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)

• Published in: Journal of virological methods Vol. 171; no. 1; pp. 86 - 90
• Main Authors: Bennett, Susan, Gunson, Rory N., MacLean, Alasdair, Miller, Rhona, Carman, William F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 01.01.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Amino Acid Substitution - genetics; Biological and medical sciences; Drug Resistance, Viral; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; H275Y; Humans; Influenza A H1N1; Influenza A virus - classification; Influenza A virus - drug effects; Influenza A virus - genetics; Influenza A virus - isolation & purification; Influenza, Human - diagnosis; Influenza, Human - virology; Microbial Sensitivity Tests - methods; Microbiology; Mutation, Missense; Neuraminidase - genetics; Oseltamivir - pharmacology; Oseltamivir resistance; Real-time PCR; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; Sensitivity and Specificity; Swine influenza; Techniques used in virology; Viral Proteins - genetics; Virology; Real-time PCR; Influenza A H1N1; Oseltamivir resistance; Swine influenza; H275Y; Orthomyxoviridae; Swine; Antiviral; Influenza A; Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; Ungulata; Method; Real time; Infection; Virus; Polymerase chain reaction; Resistance; Oseltamivir; Vertebrata; Influenzavirus A; Mammalia; Influenza A virus; Viral disease; Artiodactyla; Detection; Veterinary
• ISSN: 0166-0934; 1879-0984
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2010.10.005

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.