Diagnosis of Smallpox

Laboratory Diagnosis of Smallpox (19:11)

The most important procedure for moderate risk patients is rapid diagnostic testing for varicella zoster virus, or VZV. Laboratory testing should be done in consultation with an infectious disease and dermatology specialist. The most common method for detecting VZV in clinical material is direct fluorescent antibody, or DFA. This method detects VZV directly in cells using anti-VZV antibody conjugated to fluorescein dye. Other methods for rapid detection of VZV in clinical material include electron microscopy and detection of VZV DNA by polymerase chain reaction testing of vesicular fluid or scabs.

Currently, laboratory procedures for variola virus in clinical specimens should be done only by the Centers for Disease Control.

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