Arbovirus Testing

Human arboviral infections may occur from exposure to infected mosquitos or ticks. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Mild cases may be asymptomatic or include a slight fever and/or headache, body aches, joint pains, diarrhea, or rash.  More severe symptoms may include vomiting, severe pain, and serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding membranes) with headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.

The Viral Encephalitis Laboratory offers molecular assays on human specimens for acute arboviral infections, to assist health care providers with early diagnosis and to assist public health with emergency vector control programs.  Samples may include specimens from human cases who may not necessarily exhibit inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Insect and animal arbovirus testing is performed by the Arbovirus Laboratory-not the Viral Encephalitis Laboratory. Contact the Arbovirus Laboratory Director at (518) 485-6632 prior to sending samples. 

Real-time RT-PCR Test Menu

The table below lists the Test Menu of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for ENDEMIC ARBOVIRUSES that are automatically included in the Viral Encephalitis testing during the summer season from June 1st through November 30th or when travel history or mosquito exposure history warrants. 

For CSF order: Test Catalog ID 686 Viral Encephalitis Panel - Summer Jun 1 - Nov 30.

For serum, urine, and whole blood order: Test Catalog ID 5470 Arbovirus Summer Panel Serum Urine Whole blood.

Specifically for Tick-borne Exposure Cases Powassan virus (Test Catalog ID 3730) and Heartland virus (Test Catalog ID 4490) can be ordered individually.

*Submission of a different specimen type will require an approved Non-permitted Laboratory Test Form.

Travel Related Viral real-time RT-PCR Testing 

Mosquito exposure while traveling to countries where the following viruses are circulating may warrant testing when symptoms are present. Please include relevant countries, travel dates and dates of symptom onset. 

Testing for these viruses can be ordered individually: Dengue (Test Catalog ID 2510), Chikungunya (Test Catalog ID 2630), Oropouche (Test Catalog ID 6210), Yellow Fever (Test Catalog ID 4491) and Zika (Test Catalog ID 3031)

A Travel-Associated Arbovirus Panel can be requested (Test Catalog ID 6150) and includes Dengue, Chikungunya, Oropouche, and Zika virus

*Submisison of a different specimen type will require an approved Non-permitted Laboratory Test Form.

HEALTH ADVISORY: TESTING AND REPORTING OF MOSQUITO AND TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES

Laboratory Requirements for PCR Tests

Serum should always be sent if an arbovirus is suspected. Serum is tested by serology, PRNT and PCR. Cerebrospinal fluid should be sent if there is neurologic involvement. Additionally, urine and whole blood are highly recommended to improve the opportunity for detection and identification of suspected arboviral infections. Published studies have shown that molecular detection is improved by the inclusion of these additional specimen types for flavivirus testing. WNV and Zika virus reach higher titers and are present longer in urine and whole blood than in CSF. Although there is very little data available for other arboviruses, the Wadsworth Center will test the entire panel of arboviruses in these four specimen types to see where improved detection rates are achieved.

Refer to the Virology Specimen Collection and Shipping page for additional information.

For questions on molecular and arbovirus or encephalitis testing, please contact Amy Dean, PhD, Director at (518) 474-4177.

Laboratory Requirements for Arbovirus Serology, Acute and Convalescent Serum 

The acute serum may be submitted with CSF specimen(s) for PCR testing. If no CSF is being sent, the same procedure should be followed.

• Collect acute specimens at the onset of symptoms.
• Obtain blood specimens (red top/SST or equivalent tube) aseptically using approved venipuncture techniques by qualified personnel.
• Allow specimens to clot at room temperature (15-25°C) and then centrifuge.
• Transfer to screw-top, plastic tubes and store at 2-8°C before shipment.
• Submit frozen serum with PCR specimen(s) to the Viral Encephalitis Laboratory.
• A completed Infectious Diseases Requisition Form indicating the serum specimen collection date must be submitted for each specimen.

Obtain a convalescent specimen two to four weeks after the acute specimen's collection date.  Paired specimens will be tested together.

• Obtain blood specimens (red top/SST or equivalent tube) aseptically using approved venipuncture techniques by qualified personnel.
• Allow specimens to clot at room temperature (15-25°C) and then centrifuge.
• Transfer to screw-top, plastic tubes and store at 2-8°C before shipment.
• A completed Infectious Diseases Requisition Form indicating the collection date of the current serum must be submitted for each specimen.
• Shipping: Serum specimens can be sent on cold packs directly to: Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory, New York State Department of Health, David Axelrod Institute, 120 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208

For questions on serology other than rabies please contact the Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory at (518) 486-3845. 

For questions on encephalitis testing please contact Amy Dean, PhD, Director at (518) 474-4177.