CPD: Developments in the laboratory diagnosis of SARS – coronavirus infections.

  • AA Hoosen Department of Microbiological Pathology, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), Pretoria.
  • G Lecatsas Department of Virology, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), Pretoria.

Abstract

A novel coronavirus, the SARS – coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is the infectious agent that has been implicated in the recent epidemic outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). This paper briefly reviews the features of the infectious agent (SARS-CoV), the outbreak and the development of an impressive array of laboratory tests in a short period of time since detection of the infectious agent. These laboratory tests are useful tools for identifying and confirming infections with the SARS-CoV. Early disease is best detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based tests whilst detection of specific antibodies is the preferred diagnostic approach after 10 days of the onset symptoms. (SA Fam Pract 2005;47(4): 40-42)

Author Biographies

AA Hoosen, Department of Microbiological Pathology, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), Pretoria.
MBChB, M Med (Microbiol), FC Path (Microbiol. Path).
G Lecatsas, Department of Virology, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), Pretoria.
PhD (Wits), DSc (UP).
Published
2005-05-01
Issue
Vol 47, No 4 - May 2005
Section
Review Articles
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