Testing for Avian Influenza A virus: multiplex versus singleplex

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Avian influenza  (AI) – also known as ‘bird flu’ – remains a hot topic, with outbreaks and active restrictions continuing across Europe. According to a recent scientific report 867 outbreaks of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Virus were reported between September and December 2021 (1).

Influenza strains are classified by their haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) surface proteins. There are 16 subtypes of haemagglutinin and 9 subtypes of neuraminidase, giving rise to the classic influenza nomenclature – H1N1 and so on. HPAI strains are always H5 or H7. The epidemiology of Influenza Viruses is complex. They evolve constantly by a combination of genetic mutation and reassortment and the emergence of new strains can pose a significant threat to animal and human health.

When faced with an outbreak, veterinarians need to be able to test for and identify AI strains rapidly and efficiently, providing critical information on whether a strain is notifiable and the next steps they should take.

INDICAL’s virotype Influenza A H5/H7/H9 RT-PCR Kit (FLI-C 072) enables simultaneous detection and differentiation of AIV subtypes H5, H7 and H9 in a single RT-qPCR run. The test detects all currently circulating European, Asian and North American H5, H7 and H9 strains and clades. 

Outperforming singleplex PCR assays in both sensitivity and efficiency, this ready-to-use quadruplex assay is compatible with most common thermocyclers, delivering reliable results in just 1 hour.

The virotype Influenza A H5/H7/H9 RT-PCR Kit is just one of our solutions for rapid reliable screening and differentiation in avian influenza.

 

References

  1. European Food Safety Authority, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and European Union Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza. Avian influenza overview September – December 2021. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.7108. ( https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/avian-influenza-overview-september-december-2021)