Subject: new rapid viral multiplex RT-PCR-EHA

From: [email-masked] (kelly J. Henrickson)
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 23:07:30

RAPID Detection of RSV(A OR B),Influenza A or B, and Parainfluenza 
virus types 1,2,and 3 in respiratory infections by 
HEXAPLEX-PCR*-Quantitative

Infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV A,B), 
influenza A and B and human parainfluenza virus types 1,2, and 3 
(HPIV-1,2,and 3) produces upper and lower respiratory tract 
infections including croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia in 
infants, young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised and 
chronicaly ill patients of all ages.  These 7 virus groups make up 
approximately 80-90% of viral respiratory pathogens found to cause 
disease in the above mentioned patients.  Furthermore, recent 
studies have shown that ~5% of hospitalized adults with pneumonia 
have RSV as the etiology.  In immunocompromised patients infection 
with one of the above viruses have been found in 18-31% of adult 
and pediatric patients with mortalities ranging between 40-50%.  
The seasonalities of these seven viruses overlap considerably and 
occur between September thru June with specific peaks in Nov, Jan, 
March, and June.  It has been estimated that 250,000 children are 
hospitalized each year in the U.S. because of viral lower 
respiratory infection.  Because infection with other agents may 
produce similar symptoms, rapid identification of the specific 
virus in clinical specimens may significantly affect patient 
treatment, morbidity, and cost (length of hospitalization).  If 
antiviral treatment is considered, virus quantitation may prove 
useful clinically.

Laboratory diagnosis of these 7 pathogens is usually made by viral 
isolation of intact virus particles in cell culture, an assay which 
gives results in 2-14 days (avg=4 days) and at best has a 
sensitivity of 50-60%.  More rapid antigen detection assays have 
problems with sensitivity and specificity.  The best assays are for 
RSV and may approach 80-90% sensitivity and only test for this one 
virus!!  To fully evaluate a patient for common respiratory viruses 
7 different antigen detection assays would have to be done.  Newly 
available technology, such as RT-PCR-EHA*, can provide increased 
senitivity over cell culture, much faster results, quantitation, 
and all in one assay!!!  In patient specimens such as 
nasopharyngeal swabs, throat swabs, sputum, nasal wash or aspirate, 
pleural fluid, or bronchoalveolar lavage, RT-PCR-EHA* detects the 
genetic material of the virus--even when only a few virus particles 
are present--regardless of whether the virus is viable or intact.

Prodesse,Inc. offers HPIV-1,2,and 3, RSV A and B and Influenza A 
and B RT-PCR-EHA* combinded as the respriatory virus HEXAPLEX** 
assay or individually as part of its expanding program of 
respiratory viral detection and quatitation services.  For 
additional technical or ordering information, please contact 
Prodesse Client Services at (414) 456-4956 or 456-4122 or fax 
414-266-8549

specimen requirements:   any respiratory specimen-at least 0.25 ml

shipping requirements:   transport all specimens either frozen or   
                         at refrigerated temperature.

analysis time:           1 day -routine Monday thru Friday
                          STAT--10 hrs upon receipt- call for       
                          arrangements

cpt codes                 83890x7,83892x7,83896x7,83898x7,83912

PRODESSE,INC  414-456-4956

*patent pending, the PCR test is performed through an agreement 
with roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
** Trademark