[Application of fluorescent real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in detecting influenza viruses].
OBJECTIVE
To apply fluorescent real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in detecting influenza viruses.


METHODS
A total of 207 oral swab samples were obtained in 16 collections from SARS patients and suspected influenza outbreak cases. They were subjected to influenza virus detection by fluorescent real-time RT-PCR, MDCK cell culture, and hemagglutinin inhibition assay.


RESULTS
Out of 207 samples, 79 (38.16%) were positive for influenza viruses when tested by fluorescent real-time PCR, and 62 (29.95%) positive when tested by MDCK cell culture. There was a statistically significant difference between them (chi square=8.64, P less than 0.005). From 104 cases in 9 collections dual serum samples were obtainable. When tested with hemagglutinin inhibition assay, 64 cases (61.54%) showed a 4-fold increase against H3N2 antigen.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that fluorescent real-time PCR is a reliable, sensitive, and fast method for detecting influenza viruses.
Cheng
Xiao-wen
XW
Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Shenzhen 518020, China.
Zhou
Li
L
Zhao
Jin
J
Fang
Shi-song
SS
Yu
Lei
L
Ye
Bao-ying
BY
He
Jian-fan
JF
Lu
Xing
X
Zhang
Zai-qing
ZQ
Yang
Hong
H
D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D006801:Humans; D053122:Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000821:virology*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000821:virology*