Influenza A, Influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2 Similarities and Differences – A Focus on Diagnosis

• Published in: Frontiers in microbiology Vol. 13; p. 908525
• Main Authors: Havasi, Andrei, Visan, Simona, Cainap, Calin, Cainap, Simona Sorana, Mihaila, Alin Adrian, Pop, Laura-Ancuta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 20.06.2022
• Subjects: COVID-19 influenza coinfection; diagnosis; influenza; Microbiology; PCR diagnosis; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 1664-302X; 1664-302X
• DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.908525

In late December 2019, the first cases of viral pneumonia caused by an unidentified pathogen were reported in China. Two years later, SARS-CoV-2 was responsible for almost 450 million cases, claiming more than 6 million lives. The COVID-19 pandemic strained the limits of healthcare systems all across the world. Identifying viral RNA through real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction remains the gold standard in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, equipment cost, availability, and the need for trained personnel limited testing capacity. Through an unprecedented research effort, new diagnostic techniques such as rapid diagnostic testing, isothermal amplification techniques, and next-generation sequencing were developed, enabling accurate and accessible diagnosis. Influenza viruses are responsible for seasonal outbreaks infecting up to a quarter of the human population worldwide. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 present with flu-like symptoms, making the differential diagnosis challenging solely on clinical presentation. Healthcare systems are likely to be faced with overlapping SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza outbreaks. This review aims to present the similarities and differences of both infections while focusing on the diagnosis. We discuss the clinical presentation of Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and techniques available for diagnosis. Furthermore, we summarize available data regarding the multiplex diagnostic assay of both viral infections.