[Development of one step RT-PCR technique for detection of H7 subtype avian influenza]

According to 45 hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequences of H7 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV), a pair of specific oligonucleotide primers was designed. We developed one step RT-PCR for detecting AIV subtype H7. Sensitivity to detection of allantoic fluid by one step RT-PCR reached 10(5.5) EID50/mL and detection of swab samples reached 10(3) EID50/mL. We simultaneity detected the tissue and swab samples infected with H7 subtypes AIV by one step RT-PCR and virus isolation method. The results showed that the sensitivity of the assay gave an excellent correlation with the conventional virus isolation method. H1-H15 subtypes of avian influenza and other avian diseases were detected by the one step RT-PCR. The results showed the assays were high specific, without cross-reaction with other subtypes or other avian diseases. Development of one step RT-PCR will provide effective technical support for the rapid diagnosis and surveillance of molecular epidemiology of AIV subtype H7.