Molecular diagnostics of viral hemorrhagic fevers

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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.

Section snippets

Laboratory diagnosis of pathogens causing syndromes similar to VHF

Important pathogens which can cause symptoms similar to VHF are Plasmodium falciparum, Neisseria meningitidis, Leptospira interrogans, and viruses causing fulminant hepatitis. Hence, a close collaboration between laboratories specialized in VHF diagnostics and facilities able to diagnose these pathogens is desirable.

Especially malaria tropica can resemble a VHF and should always be excluded in travelers with fever who are returning from endemic areas, even if prophylaxis was taken. Malaria is

Acknowledgements

The work of the authors is supported by grants from the Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (Grant 325-4539-85/3) and from the Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung (grants E/B31E/M0171/M5916 and E/B41G/1G309/1A403). The Bernhard-Nocht-Institute is supported by the Bundesministerium für Gesundheit and the Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg. We thank W. Preiser (University of Frankfurt/Main), M. Niedrig, and W. Haas (both Robert-Koch-Institute Berlin) for communicating unpublished results.

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