Performance of Binax NOW Flu A and B and direct fluorescent assay in comparison with a composite of viral culture or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detection of influenza infection during the 2006 to 2007 season.
The Binax NOW Flu A and Flu B (Binax NOW), direct fluorescent assay (DFA), and viral culture were evaluated and compared with a composite of viral culture or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Participants with medically attended acute respiratory illness were identified through active surveillance during the 2006 to 2007 season, and consenting individuals (n=932) were tested for influenza by culture and RT-PCR. Physicians ordered a rapid antigen test (Binax NOW [n=73] or DFA [n=70]) according to their clinical judgment. The Binax NOW detected 11 of 18 influenza infections (sensitivity, 61%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36-83%), whereas DFA detected 17 of 21 influenza infections (sensitivity 81%, 95% CI, 58-95%). Compared with culture/RT-PCR, specificity of both Binax NOW and DFA was 100%. During the 2006 to 2007 influenza season, DFA and Binax NOW demonstrated high specificity but failed to identify a substantial proportion of influenza infections.
Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0587, USA. marahman@utmb.edu
Mahbubur
M
Rahman
Mary F
MF
Vandermause
Burney A
BA
Kieke
Edward A
EA
Belongia
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D002460:Cell Line; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D007223:Infant; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000821:virology; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012621:Seasons; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014776:Virus Cultivation
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic