Arbovirus is an abbreviated name that is given to a group of viruses usually transmitted by arthropods, or arthropod-borne viruses. Arthropods are invertebrate animals, usually blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes. Some arboviruses are capable of causing emergent diseases. Arthropods can transmit these viruses by biting a person, thus allowing the viruses to enter the bloodstream. This can then cause viraemia. Most of these viruses do not affect humans; they will at most cause a mild fever or rash. However, some viruses have been seen to cause epidemics and serious infections like meningitis and encephalitis. There are many ways in which one can protect oneself from these infections.
For instance using mosquito repellents and preventing the growth of arthropods by destroying mosquito breeding grounds are good ways. Wearing protective clothing and using insecticides can also be a good way of protecting oneself from arbovirus infections. The immune system also plays an important role in defending against such infections. The presence of arbovirus in the blood causes the production of antibodies that prevent the occurrence of viraemia. Tests that measure the presence of arbovirus antibodies in serum are as follows: ELISA, Complement fixation, and polymerase chain reaction test.
Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay or ELISA, complement fixation, and polymerase chain reaction test are biochemical techniques that are used mainly in immunology to determine the presence of arbovirus antibodies or antigens in a patient’s serum sample. These tests are used to diagnose infections that are not easy to detect by culture methods.
These tests involve the taking of a blood sample. The serum is separated from the red blood cells and then tested in the lab for the presence of antibodies. Although detection of arbovirus antibodies is the most common method employed, the test may also check for the presence of antigens. In order to draw out blood from the body, a band will be wrapped around the patient’s forearm. This stops the blood flow and makes the vein below the band to swell with blood. The vein is punctured with a sterilized needle that is attached to a tube or a vial. After the sample is collected, the needle is removed and a small bandage placed over the puncture site.
There is no special preparation required for this test. Discuss any doubts or questions with your doctor before undergoing the test. Your doctor will be able to explain test results. Make sure to inform your doctor about all your medications.