Implementation of NAT Screening for West Nile Virus and Experience with Seasonal Testing in Germany.

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) can be transmitted by transfusion through infected blood components. In Germany, a 28-day deferral for blood donors of therapeutic blood components who had spent at least 2 days in WNV-endemic areas from June 1 to November 30, 2014 was enforced. Otherwise, screening of blood donors for WNV RNA or the application of pathogen reduction techniques are appropriate alternatives.

Aseptic meningitis outbreak caused by echovirus 30 in two regions in Bulgaria, May-August 2012.

An aseptic meningitis outbreak emerged in two regions in Bulgaria in 2012 and echovirus 30 (E30) was established as the aetiological agent by cell culture isolation, serological test, and molecular-based techniques. A total of 157 patients with aseptic meningitis were investigated, of which 117 were confirmed as having E30-associated disease. Molecular analysis of 12 E30 isolates revealed 99-100% nucleotide and amino-acid identity between them and a close correlation with a Greek strain involved in an E30 outbreak in 2012.

Detection of Enteroviruses in Influent and Effluent Flow Samples from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Italy.

This study evaluated the presence and seasonal distribution of polio and other enteroviruses in four wastewater treatment plants in three cities in Italy, using different treatment systems. Detection of enteroviruses was carried out by virus isolation in cell cultures after concentration of water samples collected at both inlet and outlet of the treatment plants, following the methods described in the WHO guidelines. Viral serotypes isolated before and after water treatment were compared.

Detection of West Nile virus RNA (lineages 1 and 2) in an external quality assessment programme for laboratories screening blood and blood components for West Nile virus by nucleic acid amplification testing.

Background: A second Italian external quality assessment programme was run in 2011 to assess the performance of blood transfusion centres in detecting West Nile virus RNA in plasma.

Materials And Methods: Each participant received two panels containing negative samples and samples positive for West Nile virus lineages 1 and 2, some of which with a viral concentration close to or below the 95% limit of detection of the respective commercial nucleic acid amplification test assay: the PROCLEIX WNV assay or the Cobas TaqScreen West Nile virus test.

Results: Eleven laboratories took part in the external quality assessment programme.

Vaccine allergy evaluation and management at the specialized Green Channel Consultation Clinic.

Background: Suspected vaccine allergy may be a cause of incomplete or delayed vaccination. Patients at risk of adverse reactions or suspected contraindications need specialized consultation about subsequent vaccinations.

Objective: To analyse consultancy results for patients at risk of allergic reactions to vaccines as evaluated by the Green Channel University Hospital Immunization Consultancy Clinic.

Interlaboratory study to evaluate the performance of laboratories involved in West Nile virus RNA screening of blood and blood components by nucleic acid amplification testing in Italy.

Background: An Italian interlaboratory study was run in 2010 to assess the performance of Blood Transfusion Services in detecting the genome of West Nile virus (WNV) in plasma.

Materials And Methods: Each laboratory received a panel of samples containing four samples negative for WNV and six positive samples with a nominal viral concentration close to or below the 95% detection limit of two commercially available nucleic acid amplification tests (NAT) for WNV, the PROCLEIX® WNV kit and the Cobas® TaqScreen West Nile Virus kit.

Results: Ten laboratories took part in the study.