[Application of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for surveillance of influenza virus in Beijing].
OBJECTIVE
To establish the RT-PCR method to type the influenza virus.


METHODS
After amplifying the virus by cell culture, we carried out RT-PCR by using two pairs typing primers and four pairs subtyping primers to detect the influenza virus.


RESULTS
In those 23 samples which had cytopathologic changes, there were 10 positive strains detected by RT-PCR assay including seven A type (six H3N2 subtype and one H1N1 subtype) and three B type.


CONCLUSIONS
This method is rapid, specific and sensitive and possesses great value for practical application in the surveillance of influenza virus.
Shi
Weixian
W
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100013, China.
Liu
Hailin
H
D006801:Humans; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity