Researchers from the New England Regional Center of Vector-Borne Diseases at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a new method for detecting the Powassan virus in ticks. This virus can cause severe neuroinvasive diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis. The team’s real-time approach reduces the occurrence of false positive results, which is important for accurate surveillance and diagnostics. Powassan virus, named after the town in Ontario where it was first identified, is a flavivirus related to West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. While still rare, cases of Powassan virus have been increasing in the U.S., particularly in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions.
The NEWVEC team created a triplex real-time PCR test to detect both Powassan virus and the deer tick virus (lineage II) simultaneously in Ixodes scapularis, or deer ticks. They conducted a tick survey in coastal and offshore Massachusetts, focusing on endemic regions of tick-borne diseases. The new method showed promise in accurately detecting Powassan virus in ticks when compared to the standard Luminex xMap technology. By including a quality control measure, the researchers were able to overcome false negative results, ensuring that negative tests accurately reflect the absence of the virus rather than inadequate sample quality.
The study revealed pockets of high Powassan virus incidence in certain areas of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The infection rates varied, reaching as high as 10.43% in some locations while being absent in others. The new triplex PCR test detected the virus in a higher number of ticks compared to the Luminex method, indicating its improved sensitivity. All ticks that tested positive for Powassan virus also tested positive for the lineage II deer tick virus. The researchers hope that this enhanced test will aid in transmission studies and help monitor and prevent Powassan virus infections in Massachusetts and other affected regions.
The Powassan virus poses a threat to humans through tick bites, making accurate tick testing crucial for assessing the risk of exposure. The researchers emphasize the importance of highly accurate and sensitive tests for ticks to identify areas and times with the highest risk of infection. By developing a method that can detect both Powassan virus and the deer tick virus simultaneously, the NEWVEC team hopes to contribute to better surveillance and prevention efforts for this emerging disease. Their findings are detailed in a special issue of the journal Viruses titled “Tick-borne Viruses: Transmission and Surveillance,” highlighting the importance of continued research in combating vector-borne illnesses.
The new triplex PCR test developed by the researchers offers a more reliable and effective tool for detecting Powassan virus in ticks. By incorporating a quality control measure, the test minimizes the risk of false negative results, providing more accurate information on virus prevalence in tick populations. The study’s findings underscore the need for improved surveillance and diagnostics to better understand and address the increasing incidence of Powassan virus in regions where it poses a threat to public health. Rich and his team’s work highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between researchers, public health practitioners, and local communities in combating vector-borne diseases like Powassan virus. Through their innovative approach, they are working towards enhancing our ability to detect, monitor, and prevent the spread of this potentially dangerous virus.
