many places in North America and in parts of Central America with only human cases reported in North Carolina, Missouri, Wisconsin, and New YorkSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
CSF and serumTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time RT-PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- California sero-group viruses (CaV) including LaCrosse & Jamestown Canyon
-
Disease:
Generally asymptomatic, but after an incubation period of 3–7 days a febrile illness may develop, and central nervous system involvement may lead to encephalitis or meningoencephalitisTransmission:
MosquitosVaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Northern United States and CanadaSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
CSF and serumTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time RT-PCRAntibodies: IgG IFAOther Methods:
- Chikungunya virus
-
Disease:
Most common symptoms of infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.Transmission:
From the bite of infected mosquito.Vaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Americas on islands in the Caribbean and countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific OceansSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
Serum and CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time-PCRAntibodies: IgG and IgM ELISAOther Methods:
- Coxsackie Virus
-
Disease:
Mild upper respiratory disease or flu-like illness with fever and muscle aches; rash illness (hand, foot and mouth disease); encephalitis; herpangina (Coxsackie A); pleurodynia (Coxsackie B)Transmission:
Via the fecal-oral route and during the acute stage by the respiratory routeVaccination:
None available at this timeAge Association:
All ages, often young childrenGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swabs, stool, rectal swabs, CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture; immunofluroescence assay for typingMolecular: Real-time and conventional RT-PCR Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Cytomegalovirus
-
Disease:
Often asymptomatic; mild mononucleosis-like illness with fever and malaise; multiple organ disease (immunosuppressed patients); retinitis and polyradiculomyelopathy (AIDS patients); cytomegalic inclusion disease (fetus or transplanted tissues and organs); encephalitis. Infection results in latency. Periodic reactivation with disease is usually only seen in immunosuppressed patients.Transmission:
Close physical contact, infected semen, blood transfusions. Maternal-fetal (from a reactivation or primary infection) and perinatal via cervical secretions or milkVaccination:
None available at this timeAge Association:
All age groups, but most often infants and young childrenGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Urine, bronchoalveolar lavage, blood, CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube cultureMolecular: Real time and conventional PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Dengue virus (DenV)
-
Disease:
Symptoms can be mild or severe. Symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash. There are 4 serotypes and after the first dengue infection subsequent infections can lead to more severe illness.Transmission:
Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus).Vaccination:
Available in some countries for people aged 9 to 45 years. Recommended only for persons with confirmed previous dengue virus infection.Age Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In US local outbreaks have occurred in Texas, Florida, and Hawaii.Seasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
Serum or PlasmaTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real-time RT-PCR with typing availableAntibodies: Flavivirus IgG-IgM-IgA Microsphere Immunofluorescence Assay - Serological testing may be more sensitive depending on timing of specimen collection.Other Methods:
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE)
-
Disease:
Extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. Some cases may be asymptomatic.Transmission:
Maintained in a cycle between mosquitoes and avian hosts in freshwater hardwood swamps.Vaccination:
Equine vaccination available onlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Eastern and Gulf Coast states in U.S.Seasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
Preferred Specimens:
CSF and serumTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time RT-PCRAntibodies: IgG IFAOther Methods:
- Enterovirus (Including Coxsackie and Echovirus)
-
Disease:
Mild upper respiratory disease or flu-like illness with fever and muscle aches; rash illness (hand, foot and mouth disease); fever and muscle aches, followed by paralysis (polio virus); herpangina (Coxsackie A); pleurolynia (Coxsackie B) and encephalitisTransmission:
Via the fecal-oral route, oral-oral route, respiratory route, and fomiteVaccination:
Vaccine is available only for poliovirusAge Association:
All ages, often young childrenGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swabs, stool, rectal swabs, CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture; immunofluorescence assay for subtypingMolecular: Real-time and conventional RT-PCR Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
-
Disease:
Also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a member of the herpes virus family. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses.Transmission:
EBV spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. However, EBV can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.Vaccination:
There is no vaccine to protect against EBV infection.Age Association:
All ages, often young children show no signs of symptoms. Symptoms are more prominent in teenagers and adults.Geographic Distribution:
WorldwideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time PCR - Please note that a positive real-time PCR result for EBV may indicate a latent or a current infection if there are lymphocytes present in the CSF.Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Hantavirus
-
Disease:
The Virology Laboratory no longer offers testing for Hantavirus. Please contact Diagnostic Immunology for information on forwarding specimens to the CDC.Transmission:
Vaccination:
Age Association:
Geographic Distribution:
Seasonal Distribution:
Preferred Specimens:
Test Methods:
Culture: Molecular: Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Heartland virus (HRTV)
-
Disease:
Patients infected with Heartland virus experience fever, fatigue (feeling tired), decreased appetite, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain.Transmission:
Spread through the bite of an infected tick.Vaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Midwestern and Southern U.S.Seasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
CSF serum and whole bloodTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time RT-PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Herpes simplex viruses Types I and II (HSV 1,2)
-
Disease:
