DNA microarray assays enlighten possible viral causes of respiratory tract infections in children

Article Outline

• Copyright

A pan-viral DNA microarray-based assay was compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing of clinical specimens from 222 children with acute respiratory tract illnesses in San Francisco. Performance of the microarray-based assay was superior to DFA, similar to virus-specific PCR, and the assay detected a substantial number of viruses not routinely tested for by DFA or PCR, as well as missed dual infections. It remains to be seen whether major use in the future will be to inform research or clinical care or both. The excellent patient-centered study by Chiu et al begins the conversation.