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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
High-throughput Detection Method for Influenza Virus
Published on: February 4, 2012
Evaluation of influenza virus detection by direct enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and conventional methods in asthmatic
Abstract:
Throat gargle specimens of fifty-seven acute asthmatic patients (age range 18-40 years) were collected for the study. Thirty-four patients were found influenza virus positive in acute asthma cases. Influenza virus was isolated by conventional culture method on MDCK cell-line and by enzyme immunoassay test (EIA). The EIA negative specimens were retested after virus amplification on MDCK cell-line. Virus shedding and virus surface receptors assay was carried out to determine influenza virus titre. Airway functions were measured by spirometry. A good relationship was observed between the degree of airflow limitation and presence of influenza virus infection (p < 0.001; r = 0.85). A comparable difference in % FEV1 was observed in relation to the symptoms. The patients with greater viral antigen load had lower % FEV1. Two specimens, which were EIA negative, turned out to be positive after amplification on MDCK cell-line. The sensitivity was 98% and specificity was 100%. It was concluded that EIA method is a useful diagnostic tool as it detects influenza viral antigen quickly as compared to conventional methods.
Insights
Influenza virus infection significantly worsens acute asthma, correlating with reduced lung function. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) offers a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for detecting influenza viral antigens in asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pulmonology
- Virology
Background:
- Acute asthma exacerbations can be triggered by viral infections.
- Influenza virus is a common respiratory pathogen with potential to impact asthma severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between influenza virus infection and acute asthma.
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for influenza virus detection in asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- Throat gargle specimens from 57 acute asthma patients were analyzed.
- Influenza virus was detected using conventional culture and enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
- Airway function was assessed via spirometry, measuring % FEV1.
Main Results:
- Influenza virus was detected in 34 out of 57 patients.
- A strong correlation (r=0.85, p<0.001) was found between airflow limitation and influenza infection.
- Higher viral antigen load correlated with lower % FEV1, indicating more severe airflow obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Influenza virus infection is significantly associated with increased airflow limitation in acute asthma.
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is a sensitive (98%) and specific (100%) diagnostic tool for rapid influenza viral antigen detection.
- EIA provides a faster alternative to conventional methods for diagnosing influenza in acute asthma cases.
