Analytical and Clinical Evaluation of a TaqMan Real-Time PCR Assay for the Detection of Chikungunya Virus
Anna Andrew, Marimuthu Citartan, Kiing Aik Wong, Thean‐Hock Tang, Sum Magdline Sia Henry, Ewe Seng Ch’ng
Abstract
Chikungunya virus causes chikungunya fever, a disease characterized by fever, rash, and joint pain. In the early phase of infection, chikungunya fever is always misdiagnosed as other arbovirus infections, such as dengue. Laboratory tests such as RT-qPCR are therefore necessary to confirm CHIKV infection. We evaluated the performance of an in-house RT-qPCR assay, and our study shows that the assay could detect CHIKV in clinical samples. We also show the cutoff determination of the assay, which provides important guidance to scientists or researchers when implementing a new RT-qPCR assay in a laboratory.
Topics & Concepts
ChikungunyaTaqManVirologyReal-time polymerase chain reactionVirusAssay sensitivityDengue feverDetection limitBiologyDengue virusArbovirusMedicinePathologyChemistryChromatographyAlternative medicineBiochemistryGeneMosquito-borne diseases and controlViral Infections and VectorsHIV Research and Treatment