Tropheryma whipplei, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC61487Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID WHIPBCPT Code 87798

Tropheryma whipplei, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Clinical Use

Use

Whipple disease is a chronic, systemic illness that primarily affects adults of middle age, involving the small intestine and its lymphatic drainage. Clinical findings may include malabsorption, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, arthralgia, fever, and central nervous system symptoms. Pathologic changes are distinctive, and diagnosis often depends on histologic examination of biopsy specimens. Molecular techniques using PCR and nucleotide sequencing have classified the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei, aiding in diagnosis, especially for inconclusive or suspicious cases using whole blood specimens.

Special Instructions

Test results should be used as an aid in diagnosis in conjunction with clinical presentation and symptoms. If not ordering electronically, complete and send a Microbiology or Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request form with the specimen. Send whole blood specimen in its original tube. The test supports identification of Whipple disease, particularly where conventional cultures are inconclusive or laborious due to slow-growing bacteria.

Limitations

A negative PCR result does not exclude the presence of Tropheryma whipplei DNA or active disease, as it may arise from inhibition of PCR, sequence variability under primers or probes, or sub-detectable levels of DNA. Results should be carefully correlated with patient symptoms. The assay has a high sensitivity and specificity but should not be the sole basis for diagnosis.

Test Details

New York Approved