Serological Versus PCR Methods for the Detection of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infections in Humans

Abstract

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is the most important flaviviral etiological agent affecting the CNS in Europe and Asia, where it has a significant impact on public health. Current laboratory diagnosis is based mainly on the detection of specific IgM and IgG antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid by serological methods. However, recent developments in PCR methods could reveal that molecular diagnostics may play a more important role than previously described, especially for the early differential diagnosis of TBE. This review considers the recent developments in TBE diagnostics. The advantages and disadvantages of both serological and molecular methods are presented. Moreover, the results of quality control assessment studies for serological and PCR diagnosis of TBE infections are discussed, showing the need for some laboratories to improve their test systems with regards to sensitivity and specificity. Both diagnostic techniques will continue to be valuable approaches in clinical diagnosis and TBE research.

Keywords: :

• external quality assurance
• flaviviruses
• laboratory diagnostics
• RT-PCR
• serology
• tick-borne encephalitis virus

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Ursula Erikli, Regina Schädler and Marcel Müller for critically reading the manuscript.

Fincancial & competing interests disclosure

The authors‘ research is supported by the European Commission‘s Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG SANCO) under the program AIDS and other communicable diseases Grant No. 2004206 and the German National Merit Foundation under the scholarship program.

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

The authors‘ research is supported by the European Commission‘s Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG SANCO) under the program AIDS and other communicable diseases Grant No. 2004206 and the German National Merit Foundation under the scholarship program.