Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

10:05
High-throughput Detection Method for Influenza Virus
Published on: February 4, 2012
Evolving gene targets and technology in influenza detection.
Anthony P Malanoski1, Baochuan Lin
1Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U. S. Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue, S. W., Code 6900, Washington, DC, 20375, USA.
Molecular Diagnosis & Therapy
|May 21, 2013
Summary
Early influenza detection is crucial for managing outbreaks. This review covers technologies for identifying influenza virus strains and their gene targets, aiding patient care and infection control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Diagnostic Technology
Background:
- Influenza viruses cause annual epidemics with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Current influenza control relies heavily on yearly vaccine updates targeting prevalent strains.
- Accurate influenza detection is vital for effective patient management and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging technologies for influenza virus detection and strain identification.
- To discuss specific gene targets used in influenza diagnostics.
- To explore the implications of these technologies in patient management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diagnostic technologies for influenza.
- Analysis of gene targets utilized in influenza detection methods.
- Evaluation of the impact of diagnostic speed and accuracy on patient care.
Main Results:
- Various technologies exist for influenza detection, with ongoing advancements.
- Specific gene targets are crucial for accurate strain identification.
- Rapid and precise diagnostics are essential for timely antiviral treatment and outbreak containment.
Conclusions:
- Early and accurate influenza detection is paramount for public health.
- Emerging technologies offer improved capabilities for strain identification and surveillance.
- Diagnostic advancements directly impact patient management strategies and epidemic control.
Related Concept Videos
Viral Mutations
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
Leaky Scanning
During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA. Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...

