Zika virus
Zika virus ( 16 Questions)
RT-PCR is essential for confirming the diagnosis of Zika virus infection. It is a molecular diagnostic test that can detect the presence of viral RNA in a patient's blood or other body fluids. This test is highly specific and sensitive, making it the preferred method for confirming Zika virus infection during the acute phase of the illness.
Serological test for dengue virus is not the correct choice for confirming Zika virus infection. While both Zika and dengue viruses are transmitted by the same mosquito vector, they are different viruses, and serological tests for dengue antibodies would not detect Zika virus infection accurately.
Tuberculosis skin test (TST) is not relevant for diagnosing Zika virus infection. TST is used for detecting tuberculosis infection, not viral infections like Zika.
Complete blood count (CBC) is a general blood test that measures different components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. CBC is not specific to diagnosing Zika virus infection and would not provide any information about the presence of the Zika virus.
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
Choice A rationale:
RT-PCR is essential for confirming the diagnosis of Zika virus infection. It is a molecular diagnostic test that can detect the presence of viral RNA in a patient's blood or other body fluids. This test is highly specific and sensitive, making it the preferred method for confirming Zika virus infection during the acute phase of the illness.
Choice B rationale:
Serological test for dengue virus is not the correct choice for confirming Zika virus infection. While both Zika and dengue viruses are transmitted by the same mosquito vector, they are different viruses, and serological tests for dengue antibodies would not detect Zika virus infection accurately.
Choice C rationale:
Tuberculosis skin test (TST) is not relevant for diagnosing Zika virus infection. TST is used for detecting tuberculosis infection, not viral infections like Zika.
Choice D rationale:
Complete blood count (CBC) is a general blood test that measures different components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. CBC is not specific to diagnosing Zika virus infection and would not provide any information about the presence of the Zika virus.