- PCR assay for the detection of Tropherymaymera whipplei – causative agent of “Whipple’s Disease”.
- Classic Whipple’s Disease is associated with intermittent arthralgia or chronic digestive disorder with diarrhoea and/or weight loss.
- Other common manifestations include endocarditis and neurological symptoms as well as chronic localised infections such as adenopathy, uveitis, pulmonary and joint infections. T.whipplei has also been associated with acute infections such as pneumonia, gastroenteritis and bacteraemia.
Tube
White top universal or EDTA whole blood.
ID
3680.
Availability
Twice weekly.
Send To
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Collection Con
EDTA whole Blood and CSF samples are the most commonly received sample types for this test although a number of samples may be suitable, e.g,. Heart valves, synovial fluid, paraffin-embedded tissue and fresh tissue. Send in sterile universal. If unsure contact the laboratory.
Please note that only EDTA whole blood is suitable for Whipple’s PCR testing and serum, plasma and lithium heparin blood will be rejected.
IP Routine TAT
5 days.
GP Routine TAT
5 days.