Journal of Clinical Microbiology
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
5 years ago

Variable sensitivity in molecular detection of Zika virus in European expert laboratories; external quality assessment, November 2016.

Mögling R, Reusken CB, Pas S, Charrel R, LeParc-Goffart I, Baronti C, Zeller H, Koopmans M, Papa A
Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) infections are a significant public health concern. A high capability for ZIKV detection is an absolute requirement for adequate preparedness and response strategies and individual patient care.Objectives: To assess and improve the capability of European expert laboratories for ZIKV molecular testing through an External Quality Assessment scheme.Study design: Laboratories were provided with a panel of 12 samples which included negative samples, samples containing African or Asian lineage ZIKV at variable concentrations (103 to 109 copies/ml) and samples containing dengue virus, yellow fever virus or chikungunya virus. Results were analysed based on sample outcomes and used extraction/detection. Samples with a ZIKV RNA status scored correctly by >50% of the laboratories were designated as core sample.Results: A total of 85 panel outcomes were submitted by 50 laboratories in 31 countries. Results designated all samples as core. 33% of panel outcomes identified all samples correctly (28/85), while 15% (13/85) had a score lower than 20 out of 24 points. Analysis at laboratory level showed that only 40% of the laboratories (20/50) representing 45% of the countries scored sufficiently, i.e. had at least one test operational that scored all core samples correctly.Conclusions: There is need for improvement of molecular detection of ZIKV in 60% of the participating laboratories. While the specificity of the tests was more robust, the results of the EQA showed large variation in test sensitivity. Improvement should focus on both nucleic acid extraction and ZIKV detection methods.

Publisher URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28835479

DOI: PubMed:28835479

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