Using Serum Specimens for Real-Time PCR-Based Diagnosis of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis, Canada

Author:

Boodman, C, Loomer, C, Dibernardo, A, Hatchette, TF, LeBlanc, J, Waitt, B, and Lindsay, LR

Publication type:

Journal Article

Publication date:

2023-01

Journal/Series title:

Emerg Infect Dis

Volume:

Issue:

URL:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/1/22-0988_article

Abstract:

Whole blood is the optimal specimen for anaplasmosis diagnosis but might not be available in all cases. We PCR tested serum samples collected in Canada for Anaplasma serology and found 84.8%-95.8% sensitivity and 2.8 average cycle threshold elevation. Serum can be acceptable for detecting Anaplasma spp. when whole blood is unavailable.