Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Simultaneous detection of novel H7N9 and other influenza A viruses in poultry by multiplex real-time RT-PCR.
- Journal:
- Virology journal
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Xu, Xiaolong et al.
- Affiliation:
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute · China
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
Researchers have developed a new test to quickly detect the H7N9 influenza A virus, which can spread from birds to humans and has been a concern since it first appeared in China in 2013 and 2014. This test can identify H7N9 and other types of influenza A viruses in poultry samples, showing reliable results even when the virus is present in very small amounts. The test was evaluated using over a thousand poultry samples and proved to be accurate and consistent. This new method will help in monitoring and diagnosing H7N9 and other influenza viruses in birds, which is important for preventing outbreaks. Overall, the test is effective and could be a valuable tool for keeping both birds and humans safe from this virus.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A novel reassortant H7N9 influenza A virus has crossed the species barrier from poultry to cause human infections in China in 2013 and 2014. Rapid detection of the novel H7N9 virus is important to detect this virus in poultry and reduce the risk of an epidemic in birds or humans. FINDINGS: In this study, a multiplex real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) assay for rapid detection of H7N9 and other influenza A viruses was developed. To evaluate the assay, various influenza A viruses, other avian respiratory viruses, and 1,070 samples from poultry were tested. Fluorescence signals corresponding to H7 and N9 subtypes were detected only when H7 and N9 subtypes were present, while the fluorescence signal for the influenza A M gene was detected in all specimens with influenza A strains. The fluorescent signal can be detected in dilutions as low as 56 copies per reaction for the H7, N9 and M genes. Intra- and inter-assay variability tests showed a reliable assay. In poultry samples, a comparison of rRT-PCR with virus isolation showed a high level of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The multiplex rRT-PCR assay in this study has good specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility, and will be useful for laboratory surveillance and rapid diagnosis of H7N9 and other influenza A viruses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25925390/