Molecular diagnostics of viral hemorrhagic fevers

Antiviral Res. 2003 Jan;57(1-2):61-87. doi: 10.1016/s0166-3542(02)00201-2.

Abstract

This review addresses the diagnostics of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). In the first part, an overview is given on classical methods of VHF diagnostics as well as novel molecular diagnostic tools. Currently available polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for diagnosis of VHF are summarized and discussed. In the second part, VHF diagnostics are described in particular for Lassa fever, yellow fever, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, based on cases that were imported into or occurred within Europe. The third part is focussed on important differential diagnoses of VHF.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / genetics
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / isolation & purification*
  • Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral / epidemiology
  • Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral / virology
  • Humans
  • Lassa virus / genetics
  • Lassa virus / isolation & purification*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Travel
  • Yellow fever virus / genetics
  • Yellow fever virus / isolation & purification*