Interpretation of Negative Molecular Test Results in Patients With Suspected or Confirmed Ebola Virus Disease: Report of Two Cases. (19th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edwards, Jeffrey K.; Kleine, Christian; Munster, Vincent; Giuliani, Ruggero; Massaquoi, Moses; Sprecher, Armand; Chertow, Daniel S.
• Is Part Of: Open forum infectious diseases. Volume 2:Number 4(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-09-19
• Subjects: Ebola -- hemorrhagic fever -- Liberia -- PCR -- West Africa; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-8957

Abstract

Abstract: Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most sensitive quantitative diagnostic assay for detection of Ebola virus in multiple body fluids. Despite the strengths of this assay, we present 2 cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) and highlight the potential for false-negative results during the early and late stages of EVD. The first case emphasizes the low negative-predictive value of qRT-PCR during incubation and the early febrile stage of EVD, and the second case emphasizes the potential for false-negative results during recovery and late neurologic complications of EVD. Careful interpretation of test results are needed to guide difficult admission and discharge decisions in suspected or confirmed EVD.