[Evaluation of a new immunochromatographic kit for enhanced detection of influenza B virus]

We have evaluated a new immunochromatographic kit, "KBM LineCheck Flu AB", which had been developed for enhanced detection of influenza B viruses. Five strains of influenza A and B viruses were tested for reactivity and detection limits of the kit. Compared with the detection limits of commercially available kit of QuickNavi-Flu, "KBM LineCheck Flu AB" showed a nearly equal reactivity to influenza A viruses, but quadruple reactivity to 2 influenza B viruses. Also, "KBM LineCheck Flu AB" exhibited high specificity when tested in 130 influenza-negative culture specimens derived from 24 adult volunteers. Furthermore, "KBM LineCheck Flu AB" was clinically evaluated by using 866 specimens, including 190 nasal swabs, 201 nasal aspirations, 262 self-blown nasal discharges, and 213 pharyngeal swabs. Compared with the results of QuickNavi-Flu for influenza A, the test efficiency for the nasal swabs, the nasal aspirations, self-blown nasal discharges, and pharyngeal swabs were calculated to be 95.8%, 92.0%, 95.0%, and 94.8%, respectively. Whereas, as to influenza B, the test efficiency for the nasal swabs, the nasal aspirations, self-blown nasal discharges, and pharyngeal swabs was calculated to be 96.3%, 98.5%, 96.2%, and 93.4%, respectively. Similarly, compared with the results of influenza A viral culture, the test efficiency for the nasal swabs, the nasal aspirations, self-blown nasal discharges, and pharyngeal swabs was calculated to be 95.3%, 91.0%, 93.9%, and 92.5%, respectively. Regarding influenza B culture, the test efficiency for the nasal swabs, the nasal aspirations, self-blown nasal discharges, and pharyngeal swabs were calculated to be 95.8%, 97.5%, 95.1%, 91.5%, respectively. Overall, we concluded that the "KBM LineCheck Flu AB" is useful and suitable for diagnosis of influenza A and especially influenza B.