Easy, accurate H1N1 influenza test developed

A new, easy-to-perform method for detecting both seasonal influenza A virus and the emerging H1N1 swine-derived influenza A virus in human clinical samples has been described in the journal, Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases.

It promises to offer a fast, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic test that runs on standard laboratory equipment.

The molecular strategy described in the article is based on proven and widely used Real-Time, Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technology.

The authors of the report entitled "A Simple Method for Molecular Detection of Swine-Origin and Human-Origin Influenza A Virus" describe the development of a new molecular probe that improves on the existing PCR assay used to diagnose seasonal influenza and enables detection of both the seasonal and H1N1 influenza A viruses in the same patient sample using a simple test protocol.

Laetitia Ninove and colleagues from Université de la Méditerranée and Institut de Recherche pour le Développement in Marseille, France, Hôpitaux de Marseille, CEH Oxford, and EHESP School of Public Health in Rennes, France, provide data to support the sensitivity and effectiveness of the SYBR Green RT-PCR one-step assay used for screening clinical samples to detect the presence of influenza A virus.

In positive samples this is followed by the addition of two probes that are able to discriminate between the seasonal and swine H1N1 viruses to yield a definitive diagnosis.

This new molecular test specifically amplifies and characterises the viral genetic material, enabling rapid detection of new viral strains as they evolve. Using these genetic sequence data and making minor alterations to the PCR primers used in the assay, the test could be easily modified to detect newly emerging viral variants, including avian influenza strains.

"Early recognition of new influenza strains is vitally important for implementing effective control measures to limit spread," says Stephen Higgs, editor-in-chief of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. "This cost-effective, comprehensive, and rapid test is a highly significant contribution to diagnostics that will greatly enhance our capacity to deal with future influenza outbreaks."

The article is published online ahead of print in Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert. The article is available free online here.