Rectal swab for detection of norovirus by real‐time PCR: similar sensitivity compared to faecal specimens. (1st August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sidler, J. A.; Käch, R.; Noppen, C.; Dangel, M.; Battegay, M.; Bingisser, R.; Dubuis, O.; Widmer, A. F.
• Is Part Of: Clinical microbiology and infection. Volume 20:Number 12(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: O1017
• Page End: O1019
• Publication Date: 2014-08-01
• Subjects: Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Diagnostic microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.01
• DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12723
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1198-743X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="clm12723-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Rapid diagnosis and immediate infection control precautions are cornerstones in the prevention of norovirus outbreaks. However, faecal sampling for norovirus PCR—the standard of care—is time consuming. From 2009 to 2011, parallel faecal and rectal swab samples were consecutively obtained from patients with acute gastroenteritis presenting at our emergency department. In total, 109 complete sample pairs of 108 patients were analysed by specific norovirus real‐time PCR. The sensitivity of real‐time PCR was 97.3% (36/37) for both sampling methods. A rectal swab is a reasonable option for detection of norovirus by real‐time PCR, if a stool specimen is not readily available.</p> </abstract>