What are the other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

• West Nile Virus Antibody Cerebrospinal Fluid Test
• WNV CSF Test
• WNV NAAT CSF Test

What is West Nile Virus (CSF) Test? (Background Information)

• The West Nile virus (WNV) causes West Nile fever. The virus is transmitted through mosquitos that have bitten infected birds or humans
• Humans cannot spread the disease because, unlike birds, they do not develop a large enough quantity of virus in their blood for a mosquito to transfer the virus
• West Nile virus is also rarely transmitted through organ transplants, breast-feeding, pregnancy, and blood transfusions. It is not transmitted through eating infected meat or from one individual to another
• Only 20% of infected individuals develop West Nile fever upon infection by the West Nile virus. This occurs between 3-14 days after infection and lasts a period of 3-6 days, usually without the need for significant medical intervention
• Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly adults and those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (for various health conditions), may suffer nervous system complications

The West Nile Virus (CSF) Test detects the presence of West Nile virus in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This can be done in either of the two ways outlined below:

• Antibody testing: It can help detect the levels of WNV-specific IgM or IgG antibodies, two of the bodily defense proteins. IgM levels spike rapidly and indicate an ongoing infection, whereas IgG levels rise gradually and indicate recent (if IgM levels are high) or past (if IgM levels are low or zero) infection
• Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT): It can help detect the presence of WNV-specific RNA, which the virus possesses, in the way that human cells contain human-specific DNA

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the West Nile Virus (CSF) Test?

Following are the clinical indications for performing the West Nile Virus Cerebrospinal Fluid Test:

• The presence of flu-like symptoms in individuals living in West Nile virus active areas
• Headache
• Fever, chills
• Nausea, vomiting
• Muscle weakness, neck stiffness
• Rashes
• Altered mental status
• Tremors
• Paralysis

How is the Specimen Collected for West Nile Virus (CSF) Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for West Nile Virus (CSF) Test:

Sample required: Cerebrospinal fluid

Process: Insertion of a thick needle into the lower back (a procedure called spinal tap).

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the West Nile Virus (CSF) Test Result?

• A positive West Nile Virus CSF Test result indicates an infection with the West Nile virus, if symptoms are present

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

• The West Nile virus was first identified in Uganda in 1937. It then spread to Egypt and Israel by the 1950s and to the United States in 1999, where it caused 18 deaths from 149 reported cases

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

• The West Nile virus encephalitis is a viral disease, which can cause an inflammation or swelling of the brain

The following article link will help you understand West Nile virus encephalitis:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/west-nile-virus-encephalitis/