title: [Application of fluorescent real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in detecting influenza viruses].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Shenzhen 518020, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-wen
authors.initials: XW
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Shi-song
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Bao-ying
authors.initials: BY
authors.lastname: Ye
authors.forename: Jian-fan
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Xing
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Zai-qing
authors.initials: ZQ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: 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*