Performance of direct immunofluorescence assay for the detection of human metapneumovirus under clinical laboratory settings

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2015 Nov-Dec;48(6):762-4. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0107-2015.

Abstract

Introduction: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an emergent human respiratory pathogen. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) to detect hMPV in a clinical laboratory setting.

Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples (448) of children and adults with respiratory illness were used to detect hMPV by using DIF and real time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays.

Results: In all, 36 (8%) samples were positive by DIF and 94 (21%) were positive by qRT-PCR. Direct immunofluorescence specificity was 99% and sensitivity was 38%.

Conclusions: DIF is not very sensitive under clinical laboratory settings.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct*
  • Humans
  • Metapneumovirus / genetics
  • Metapneumovirus / immunology
  • Metapneumovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / diagnosis*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity