[george76]

the initial CDC tests did not reveal the virus

[LucyT]

Thanks, George76.

Rare Marlburg hemorrhagic fever in Denver.

[neverdem]

The CDC found in the repeat testing that the man had Marburg hemorrhagic fever, and sent Lutheran Hospital its findings at the end of last month.

The CDC tested for specific immunoglobulins known as IgG antibodies found in survivors of Marberg infections. IgG antibodies confer long term immunity. IgG antibodies are not a significant part of a vertebrate's initial immune response. They are not usually detected for a number of weeks after initial infection in humans, IIRC.

Lutheran Hospital officials said that when the patient first came in, the medical staff "followed the protocols for dealing with an unknown infection, including contact isolation (gown and glove) and testing for a number of infectious, with some of the tests being performed at the CDC."

It was not clear Friday why the initial CDC tests did not reveal the virus.

IMHO, initial tests lack the specificity of IgG antibodies. It was too soon to test for IgG antibodies. Any corrections or updates to my knowledge of microbiology and immunology are always appreciated.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks geo. Get outta Denver, baby, go.