Vesicular disease characterized by lesions in or around the mouth or genital region; fever and malaise; encephalitis. Infection results in latency with periodic reactivation.Transmission:
Oral herpes is contracted by direct physical contact. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease.Vaccination:
None available at this timeAge Association:
Oral herpes: all ages; genital herpes: beginning at age of sexual activityGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Vesicle/lesion swab, genital swab, CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture; immunofluorescence for confirmation and typingMolecular: Real time PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Human Herpes virus 6 (HHV6)
-
Disease:
Set of two closely related herpes viruses known as HHV-6A and HHV-6B. HHV-6B infects nearly 100% of human beings, typically before the age of three and often results in fever, diarrhea, sometimes with a rash known as roseola. In rare cases encephalitis occurs. Little is known about the prevalence of HHV-6A. Infection results in latency with periodic reactivation.Transmission:
Human herpes virus 6 is spread from person to person via secretions from the respiratory tract.Vaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Usually occurs in infants or children with rare cases in immunocompetent adults.Geographic Distribution:
WorldwideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)
-
Disease:
Acute upper and/or lower respiratory tract infection with fever and cough. More severe in infants and young children, most likely presenting as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. May cause secondary bacterial infection and is difficult to distinguish from RSV and other respiratory viral infections in children.Transmission:
Via the respiratory route by aerosolsVaccination:
None available at this timeAge Association:
Infants and young children are most commonly affected. In adults presents as influenza-like illness or pneumonia.Geographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate; oropharyngeal swab; bronchial washTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: Real-time RT-PCR; Genmark RVP Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Influenza Viruses A and B
-
Disease:
Lower respiratory disease characterized by sudden onset of fever and malaise; possible secondary bacterial infections and encephalitisTransmission:
Via aerosolsVaccination:
Vaccine should be administered yearly. Inactivated influenza vaccine is administered by injection to those over 6 months old. Live attenuated virus is administered by nasal spray to healthy individuals 5 - 49 years old.Age Association:
All agesGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate; oropharyngeal swab, bronchial wash, and CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture; hemadsorbtion assay. Serology is performed by the Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory.Molecular: Real-time RT-PCR; conventional RT-PCR for subtyping; Genmark RVP; sequencing for strain analysis (selected samples only)Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Measles Virus
-
Disease:
Highly contagious upper respiratory disease characterized by a maculopapular rash, fever, cough, or conjunctivitis; encephalitisTransmission:
Respiratory secretions by direct contact, droplets, or airborne aerosolsVaccination:
AvailableAge Association:
ChildrenGeographic Distribution:
•World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate; oropharyngeal swab, bronchial wash, or nasal swab, CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture; hemadsorbtion assay; immunofluorescence assayMolecular: Real-time and conventional RT-PCR Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Mumps Virus
-
Disease:
Acute and painful enlargement of the parotid salivary glands with slight/moderate fever. Most common complications include meningitis and orchitisTransmission:
Inhalation of virus-containing aerosolsVaccination:
Usually given to children at 15-24 monthsAge Association:
Most common in unvaccinated children 5-7 years of age. Usually asymptomatic in infants and very young children.Geographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Throat swab near areas around Stensen's ducts, urine, CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture; hemadsorbtion assay; immunofluorescence for confirmationMolecular: Real-time and conventional RT-PCR Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Parainfluenza Viruses 1-4 (PIV 1-4)
-
Disease:
Acute respiratory tract disease with slight fever, malaise, cough, and hoarseness. Most common cause of croup. May cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia.Transmission:
Close contact with infected person or inhalation of virus-containing aerosolsVaccination:
None to dateAge Association:
Children under 5 years- lower respiratory tract infection. Causes upper respiratory tract infection in infants, children and adults.Geographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate; oropharyngeal swab; bronchial washTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture; hemadsorbtion assay; immunofluorescence for detection and typingMolecular: Genmark RVP (Para 1,2,3) Antibodies: Other Methods:
- Parvovirus B19
-
Disease:
Erythema infectiosum (EI), or fifth disease that typically appears as a mild rash illness with possible low fever, headache, malaise, and muscle pain. Rash characteristic of "slapped cheek" appearance with lace-like eruption on trunk and extremities. Can cause non-immune hydrops fetalis and spontaneous abortion.Transmission:
Inhalation of virus-containing aerosols. Maternal-fetal infection can occur.Vaccination:
None available at this timeAge Association:
Primarily school children aged 5-13 yearsGeographic Distribution:
Worldwide, with epidemics occurring every 3-5 years.Seasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Serum (acute or convalescent)Test Methods:
Culture: Molecular: Real time and conventional PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Powassan virus (POW)
-
Disease:
Can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to life threatening encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).Transmission:
Spread through the bite of an infected tick.Vaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Northeastern states and the Great Lakes region in U.S. and parts of Canada, and RussiaSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
CSF and serumTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time RT-PCRAntibodies: IgM ELISAOther Methods:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
-
Disease:
Acute respiratory tract infection with fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue. Usually presents in infants and young children as either bronchiolitis or pneumonia.Transmission:
Contact with infectious material or inhalation of virus-containing aerosolsVaccination:
NoneAge Association:
