What is in the Neuro Panel?

The Neuro Panel is a real-time PCR-based assay developed to detect 11 viral pathogens with neuroinvasive potential. The panel is distributed across four tubes, each containing multiplex reactions targeting distinct viruses with specific fluorescent channels:

• Tube 1: Human Adenovirus, Enterovirus, Human Parechovirus
• Tube 2: HSV-1, HSV-2, Endogenous Internal Control
• Tube 3: CMV, EBV, VZV
• Tube 4: Parvovirus B19, HHV-6, HHV-7

This configuration supports simultaneous detection and differentiation from a single extracted sample. With its broad pathogen coverage and built-in internal control, the Neuro Panel streamlines diagnostics in complex neurological cases such as viral meningitis, encephalitis, and immunocompromised CNS infections.

Role of the Different Targets in Disease

Each virus included in the Neuro Panel plays a distinct role in neurological pathology:

Enterovirus

A leading cause of viral meningitis and encephalitis in children, these RNA viruses can cause severe CNS complications and are classified as re-emerging threats.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

Associated with infectious mononucleosis and post-transplant complications, EBV may trigger neurological issues in immunosuppressed patients.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 (HSV-1/2)

Common agents in viral encephalitis, keratitis, and meningitis. HSV-1 typically affects the CNS, while HSV-2 is linked to neonatal infections and meningitis.

Human Adenovirus

While mostly known for respiratory and GI infections, adenoviruses can cause febrile seizures and encephalitis, particularly in children and immunocompromised hosts.

Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

This herpesvirus causes life-threatening CNS infections in neonates and immunosuppressed individuals. CMV reactivation is a major concern in transplant medicine.

Human Herpesviruses 6 & 7 (HHV-6/7)

These viruses are often implicated in febrile seizures and encephalitis in pediatric patients. Co-infections with HHV-6 and HHV-7 can complicate clinical diagnosis.

Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)

VZV reactivation may cause shingles-associated meningitis or encephalitis, especially in older adults or immunocompromised patients.

Human Parechovirus

Typically asymptomatic, but in neonates, parechovirus can lead to severe meningoencephalitis and sepsis-like illness.

Parvovirus B19

Though better known for causing fifth disease, it can also result in CNS manifestations like encephalitis and neuropathies, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

This comprehensive range ensures that even rare or atypical viral causes of neurological illness are not missed in diagnostic evaluations.

About the TRUPCR® Neuro Panel Kit

The TRUPCR® Neuro Panel Kit is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification assay validated for qualitative detection and differentiation of 11 neurotropic viruses using real-time PCR. Each component of the assay is optimized for sensitivity and specificity, based on CDC-recommended molecular design principles.

Technical Specifications:

• Multiplexing across 4 tubes for maximum diagnostic breadth
• Three-channel fluorescence detection for each tube
• Built-in internal control to detect PCR inhibition and verify RNA extraction
• Hot-start polymerase chemistry to reduce non-specific reactions
• Single-step RT-PCR protocol simplifies handling

The test is compatible with a wide range of PCR platforms, making it adaptable to most clinical diagnostic environments.

Principle and Workflow

The Neuro Panel operates through the following steps:

1. RNA/DNA Extraction
   Nucleic acids are extracted from CSF or respiratory specimens using standard protocols.
2. Reaction Setup
   Each sample is loaded into four tubes, each containing specific primers and probes for different viral targets and an internal control.
3. Multiplex Real-Time PCR
   Simultaneous amplification of three targets per tube occurs using hot-start technology. Results are monitored in real-time via fluorescence channels (FAM, HEX, and Tex Red).
4. Analysis
   Positive results are identified by Ct values and amplification curves. The internal control validates each run, flagging issues such as inhibition or extraction failure.

This setup enables accurate, reproducible results within a short turnaround time—critical for diagnosing acute neurological infections.

Clinical Application

The Neuro Panel is ideal for use in:

• Neurology and infectious disease diagnostics
• Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) for rapid pathogen identification
• Immunocompromised patient monitoring (HIV, transplant, oncology)
• Outbreak investigation involving viral encephalitis clusters
• Pediatric hospitals where febrile seizures or meningitis are common

By detecting both common and emerging neurotropic viruses, the TRUPCR® Neuro Panel empowers laboratories to deliver actionable diagnostic insights that support timely treatment, reduce hospital stays, and improve clinical outcomes.