MassTag polymerase chain reaction identified pathogens in 26 of 79 (32.9%) previously negative samples from patients with influenza-like illness, primarily revealing rhinoviruses.
Observational (n=79)
Does MassTag polymerase chain reaction improve the detection of respiratory pathogens in patients with influenza-like illness who test negative by standard methods?
MassTag PCR is a useful multiplex diagnostic tool that can identify respiratory pathogens, such as novel rhinovirus clades, in samples that test negative by standard methods.
In New York State during winter 2004, there was a high incidence of influenza-like illness that tested negative both for influenza virus, by molecular methods, and for other respiratory viruses, by virus culture. Concern that a novel pathogen might be implicated led us to implement a new multiplex diagnostic tool. MassTag polymerase chain reaction resolved 26 of 79 previously negative samples, revealing the presence of rhinoviruses in a large proportion of samples, half of which belonged to a previously uncharacterized genetic clade. In some instances, knowledge of the detected viral and/or bacterial (co)infection could have altered clinical management.
Lamson et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in Influenza-like illness (n=79). MassTag polymerase chain reaction vs. Standard molecular methods and virus culture was evaluated on Pathogen detection in previously negative samples. MassTag polymerase chain reaction identified pathogens in 26 of 79 (32.9%) previously negative samples from patients with influenza-like illness, primarily revealing rhinoviruses.