Infants and young children (lower respiratory tract infection); older children and adults (upper respiratory tract infection caused by reinfection)Geographic Distribution:
Worldwide, with epidemics occurring every 3-5 years.Seasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate; oropharyngeal swab; bronchial washTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture. Antigen detection: EIA for direct antigen detectionMolecular: Real-time RT-PCR; Genmark RVPAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Rhinovirus
-
Disease:
Most frequent cause of the common cold, with symptoms of low-grade fever, headache, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. Secondary bacterial infections can occur.Transmission:
Close contact with infected person or inhalation of virus-containing aerosolsVaccination:
NoneAge Association:
All age groupsGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate; throat swab; nasal swabTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture (by request)Molecular: Real-time RT-PCR; Genmark RVPAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Rotavirus
-
Disease:
Acute gastroenteritis with high-grade fever, diarrhea, and vomitingTransmission:
Via the fecal-oral routeVaccination:
Available – FDA approved since 2006Age Association:
Young children, usually between the ages of 6 months and 3 yearsGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Stool without additives or preservativesTest Methods:
Culture: NoneMolecular: Real time RT-PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Rubella Virus (German Measles)
-
Disease:
Mild disease presenting with rash, fever, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Congenital infection may result in spontaneous abortion or severe malformation.Transmission:
Inhalation of virus-containing aerosols. Maternal-fetal infection can occur.Vaccination:
AvailableAge Association:
Young children, usually between the ages of 6 months and 3 yearsGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
Preferred Specimens:
Urine; throat swab; nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate; oropharyngeal swab or bronchial wash. Blood or stool is also acceptable.Test Methods:
Culture: NoneMolecular: Real time RT-PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- SARS-CoV-2
-
Disease:
COVID-19Transmission:
The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.Vaccination:
AvailableAge Association:
All agesGeographic Distribution:
WorldwideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasopharyngeal swab, oropharyngeal swabTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: Real time RT-PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-coronavirus)
-
Disease:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) characterized by high fever, headache, and body aches; atypical pneumonia; severe respiratory disease that is often fatalTransmission:
Close contact with an infected person, direct contact with infectious material, or inhalation of virus-containing aerosolsVaccination:
None available at this timeAge Association:
All agesGeographic Distribution:
Currently, there is no known SARS transmission anywhere in the worldSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasopharyngeal swab, oropharyngeal swab, bronchial washTest Methods:
Culture: NoneMolecular: Real time RT-PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLE)
-
Disease:
Extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.Transmission:
Maintained in a cycle between mosquitoes and birds.Vaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Most cases have occurred in Eastern and Central U.S. with sporadic cases in SouthwestSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
Preferred Specimens:
CSF and serumTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time RT-PCRAntibodies: IgG IFAOther Methods:
- Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
-
Disease:
Chickenpox (Varicella): Primary infection-highly contagious systemic infection presenting with fever and an itchy, generalized vesicular rash. Secondary staphylococcal and streptococcal skin infections can occur. Shingles (Zoster): Reactivation of latent VZV- painful vesicular rash, usually limited to one dermatome, most common on the thorax, neck, and face. Post-herpetic neuralgia. Encephalitis can also occur.Transmission:
Varicella: Direct contact with skin lesions, inhalation of virus-containing aerosolsVaccination:
AvailableAge Association:
Varicella: primarily young children. Zoster: older or immunocompromised adultsGeographic Distribution:
World wideSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Preferred Specimens:
Vesicular or lesion swab, CSFTest Methods:
Culture: Conventional tube culture with immunofluorescence for confirmationMolecular: Real time PCR and conventional RT-PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- West Nile Virus (WNV)
-
Disease:
WNV may cause a mild illness but may also cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).Transmission:
Usually spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, spread by blood transfusion in rare cases. Can also be spread from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breast-feeding in a small number of cases.Vaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia.Seasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
CSF, serum, urine and whole bloodTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time-PCRAntibodies: IgM ELISA serological testing maybe more sensitive depending on timing of specimen collectionOther Methods:
- Yellow fever virus (YFV)
-
Disease:
Fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches. In rare cases people develop serious illness that can lead to bleeding, shock, organ failure, and sometimes death.Transmission:
From the bite of infected mosquito.Vaccination:
Available and recommended for travel in travel in area of South America.Age Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South AmericaSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
Serum whole blood and urineTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time RT-PCRAntibodies: Other Methods:
- Zika virus (ZIKV)
-
Disease:
For most people it is a mild infection with few or no symptoms. However, it has been linked to health problems in some people. It is a serious concern for pregnant women, their partners and couples planning a pregnancy because it can cause serious birth defects. Zika is not spread from person to person by casual contact.Transmission:
From the bite of infected mosquitoVaccination:
Not available currentlyAge Association:
Any age rangesGeographic Distribution:
Americas, resulting in an increase in travel-associated cases in U.S., widespread transmission in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and limited local transmission in Florida and TexasSeasonal Distribution:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Preferred Specimens:
Serum whole blood and urineTest Methods:
Culture: Molecular: real time-PCRAntibodies: IgM Lateral FlowOther Methods: