Notifiable Diseases
A Guide to Laboratory Notification in the
Northern Territory
Version 6 – May 2011
Centre for Disease Control NT
Phone numbers for notification
Alice Springs
Barkly
Darwin
East Arnhem
Katherine
Phone
8951 6906
8962 4250
8922 8044
8987 0282
8973 9049
Fax
8951 7900
8962 4420
8922 8310
8987 0355
8973 9048
After hours: Phone on-call staff via RDH switch 89228888
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Introduction
This a guide for all laboratories which process specimens from the NT. It specifies what results, as distinct from diseases, should be notified to
the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), and hence leaves the interpretation and comparison with the case definition to CDC. With one or two
minor exceptions there is no requirement for interpretation of a test through reference to clinical information; this allows laboratories to easily
implement automatic notification systems as the technology permits.
What is the aim of this guide?
The aim is to clarify and standardised the notification of results, so that all laboratories are notifying the same results and that the scope for
interpretation is reduced. The “Test results” in the guide have simply been copied from the “Interim Surveillance Case Definitions for the
Australian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System” (CDNA, 2004) and the “NT Notifiable Diseases Case Definitions” (version 5, 2006).
However, there are some exceptions; notably TB, non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease and syphilis. This Guide doesn’t change the obligation
of laboratories to notify cases under the Act.
What does the Notifiable Diseases Act say?
Section 16 of the Notifiable Diseases Act states:
16.
Pathology investigation
(1)
(2)
(3)
The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, specify –
(a)
a notifiable disease in relation to which information is to be given;
(b)
the information to be given in relation to a notifiable disease; and
(c)
the manner in which information in relation to a notifiable disease is to be given.
If a laboratory receives results from a pathology investigation that indicate that a person is an infected person in relation to a disease
specified under subsection (1), the person in charge of the laboratory must give to the Chief Health Officer the information required
under subsection (1) to be given in relation to the disease.
The person in charge of the laboratory must give the information in the manner required under subsection (1).
The “information to be given” mentioned in 16(1)(b) above is listed in the gazetted schedule on 22/12/2004 and is the following;

Name of the infected person

Contact details of the infected person: address, phone number, mobile phone number, email address

Date of birth of the infected person

Gender of the infected person

Indigenous status of the infected person

Test(s) used to diagnose the disease and the result(s)

Name of the referring practitioner

Date the laboratory notified the disease

Date the specimen was taken

Name of the laboratory
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How do labs notify?
Non-urgent results should be notified by mail or fax to the CDC Unit in the region where the test was taken. They should be forwarded at the same
time as the result to the referring clinician and should be addressed to the Surveillance Officer, c/- Centre for Disease Control. Some labs have local
arrangements which are more efficient than this.
What about urgent results?
The Act doesn’t specify the meaning of urgent. However, we would expect that urgent notifications should be phoned through as soon as is
practically possible. For results of urgent diseases arriving after hours, they should be phoned through to the CDC consultant on-call unless prior
local arrangements have been made (NT-wide via the RDH switchboard 89228888).
What about people interstate or tests done outside the NT?
If the patient was in the NT when the test was done, it should be notified to CDC if it fulfils the criteria for a notifiable disease, irrespective of the
residential address of the case. The location of the case when the test was done is usually identified by the postcode of the referring doctor. If
the case is a resident of another jurisdiction, CDC will forward the notification to the relevant public health unit in that jurisdiction. CDC can
receive notifications of NT residents if they were tested outside the NT, but the Notifiable Diseases Act may not apply in this situation.
What’s new in Versions 5 and 6?
There have been three new diseases added in versions 5 and 6.
Disease
Vibrio
Disseminated strongyloidiasis
Invasive Group A streptococcal
disease
Arbovirus NOS
Page 3 of 12
Change
Added isolation/detection from an otherwise sterile site
Added as a new disease: Detection of Strongyloides by microscopy in a specimen outside the gastrointestinal
tract.
Added as a new disease: Isolation or detection by NAT of Group A streptococcus from an otherwise sterile
site.
Is now on the national notifiable disease list, rather than Flavivirus NOS
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Notifiable Laboratory Results
Phone symbol  signifies the notification is urgent and should be rung through to the local CDC.  signifies the notification is sometimes urgent depending on
other factors. Q signifies a quarantinable disease under the Quarantine Act. Maps refer to where the disease is notifiable (NT only or Australia).
NT/
Notifiable Disease 
Test result
Comments
Aus
Q
Amoebiasis
Includes histopathology

Demonstration of specific antibody against Entamoeba histolytica by indirect
heamagglutination.

Microscopic evidence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar in stool, abscess fluid, or extraintestinal tissue.
Anthrax
  Isolation of Bacillus anthracis-like organisms or spores confirmed by a reference
laboratory.

Detection of Bacillus anthracis by microscopic examination of stained smears

Detection of Bacillus anthracis by nucleic acid testing.
Arbovirus infection - not
This category includes

Isolation of an arbovirus that cannot be identified in Australian reference laboratories or
otherwise specified
chikungunya.
which is identified as an arbovirus not otherwise classified
(NOS)

Detection of an arbovirus, by nucleic acid testing, that cannot be identified in Australian
reference laboratories or which is identified an arbovirus not otherwise classified

IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater
rise in titre of flavivirus (or alphavirus) specific IgG that cannot be identified or which is
identified as being specific for one of the flaviviruses (or alphaviruses) not otherwise
classified.

Detection of flavivirus IgM in cerebrospinal fluid, with reactivity to more than one
flavivirus antigen (Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, Japanese Encephalitis and/or
dengue) or with reactivity only to one or more of the flaviviruses not otherwise classified

Detection of flavivirus IgM in the serum, with reactivity to more than one flavivirus
antigen (Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, Japanese Encephalitis and/or dengue) or
with reactivity only to one or more of the flaviviruses not otherwise classified(eg
Kokobera, Edge Hill).

Detection of alphavirus IgM in the serum, with reactivity to one or more of the
alphaviruses not otherwise classified (eg Chikungunya, Sindbis).
Australian Bat
  Isolation of Australian bat lyssavirus confirmed by sequence analysis
Lyssavirus

Detection of Australian bat lyssavirus by nucleic acid testing.
Avian influenza
  Isolation of AI virus by culture from appropriate respiratory tract specimen

Detection of AI virus by nucleic acid testing from appropriate respiratory tract specimen

Detection of AI virus antigen from appropriate respiratory tract specimen

Immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test positive using specific AI antiserum

Single high titre antibody to AI virus or a fourfold or greater rise in titre to AI virus
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


Barmah Forest virus
infection
Botulism

Brucellosis


Campylobacteriosis
Chancroid





 
Isolation of Barmah Forest virus
Detection of Barmah Forest virus by nucleic acid testing
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater
rise in titre to Barmah Forest virus
Detection of Barmah Forest virus-specific IgM.
Isolation of Clostridium botulinum
Detection of Clostridium botulinum toxin in blood or faeces.
Isolation of Brucella species
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater
rise in titre in Brucella agglutination titres or complement fixation titres between acute
and convalescent phase serum samples.
A single high Brucella agglutination titre.
Isolation or detection of Campylobacter species.






Culture or detection by nucleic acid testing of Haemophilus ducreyi from a genital
specimen
Gram stain features consistent with Haemophilus ducreyi.
See Varicella
Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by nucleic acid testing
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen
Isolation of Vibrio cholerae (toxin status pending)
Cryptosporidiosis

Detection of Cryptosporidium.
Dengue virus infection



Isolation of dengue virus
Detection of dengue virus by nucleic acid testing
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater
rise in titre to dengue virus, proven by neutralisation or another specific test
Detection of dengue virus-specific IgM in serum or CSF
Detection of dengue NS1 antigen
Isolation of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae or toxigenic Corynebacterium.
ulcerans.
Chickenpox
Chlamydial infection
Chlamydial
conjunctivitis
Cholera

Q
Diphtheria
Donovanosis
(granuloma inguinale)






Page 5 of 12
Where possible paired tests
should be conducted at the
same laboratory.
Any specimen.
Conjunctivitis is NT
notifiable only
Only O1 or O139 toxigenic
strains notifiable as Cholera
(see Vibrio food poisoning)
Confirmation of laboratory
result by a second arbovirus
reference laboratory is
required if the case appears
to have been acquired in
the NT
If there is clinical suspicion
of diphtheria the case
should be notified before
toxin status known
Demonstration of intracellular Donovan bodies on smears or biopsy specimens taken
from a lesion
Detection of Klebsiella granulomatis by nucleic acid testing of a specimen taken from a
lesion.
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

Gonococcal infection

Gonococcal
conjunctivitis
 
 


Gonococcal neonatal
ophthalmia

 
Group A streptococcal
disease - invasive
Haemophilus

influenzae type b
(invasive)



Haemophilus
influenzae non-type b
(invasive)
Hepatitis A

 
Hepatitis B:
-newly acquired
-chronic
-unspecified
Hepatitis C:
-newly acquired
-unspecified
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E
Page 6 of 12


Isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by nucleic acid testing
(and a reactive supplementary nucleic acid test according to protocol)^
Detection of typical Gram-negative intracellular diplococci in a smear from a genital tract
specimen.
Any resistant organism should be notified urgently
Neisseria gonorrhoeae detected on culture or nucleic acid amplification test of a
conjunctival specimen.
Gram negative intracellular diplococci visible on microscopy of a conjunctival specimen.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae detected on culture or nucleic acid amplification test of a
conjunctival specimen.
Gram negative intracellular diplococci visible on microscopy of a conjunctival specimen.
Any resistant organism should be notified urgently
Isolation of group A streptococcus from an otherwise sterile site by culture
Detection of group A streptococcus from an otherwise sterile site by nucleic acid testing
Isolation of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) from a normally sterile site (typing then
needs confirmation at an approved reference laboratory)
Detection of Hib antigen in cerebrospinal fluid (other laboratory parameters need to be
considered)
Isolation from a normally sterile site of Haemophilus influenzae which has been typed
as either a non-b or is not able to be typed.




Detection of anti-hepatitis A IgM
Detection of hepatitis A virus by nucleic acid testing.
Detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
Detection of IgM to hepatitis B core antigen,
Detection of hepatitis B virus by nucleic acid testing


Detection of anti-hepatitis C antibody
Detection of hepatitis C virus by nucleic acid testing





Detection of IgM or IgG to hepatitis D virus
Detection of hepatitis D virus on liver biopsy.
Detection of hepatitis E virus by nucleic acid testing
Detection of hepatitis E virus in faeces by electron microscopy
Detection of IgM or IgG to hepatitis E virus.
 Any resistant organism
should be notified urgently.
^NAT requires a secondary
test being positive
All cases should be notified
urgently (over 4 weeks old).
^NAT requires a secondary
test being positive
 Any resistant organism
should be notified urgently
^NAT requires a secondary
test being positive
Status should be confirmed
at a reference laboratory
Chronic category is NT
notifiable
Previously known cases are
not notified nationally.
If the person has not
travelled outside Australia in
the preceding 3 months, the
antibody result must be
confirmed by specific
Immunoblot.
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
HIV

Repeatedly reactive result on a screening test for HIV antibody followed by a positive
result on a western blot. A positive result on a western blot is defined by the presence
of a glycoprotein band (gp41, gp120 or gp160) and at least three other HIV-specific
bands
Detection of HIV by one of the following virologic assays (nucleic acid testing for
proviral DNA; HIV p24 antigen, with neutralisation; virus isolation)
A group IV indeterminate western blot AND detection of HIV by at least one of the
following virologic assays (nucleic acid testing for proviral DNA; HIV p24 antigen, with
neutralisation; virus isolation). A group IV indeterminate western blot is defined by the
presence of a glycoprotein band (gp41, gp120 or gp160) and one or two other HIV
specific bands.
Presence of antibody to HTLV-1 (with Western Blot or nucleic acid test confirmation)

Haematological markers consistent with Adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma

Detection of Echinococcus granulosus in cyst fluid or sputum.
Immunoelectrophoresis demonstrating arc 5 or at least three other arcs.
Positive serology for Echinococcus granulosus
Isolation of influenza virus by culture from appropriate respiratory tract specimen
Detection of influenza virus by nucleic acid testing from appropriate respiratory tract
specimen
Detection of influenza virus antigen from appropriate respiratory tract specimen
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater
rise in titre to influenza virus
Single high titre to influenza virus
Isolation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Detection of Japanese encephalitis virus by nucleic acid testing
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a =< 4-fold rise in titre of
Japanese encephalitis virus-specific IgG proven by neutralisation or another specific test
Detection of Japanese encephalitis virus-specific IgM in cerebrospinal fluid
Detection of Japanese encephalitis virus-specific IgM in serum
Isolation of Kunjin virus
Detection of Kunjin virus by nucleic acid testing
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise
in titre to Kunjin virus
Detection of Kunjin virus-specific IgM in cerebrospinal fluid
Detection of Kunjin virus-specific IgM in serum


HTLV1: asymptomatic/ unspec
-Adult T cell
leukaemia/lymphoma
Hydatid infection



Influenza


Japanese Encephalitis 
Kunjin virus infection












Page 7 of 12

The Laboratory should
notify the referring doctor
and the SHBBVU Head of
Program by phone.
 Indeterminate results
should also be sent to the
SHUBBV Head of Program
to ensure patient follow-up.
Definition of single high titre
is usually made in
consultation with CDC
Confirmation of laboratory
result by a second arbovirus
reference laboratory is
required if the case appears
to have been acquired in
Australia
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Legionellosis
 





Leprosy



Leptospirosis

Listeriosis

Lymphogranuloma
venereum

Lyssavirus - not
otherwise specified
 







Malaria

Measles
 



Melioidosis
Page 8 of 12


Isolation of Legionella
Presence of Legionella urinary antigen
Seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise in
titre to Legionella
Single high antibody titre to Legionella (usually greater than 256)
Detection of Legionella by nucleic acid testing or direct fluorescence assay
Demonstration of characteristic acid fast bacilli in split skin smears and biopsies
prepared from the ear lobe or other relevant sites
Histopathological report from skin or nerve biopsy compatible with leprosy (Hansen’s
disease) examined by an anatomical pathologist or specialist microbiologist experienced
in leprosy diagnosis.
Isolation of pathogenic Leptospira species
A fourfold or greater rise in Leptospira agglutination titre between acute and
convalescent phase sera obtained at least two weeks apart and preferably conducted at
the same laboratory
A single Leptospira micro agglutination titre greater than or equal to 400 supported by a
positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgM result
Isolation or detection of Listeria monocytogenes from a site that is normally sterile,
including foetal gastrointestinal contents.
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by nucleic acid testing, with identity as an LGV
serovar being confirmed by DNA sequencing or another type-specific test
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by nucleic acid testing
Positive fluorescent antibody test result for lyssaviral antigen on fresh brain smears
Specific immunostaining for lyssaviral antigen on formalin fixed paraffin sections of
central nervous system tissue
Presence of antibody to serotype 1 lyssavirus in the cerebrospinal fluid
Detection of lyssavirus-specific RNA (other than to ABL or rabies).
Detection and specific identification of malaria parasites by microscopy on blood films
Detection of Plasmodium species by nucleic acid testing
Detection of Plasmodium species by antigen testing
Isolation of measles virus
Detection of measles virus by nucleic acid testing
Detection of measles virus antigen
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise
in titre to measles virus (NOTE: paired sera must be tested in parallel).
Detection of measles virus-specific IgM antibody
Culture of Burkholderia pseudomallei from appropriate specimens
Species require verification
IgM should be confirmed in
an approved reference
laboratory
Viral cultures should be
referred for typing
If outpatient specimen,
phone referring doctor to
advise to contact ID
physician to arrange
inpatient treatment.
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Meningococcal
infection
 




Mumps




Murray Valley
Encephalitis
 




Non-tuberculous
mycobacterial disease
(atypical TB)

Ornithosis







Page 9 of 12
Isolation of Neisseria meningitidis from a normally sterile site.
Detection of meningococcus in a specimen from a normally sterile site by nucleic acid
testing
Detection of Gram-negative diplococci in Gram stain of specimen from a normally sterile
site or from a suspicious skin lesion
High titre IgM or significant rise in IgM or IgG titres to outer membrane protein antigens of
N. meningitidis
Positive polysaccharide antigen test in cerebrospinal fluid with other laboratory
parameters consistent with meningitis.
Isolation of mumps virus
Detection of mumps virus by nucleic acid testing
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise
in titre to mumps virus
Detection of mumps-specific IgM antibody.
Isolation of Murray Valley encephalitis virus
Detection of Murray Valley encephalitis virus by nucleic acid testing
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise
in titre to Murray Valley encephalitis virus
Detection of Murray Valley encephalitis virus-specific IgM in cerebrospinal fluid in the
absence of IgM to Kunjin, Japanese encephalitis or dengue viruses
Detection of Murray Valley encephalitis virus-specific IgM in serum in the absence of IgM
to Kunjin, Japanese encephalitis or dengue viruses. This is only accepted as laboratory
evidence for encephalitic illnesses.
Detection of acid-fast bacilli, with appearance consistent with the Mycobacterium genus,
on microscopy or histopathology of any specimen**
Isolation of any Mycobacterium (not M. tuberculosis complex) by culture
Detection of any Mycobacterium (not M. tuberculosis complex) by nucleic acid testing
Isolates should be referred
to the reference laboratory
for subtyping.
Confirmation of laboratory
result by a second arbovirus
reference laboratory is
required if the case occurs
in areas of Australia not
known to have established
enzootic/endemic activity or
regular epidemic activity
**Detection of AFBs should
be notified urgently (see TB)
Includes histopathology
A fourfold rise or greater in antibody titre against Chlamydophila psittaci as demonstrated
by microimmunofluorescence (MIF) on acute and convalescent sera (collected at least
two weeks later) tested in parallel;
Detection of C. psittaci by nucleic acid testing or culture.
A single high total antibody level or detection of IgM antibody to C.psittaci by MIF
A single high total antibody titre to Chlamydophila species demonstrated by complement
fixation (CF) in at least one sample obtained at least two weeks after onset of symptoms
A fourfold or greater rise in antibody titre against Chlamydophila species as
demonstrated by CF.
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Pertussis
 


Plague




Isolation of Bordetella pertussis
Detection of B. pertussis by nucleic acid testing.
Seroconversion or significant increase in antibody level or fourfold or greater rise in titre
to B. pertussis
Single high IgA titre to whole cells
Detection of B. pertussis antigen by immunofluorescence assay (IFA).
Isolation of Yersinia pestis.
Q


Pneumococcal disease
(invasive)
Poliomyelitis

Q Fever
Rabies

Q
Rickettsia
Ross River virus
infection
Rotavirus infection
Rubella
Isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from a normally sterile site by culture
Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae from a normally sterile site by nucleic acid
testing.

Isolation of wild poliovirus

Detection of wild-type poliovirus by nucleic acid testing
Vaccine-associated poliomyelitis

Isolation of Sabin-like poliovirus

Detection of Sabin-like poliovirus by nucleic acid testing

Detection of Coxiella burnetii by nucleic acid testing

Seroconversion or significant increase in antibody level to Phase II antigen in paired sera
tested in parallel in absence of recent Q fever vaccination

Detection of C. burnetii by culture*

Isolation of rabies virus confirmed by sequence analysis

Detection of rabies virus by nucleic acid testing.

Refer to Typhus (all forms) below

Isolation of Ross River virus

Detection of Ross River virus by nucleic acid testing

IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise
in titre to Ross River virus

Detection of Ross River virus-specific IgM.

Detection of human rotavirus in stoolz`




Page 10 of 12
Isolates should be referred
to the reference laboratory
for serogrouping
All tests should be
confirmed in the WHO
Western Pacific Regional
Poliovirus Reference
Laboratory
*Culture should be strongly
discouraged except where
appropriate facilities and
training exist
All non-formed specimens
in under 5 yo should be
tested.
Positives should be referred
to the RCH lab in
Melbourne for serotyping
according to protocol.
Isolation of rubella virus
Detection of rubella virus by nucleic acid testing
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise
in titre to rubella virus in the absence of recent rubella vaccination. The results must be
established by the testing of paired sera in parallel.
Detection of rubella-specific IgM
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Salmonellosis (incl
paratyphoid)
Severe Acute

Respiratory Syndrome Q
(SARS)







Shiga-like toxin
(verocytotoxin)
producing E coli
infection
Shigellosis

Smallpox
 

Q
Strongyloidiasis
disseminated
Syphilis less than 2
years duration
Syphilis more than 2
years duration
Congenital syphilis







