Laboratory diagnosis of enterovirus infection: Optimal methods for studies of diabetes

Abstract

Laboratory diagnosis of enterovirus infections is more complex than that of many other virus infections. Careful design of study protocols and sample collection procedures is crucial for studies evaluating the role of enteroviruses in type 1 diabetes. Possible viral persistence creates an additional challenge, since the virus may be present in low quantities and in the form of double-stranded RNA. Both direct virus detection and serology have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the individual research questions, technologies, and sample types used in the studies. In many cases, their combined use would give the best view on the relationship between enteroviruses and type 1 diabetes. Standardization of enterovirus assays by international collaboration would help identify the optimal diagnostic approaches for type 1 diabetes studies.