Tick-borne encephalitis laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ilan Dock, B.S.

Tick-borne encephalitis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Tick-borne encephalitis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
MRI
CT
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Future or Investigational New Therapies
Prevention
Case Studies
Case #1
Tick-borne encephalitis laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Tick-borne encephalitis laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Tick-borne encephalitis laboratory findings
CDC on Tick-borne encephalitis laboratory findings
Tick-borne encephalitis laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Tick-borne encephalitis laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Tick-borne encephalitis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Tick-borne encephalitis laboratory findings

Overview

An array of laboratory tests exist to assist with the diagnoses of tick-borne encephalitis. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) are most effective during the first week of infection. An early detection as a result of a successful PCR enables quicker medical treatment and ultimately a potentially higher survival rate. Other test useful during the later stages of infection include immunofluorescence assays, antibody titers, ELISA, and other serologic tests.

Laboratory findings

Polymerase chain reaction

• Real-time polymerase chain reactions and other viral isolation techniques in mammalian cell cultures may be used to identify a tick-borne encephalitis infection during the initial, viremic phase.
• These methods are considered slightly inferior since a patient is less likely to seek medical attention prior to neurological manifestations when these methods are most effective.
• Polymerase chain reaction is a key element of differential diagnose when testing for tick-borne encephalitis.
• An RT-PCR for a differential diagnoses should be taken within the transient viremia stage, which occurs during the first week of the infection.
• If examined and confirmed early in the infection, a patient may receive quicker treatment.
• An early detection and treatment, as a result of a successful RT-PCR, may result in a higher survival rate and lessened complications due to infection.
• RT-PCR is also a better method in individuals suffering from immediate onset of severe infection as well as those who have not yet produced any subsequent antibodies.

Serologic testing

• Immunofluorescence assays, immunoassays, IgM and IgG titers, as well as other serologic testing techniques may all be helpful in diagnosing an infection.
• Diagnosis is primarily determined according to this method.
• An ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is commonly used as a method for diagnoses in later stages.
• An ELISA is also considered the gold standard method in TBE diagnostic testing.