The validation of a real-time RT-PCR assay which detects influenza A and types simultaneously for influenza A H1N1 (2009) and oseltamivir-resistant (H275Y) influenza A H1N1 (2009).
Influenza A H1N1 (2009) was declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. Rapid detection of influenza A and differentiation of influenza A H1N1 (2009) and seasonal influenza A is beneficial. In addition the rapid detection of antiviral resistant strains of influenza A H1N1 (2009) would be useful for clinicians to allow for change to an effective treatment at a much earlier stage if resistance is found. It was the aim of this study to develop a real-time RT-PCR that can detect all influenza A viruses and type simultaneously for influenza A H1N1 (2009) and oseltamivir resistant (H275Y) influenza A H1N1 (2009). This multiplex assay will allow laboratories to screen respiratory samples for all types of influenza A, influenza A H1N1 (2009) virus and oseltamivir resistant (H275Y) influenza A H1N1 (2009) virus in a rapid and cost effective format, ensuring that typing methods for seasonal and avian viruses are used on a smaller subset of samples. Since most virology laboratories already offer a molecular service for influenza A this assay could easily be implemented into most areas at little cost therefore increasing local access to resistance testing.
West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom. susan.bennett@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Susan
S
Bennett
Rory N
RN
Gunson
Alasdair
A
MacLean
Rhona
R
Miller
William F
WF
Carman
D019943:Amino Acid Substitution / Q000235:genetics; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000145:classification* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods; D020125:Mutation, Missense; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000235:genetics; D053139:Oseltamivir / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D014764:Viral Proteins; D053139:Oseltamivir; C487630:NA protein, influenza A virus; D009439:Neuraminidase