[Clinical evaluation of rapid diagnostic kit detecting separately influenza A and B viruses].
The Directigen Flu A + B kit, a rapid diagnostic device for influenza virus A and B was evaluated. The nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from 239 patients who visited our hospital, between January and March, 2000, presenting flu-like symptoms. Influenza virus AH1: 77 and AH3: 51 were isolated from 128 specimens and none from 111 specimens. Directigen Flu A + B showed 115 specimens positive and 106 specimens negative. The sensitivity and specificity of this kit were 89.8% (115/128) and 95.5% (106/111) compared with viral isolation. Agreement on positive and negative interpretations between Direction Flu A and this kit was 97.9% (234/239). In the evaluation of this kit for influenza B virus, 60 frozen nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from February to April, 1999 were used. The sensitivity and specificity of this kit were 88.9% (16/18) and 88.1% (37/42) compared with viral isolation. Agreement on positive and negative interpretations between FLU OIA and this kit was 91.7% (55/60). The Directigen A + B demonstrated sensitivity and specificity equivalent to the conventional kits in nasopharingeal aspirates. This kit can also differentiate influenza A and B viruses, a feature which is useful for treatment using anti-viral agents such as amantadine and neuraminidase inhibitor. To date, the kit is the most effective tool for the rapid diagnosis of influenza.
Yamazaki
M
M
Department of Pediatrics, Hatano Red Cross Hospital.
Kimura
K
K
Mitamura
K
K
Watanabe
S
S
Komiyama
O
O
Yamamoto
K
K
Ichikawa
M
M
Hashimoto
Y
Y
Hagiwara
N
N
Maezawa
T
T
Imai
M
M
Sugaya
N
N
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000592:standards*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic