[On-microchip PCR for detection of influenza A viruses subtypes, circulating in the human population]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Bioinformatics

Context:

• Influenza A viruses pose a significant global health threat, necessitating rapid and accurate subtype identification.
• Existing methods for influenza subtyping can be time-consuming and require specialized laboratory equipment.
• The emergence of novel influenza strains, such as pandemic H1N1 and avian H7N9, highlights the need for advanced diagnostic tools.

Purpose:

• To develop and validate an oligonucleotide microchip for the simultaneous detection of multiple Influenza A virus subtypes.
• To enable rapid and accurate typing of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes directly from clinical samples.
• To provide a cost-effective and efficient diagnostic platform for influenza surveillance.

Summary:

• An oligonucleotide microchip assay was designed utilizing immobilized primers and probes targeting the neuraminidase gene of Influenza A viruses.
• On-microchip polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for sensitive and specific amplification and detection of target viral RNA.
• The assay successfully identified various circulating human influenza A subtypes, including pandemic H1N1, seasonal H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, H5N1, H9N2, and H7N9.

Impact:

• This microchip technology offers a rapid, multiplexed approach for influenza A virus subtyping, crucial for timely clinical diagnosis and epidemiological studies.
• It facilitates enhanced surveillance of both seasonal and potentially pandemic influenza strains, aiding in public health preparedness.
• The assay's ability to determine both HA and NA subtypes provides critical information for understanding viral evolution and informing therapeutic strategies.