Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP23-03
Sources of Funding: This study was funded in part by the Maureen and Ronald Hirsch family philanthropic contribution.

Introduction

Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) is of growing concern since it is suspected with causing brain defects in newborns including microcephaly, and having potential and severe neurological and autoimmune complications. ZIKV is anticipated to spread globally within the next year, therefore a rapid and ideally non-invasive diagnostic test is urgently needed. Studies have suggested that ZIKV detection in urine is more sensitive and has a longer window of detection as ZIKV may be shed in the urine. The objective of this study was to develop a urine diagnostic test that could be completed under 30 minutes.

Methods

Urine samples spiked with ZIKV or related other related arboviruses including Dengue fever were tested using conventional real time PCR. Samples were also tested using a new methodology we developed that utilized reverse transcription loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). These techniques were also validated using samples from ZIKV infected patients and mosquitoes.

Results

RT-LAMP could specifically detect ZIKV in ZIKV positive samples. This could be done in under 30 minutes and did not require timely RNA extraction from the urine, unlike real time PCR.

Conclusions

Here we describe a technique by which ZIKV can be rapidly detected in a non-invasive urine sample. This may allow for easy monitoring of potentially exposed individuals, especially pregnant women, couples wanting to conceive, or individuals with suspicious symptoms.

Funding

This study was funded in part by the Maureen and Ronald Hirsch family philanthropic contribution.