DEVELOPMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN DIAGNOSTIC VIROLOGY

Mutation and recombination in viral genomes pose problems for diagnostic virology, mainly for molecular testing, even in the diagnosis of autochthonous viruses. There are different approaches to the diagnosis of emerging viral diseases, based on the level of confidence regarding the suspected etiological agent, that is, if the specific identity of the etiological agent is suspected, or if it is suspected only at genus or family level or group of viruses that cause a disease, or if the identity of the etiological agent is completely unknown. Specimens for culture, antigen assays, or molecular testing should be obtained early in acute illness, when virus shedding is highest. Virus isolation and propagation in tissue culture was developed more than 60 years ago and remains a versatile, cost-effective, and comprehensive diagnostic approach. Viral antigens are detected by direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods. The methods have comparable sensitivity and specificity.