title: [Evaluation of a new immunochromatographic kit for enhanced detection of influenza B virus].
abstract: We have evaluated a new immunochromatographic kit, "KBM LineCheck Flu AB", which had been developed for enhanced detection of influenza B viruses. Five strains of influenza A and B viruses were tested for reactivity and detection limits of the kit. Compared with the detection limits of commercially available kit of QuickNavi-Flu, "KBM LineCheck Flu AB" showed a nearly equal reactivity to influenza A viruses, but quadruple reactivity to 2 influenza B viruses. Also, "KBM LineCheck Flu AB" exhibited high specificity when tested in 130 influenza-negative culture specimens derived from 24 adult volunteers. Furthermore, "KBM LineCheck Flu AB" was clinically evaluated by using 866 specimens, including 190 nasal swabs, 201 nasal aspirations, 262 self-blown nasal discharges, and 213 pharyngeal swabs. Compared with the results of QuickNavi-Flu for influenza A, the test efficiency for the nasal swabs, the nasal aspirations, self-blown nasal discharges, and pharyngeal swabs were calculated to be 95.8%, 92.0%, 95.0%, and 94.8%, respectively. Whereas, as to influenza B, the test efficiency for the nasal swabs, the nasal aspirations, self-blown nasal discharges, and pharyngeal swabs was calculated to be 96.3%, 98.5%, 96.2%, and 93.4%, respectively. Similarly, compared with the results of influenza A viral culture, the test efficiency for the nasal swabs, the nasal aspirations, self-blown nasal discharges, and pharyngeal swabs was calculated to be 95.3%, 91.0%, 93.9%, and 92.5%, respectively. Regarding influenza B culture, the test efficiency for the nasal swabs, the nasal aspirations, self-blown nasal discharges, and pharyngeal swabs were calculated to be 95.8%, 97.5%, 95.1%, 91.5%, respectively. Overall, we concluded that the "KBM LineCheck Flu AB" is useful and suitable for diagnosis of influenza A and especially influenza B.
authors.affiliation: Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University.
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ashikawa
authors.affiliation: Takasaki Pediatric Clinic.
authors.forename: Yoshio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Takasaki
authors.affiliation: Shindo Pediatric Clinic.
authors.forename: Shizuo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shindo
authors.affiliation: Yamashita Pediatric Clinic.
authors.forename: Yuji
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.affiliation: Shibao Clinic.
authors.forename: Keigo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shibao
authors.affiliation: Yokoyama Pediatric Clinic.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yokoyama
authors.affiliation: Yokoyama Pediatric Clinic.
authors.forename: Takato
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yokoyama
authors.affiliation: Iwaya Pediatric Clinic.
authors.forename: Minako
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iwaya
authors.affiliation: Kiyomatsu Pediatric Clinic.
authors.forename: Yumi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kiyomatsu
authors.affiliation: Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Miyamoto
mesh_terms: D002846:Chromatography, Affinity / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000821:virology*; D057230:Limit of Detection; D013997:Time Factors