Study for the ACVPM Infectious Diseases Exam with engaging quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly and enhance your knowledge to excel in the test!

Multiple Choice

Zika virus RNA detection in serum occurs within which days after infection?

Zika RNA in serum is detectable during the early acute phase when viremia is present—right after infection. The viral RNA is most reliably detected by RT-PCR in the first few days of illness, typically within the first three days after symptoms begin. After about a week, viremia wanes and RNA becomes hard to detect in serum (though it may persist longer in other specimens like urine). So among the given time frames, the early window of 1–3 days after infection best captures when serum RNA testing is likely to be positive.

Zika RNA in serum is detectable during the early acute phase when viremia is present—right after infection. The viral RNA is most reliably detected by RT-PCR in the first few days of illness, typically within the first three days after symptoms begin. After about a week, viremia wanes and RNA becomes hard to detect in serum (though it may persist longer in other specimens like urine). So among the given time frames, the early window of 1–3 days after infection best captures when serum RNA testing is likely to be positive.