Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Identification of genotypes of Influenza A virus in Malaysia
Rahman Mm1, Wong Kk2, Isahak I3
1Rahman MM, Professor, Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, UKM, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Objective:
Influenza is considered as an emerging disease until today. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalent genotypes of Influenza A virus in Malaysia.
Methods:
Influenza A virus was identified from respiratory specimens by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Phylogenetic analysis of the identified isolates was performed and genotypes were detected.
Results:
A total number of 505 throat swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates were examined by rRT-PCR at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) in which 65(12.87%) were positive for influenza A. The identified isolates were successfully genotyped by phylogenetic analysis. The identified influenza A genotypes were: H1N1 (42), H3N2 (20) and H5N1 (3).
Conclusion:
The findings indicated that 3 genotypes were circulating in Malaysia during 2011 in which H1N1 was the predominant. RESULTS added new genotype (H5N1) identification record in Malaysia that may be added in data base of WHO and CDC.
Insights
Influenza A virus genotyping in Malaysia revealed three prevalent strains: H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1. H1N1 was the most common, with H5N1 being a new identification for the region.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza A virus poses a continuous public health threat as an emerging infectious disease.
- Understanding circulating influenza genotypes is crucial for effective disease surveillance and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalent genotypes of Influenza A virus in Malaysia.
- To contribute to the global understanding of influenza virus diversity and circulation patterns.
Main Methods:
- Respiratory specimens were analyzed using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) for Influenza A virus detection.
- Phylogenetic analysis was employed to identify and confirm the genotypes of the detected Influenza A virus isolates.
Main Results:
- Out of 505 respiratory specimens tested, 65 (12.87%) were positive for Influenza A.
- Phylogenetic analysis successfully identified three Influenza A genotypes: H1N1 (42 isolates), H3N2 (20 isolates), and H5N1 (3 isolates).
Conclusions:
- The study identified three circulating Influenza A genotypes in Malaysia during 2011, with H1N1 being predominant.
- The detection of the H5N1 genotype represents a new record for Malaysia, potentially enriching global influenza databases like those of the WHO and CDC.
