MSACL 

18. PCR and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) for Identifying Viral Respiratory Infections
Tue 4:48 PM - PosterSplash Track 2
Robert Lovari
Ibis Biosciences
R. Lovari, Ibis Biosciences,A Subsidiary of Abbott Molecular, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
L. Blyn, Ibis Biosciences,A Subsidiary of Abbott Molecular, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
K.F. Chen, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
A. Hardick, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
R. Sampath, Ibis Biosciences,A Subsidiary of Abbott Molecular, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
R. Melton, Ibis Biosciences,A Subsidiary of Abbott Molecular, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
H. Matthews, Ibis Biosciences,A Subsidiary of Abbott Molecular, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
A. Valsamakis, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
J. Wehrlin, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
R. Rothman, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
C.A. Gaydos, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Background: Diagnosis of viral respiratory infections traditionally relies on culture or antigen detection. PCR/ESIMS, using base composition signatures obtained from PCR amplification of broadly conserved regions of microbial genomes, provides an innovative approach to identification of common and emerging respiratory viruses.

Objectives: To evaluate the use of a PCR/ESI-MS respiratory virus assay for the detection of viruses inappropriate samples.

Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from emergency department patients from the 2007-8 respiratory season were assessed. ESI-MS (Ibis T5000, Ibis Biosciences) was performed with a respiratory virus surveillance kit designed to detect the following virus groups: Respiratory Syncytial Virus/human Metapneumovirus, Influenza A and B, Parainfluenza types 1-4, Adenoviridae, Coronaviridae, and human Bocavirus.

Results: In the initial analysis, the Ibis T5000 system correctly detected 74/96 known positive samples from an archived set (sensitivity 77.1%) as well as 59/67 known positive samples from a prospective study (sensitivity 88.1%). The Ibis T5000 system also additionally identified viruses in 13/261 culture negative archived samples (5%) and 15/197 culture negative prospective samples (7.6%). Several viruses not detectable with conventional methods were identified by PCR/ESI-MS including human Bocavirus, Coronavirus, and human Metapneumovirus. Including discrepant resolution data, and excluding samples that were unavailable for discrepant analysis, the sensitivity was 87.1% for archived and 88.1% for prospective samples. Specificity was 96.9% and 92.3% respectively. Viral load ranged from 15 - >2000 copies/well. Time to first result was 8 hrs.

Conclusion: The Ibis T5000 technology rapidly and accurately detected most viruses identified by traditional virological methods as well as viruses not currently tested by traditional methods.
Email: rlovari@ibisbio.com