Diagnostic considerations for Novel Influenza A (H1N1)

Abstract

Background: The emergence of novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) infection represents a significant pandemic threat. Rapid and accurate diagnosis will enhance treatment and containment efforts. Methods: Ninety eight patients with influenza-like illness meeting the CDC’s guidelines for screening were tested with the rapid influenza test. Positive samples for influenza A were tested with real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Subsequently, all samples were tested using Target Enriched Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tem-PCR). Results: Rapid influenza tests Conclusion: Clinical judgment should be applied when interpreting the results of the available S-OIV tests. A confirmatory and validated test for SOIV is urgently needed. confirmed 30 influenza A cases, 1 of influenza B, and resulted 67 negatives. The 30 samples positive for influenza A were tested using RT-PCR assay, which revealed 2 cases of seasonal influenza A, 7 cases of S-OIV, and 21 negatives for influenza infection. The TemPCR confirmed 1 of the seasonal influenza A cases but found the second case to be S-OIV. Tem-PCR confirmed the findings of RT-PCR in 3 of the SOIV cases but reported 4 of the cases negative for influenza. Additionally, Tem-PCR found 3 of the cases that were negative per RT-PCR were positive for S-OIV. The remainders were confirmed negative for influenza yet one was positive for adenovirus. The lone case of influenza B was confirmed with Tem-PCR. Among the 67 cases that were negative based on rapid influenza tests, Tem-PCR confirmed