Background:
Human adenoviruses are a common cause of self-limited respiratory, gastrointestinal, or ocular infections in immunocompetent children and adults. In immunocompromised patients, however, adenovirus can cause severe, life-threatening infections including cystitis/nephritis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, and gastroenteritis, and sepsis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays used to detect adenovirus DNA in peripheral blood have demonstrated a strong correlation between viremia and the risk of disseminated adenovirus disease (1-4).
Clinical Utility:
The rapid detection of adenovirus DNA by a sensitive PCR technique will aid in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of adenovirus infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Methodology:
This assay utilizes fluorescent real-time PCR (adenovirus hexon gene target) to qualitatively detect the presence and amount of adenovirus DNA. An internal control PCR ensures adequate DNA extraction and PCR efficiency. All known serotypes of adenovirus (>50) from each of the 7 adenoviral species (A to G) are detected by this assay.
Sensitivity:
The low-level analytical detection limit is 250 adenovirus DNA copies per mL.
Specimen Requirements:
- Swabs (in viral transport media): Transport to lab at room temp. Specimen must be received within 48 hours of collection. Do not freeze.
- Nasal-pharyngeal wash, or bronchial-alveolar lavage: 0.5 – 2mL collected in a sterile, screw top tube. Store and transport refrigerated. Do not freeze.
- Stool: collect small amount of fecal material (size of pea, or 2 mL liquid stool) and place into screw top tube for shipment. Store and transport frozen.
- Tissue: Place fresh tissue in a sterile, screw top container without saline or other fluid media. Store and transport refrigerated. Do not freeze..
- Pediatric Minimums:
- Swabs in viral transport media: 200μL of fluid
- Nasal-pharyngeal wash, or bronchial-alveolar lavage: 200μL of fluid
- Stool: peas size or 2mL of liquid stool
A REQUISITION FORM MUST ACCOMPANY ALL SAMPLES. Please include detailed clinical information.
Test Performed (Days):
Mon, Wed, Fri
Turn Around Time:
3-5 days
Shipment Sensitivity Requirements:
- Package and ship per instructions above.
- Contact Client Services at (855) 535-1522 for shipping supplies and instructions.
- Ship via overnight express, using the FedEx priority overnight label provided.
References:
- Echavarria M. Adenoviruses in immunocompromised hosts. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. Oct 2008;21(4):704-715.
- Lindemans CA, Leen AM, Boelens JJ. How I treat adenovirus in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Blood. Dec 16 2010;116(25):5476-5485.
- Gustafson I, Lindblom A, Yun Z, et al. Quantification of adenovirus DNA in unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Journal of Clinical Virology. Sep 2008;43(1):79-85.
- Erard V, Huang ML, Ferrenberg J, et al. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for detection of adenovirus after T cell-replete hematopoietic cell transplantation: viral load as a marker for invasive disease. Clinical Infectious Diseases. Oct 15 2007;45(8):958-965.
Additional Info: