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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
High-throughput Detection Method for Influenza Virus
Published on: February 4, 2012
Advancing respiratory virus diagnostics: integrating the nasal IFN-I score for improved viral detection
Marine Mommert-Tripon1, Delphine Parraud2, Cloé Grosbois1
1Joint Research Unit Civils Hospices of Lyon-bioMérieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, 69310, France; Open Innovation & Partnerships (OIP), BioMérieux S.A., Marcy l'Etoile, 69280, France.
Background:
This study aimed to demonstrate the utility of the nasal Type I interferon (IFN-I) response as a marker for respiratory viral infections (RVIs) and its potential to enhance diagnosis when combined with first-line PCR tests for Influenza A/B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2.
Methods:
Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) from patients at Hospices Civils de Lyon (November 2022-April 2024) suspected of viral infections (n = 788) and from healthy controls (n = 53) were analysed. The IFN-I score was measured using the FILMARRAY® IFN-I pouch prototype, which detects four interferon-stimulated genes. The study evaluated the performance of the IFN-I score in detecting samples positive for viruses by first-line PCR and assessed its benefit in diagnosing RVIs in samples initially classified as negative by PCR.
Findings:
Out of 788 NPS included, 504 (64%) were positive with the first-line PCR tests, and IFN-I score was significantly higher in those samples (median [IQR]: 13.00 [2.76-45.40]) compared to ones collected from healthy controls (1.09 [0.67-1.30]; p < 0.0001), with an area under the curve (AUC; 95% CI) of 0.92 (0.90-0.92). Moreover, out of the 284 NPS negative with first-line PCR tests, suspicion of viral infection according to IFN-I score was found in 63% of cases (178/284). Second-line test (BioFire® Respiratory Panel 2.1 plus) and viral metagenomic confirmed the presence of viruses 94% of cases.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the potential of integrating nasal IFN-I score into clinical workflows to improve RVI diagnosis and enhance preparedness for emerging viruses.
Funding:
Public grant overseen by the French National Research Agency (ANR21-RHUS-08/ANR-23-CHIN-0001).
