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Test Code WNC West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG and IgM, Spinal Fluid

Useful For

Aiding in diagnosis of central nervous system infection with West Nile virus

Profile Information

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
WNGC West Nile Virus Ab, IgG, CSF No Yes
WNMC West Nile Virus Ab, IgM, CSF No Yes
WNVCI West Nile CSF Interpretation No Yes

Method Name

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Reporting Name

West Nile Virus Ab, IgG and IgM,CSF

Specimen Type

CSF


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.8 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  30 days

Reference Values

IgG: Negative

IgM: Negative

 

Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretation

Presence of specific IgM-class antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV)is consistent with the acute phase of WNV meningitis or encephalitis. In the very early stages of acute WNV infection, IgM may be detectable in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) before it becomes detectable in serum.

 

The absence of IgM antibodies to WNV may indicate absence of disease. However, specimens collected too early in the acute phase may be negative for IgM-class antibodies to WNV. If WNV central nervous system infection is suspected, a second specimen should be collected in 1 to 2 weeks and tested.

 

The presence of IgG-class antibodies to WNV may indicate recent or past central nervous system (CNS) infection with WNV. Clinical correlation is necessary.

 

This assay is unable to distinguish between intrathecal antibody synthesis and serum antibodies introduced into the CSF at the time of lumbar puncture or from a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier. Positive results should be interpreted with other laboratory and clinical data prior to a diagnosis of CNS infection.

Clinical Reference

1. Petersen LR, Marfin AA. West Nile Virus: a primer for the clinician. Ann Intern Med. 2002;137(3):173-179

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). West Nile virus and other arboviral diseases--United States, 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013;62(25):513-517

3. Brinton MA. The molecular biology of West Nile Virus: a new invader of the western hemisphere. Ann Rev Microbiol. 2002;56:371-402

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Provisional surveillance summary of the West Nile virus epidemic--United States, January-November 2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2002;51(50):1129-1133

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Investigations of West Nile virus infections in recipients of blood transfusions. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2002;51(43):973-974

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 4 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

86789

86788

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
WNC West Nile Virus Ab, IgG and IgM,CSF 94853-9

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
WNGC West Nile Virus Ab, IgG, CSF 77953-8
WNMC West Nile Virus Ab, IgM, CSF 29569-1
WNVCI West Nile CSF Interpretation 69048-7

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.