Tetanus

Trichomoniasis

Tuberculosis
 



Page 11 of 12
Isolation or detection of Salmonella species (excluding S. Typhi which is notified
separately under Typhoid).
Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) by nucleic
acid testing using a validated method
Seroconversion or significant increase in antibody level or fourfold or greater rise in titre
to SARS-CoV tested in parallel by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or
immunofluorescent assay
Isolation of SARS-CoV
Isolation of shigatoxigenic/verotoxigenic Escherichia coli from faeces
Isolation of shiga toxin or vero toxin from a clinical isolate of E. coli
Identification of the gene associated with the production of shiga toxin or vero toxin in
E.coli by nucleic acid testing on isolate or raw bloody diarrhoea.
Isolation or detection of Shigella species.
Isolation of variola virus, confirmed at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference
Laboratory
Detection of variola virus by nucleic acid testing, confirmed at the VIDRL.
Detection of a poxvirus resembling variola virus by electron microscopy
Isolation of variola virus pending confirmation
Detection of variola virus by nucleic acid testing pending confirmation
Detection of Strongyloides by microscopy in a specimen not derived from the
gastrointestinal tract.
A reactive specific treponemal test –enzyme immunoassay, Treponema pallidum
haemagglutination assay, Treponema pallidum particle agglutination, Treponema
pallidum immobilisation assay, or fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption. Send
result together with the non-specific treponemal test (eg RPR) result even if non-specific
test negative.
Demonstration of Treponema pallidum by darkfield microscopy (not oral lesions), direct
fluorescent antibody tests, equivalent microscopic methods (e.g. silver stains), or NAT
Isolation of Clostridium tetani from a wound in a compatible clinical setting and
prevention of positive tetanospasm in mouse test from such an isolate using specific
tetanus antitoxin.
Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis by culture, microscopy of a wet preparation, Pap
smear or nucleic acid testing.
Detection of acid-fast bacilli, with appearance consistent with the Mycobacterium genus,
on microscopy or on histopathology of any specimen
Isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis or
M.africanum) by culture
Detection of M. tuberculosis complex by nucleic acid testing
Detection of granulomatous change on histopathology suggestive of mycobacterial
infection (eg caseating necrosis, giant cell formation)
Must refer isolates for
serovar identification
Must refer isolates for
subtype identification
Send with non-specific test
result (eg RPR).
Needs to be non-faecal
specimen.
**See Non-tuberculous
mycobacterial disease for
“atypical TB”
Susceptibility results also
should be rung through.
Includes histopathology
Department of Health is a Smoke Free Workplace
D EPA RT M E NT O F H E ALT H
Tularaemia
 

Typhoid


Typhus (all forms)
Varicella infection unsp
Chickenpox
Zoster
Vibrio infection
(invasive)
Vibrio food poisoning 
Viral haemorrhagic
fevers









 
Q



Yellow Fever
 
Q
Yersiniosis






Zoster
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
Isolation of Francisella tularensis.
Isolation or detection of a Gram-negative bacillus suggestive of F. tularensis -identity and
pathogenicity not yet confirmed by a reference laboratory
Detection of F. tularensis by nucleic acid testing
Isolation or detection of Salmonella Typhi.
Positives need confirmation
by a reference laboratory.
IgG seroconversion or a significant rise in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise in
titre to Rickettsial specific antigens
Culture of Rickettsia species
Positive Rickettsial specific IgM
Detection of varicella virus by nucleic acid testing, DFA or viral culture from skin or lesion
swabs
Positive VZV IgM
Isolation of Vibrio species from a wound or a normally sterile site by culture
Detection of Vibrio species from a wound or a normally sterile site by nucleic acid testing.
Detection of Vibrio species in stool (V. cholerae O1 or O139 serogroups see Cholera)
Includes all rickettsial
disease (ie spotted fevers)
See Cholera above
See Cholera above
Isolation of virus pending confirmation by CDC, Atlanta or NIV, Johannesburg
Detection of specific virus by nucleic acid testing, antigen detection assay, or electron
microscopy pending confirmation by CDC, Atlanta or NIV, Johannesburg
IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise
in titre to specific virus pending confirmation by CDC, Atlanta or NIV, Johannesburg
Detection of IgM to a specific virus.
Isolation of yellow fever virus
Detection of yellow fever virus by nucleic acid testing
Seroconversion or a four-fold or greater rise in yellow fever virus-specific serum IgM or
IgG levels between acute and convalescent serum samples
Detection of yellow fever virus antigen in tissues by immunohistochemistry.
Isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica or Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in stool, blood or
vomitus
Detection of circulating antigen by ELISA or agglutination test
Demonstration of specific antibody against Yersinia enterocolitica or Yersinia
pseudotuberculosis by complement fixation test
See Varicella infection
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