A recent research study has characterised the analytical performance and clinical potential of a flu test developed by Roche Applied Science.
The availability of suitable diagnostic tools for identifying infected individuals is crucial for precise treatment in infectious diseases.
The appearance of a novel pandemic human strain of Influenza A (H1N1/09) in April 2009, which is currently regarded as the most dangerous widespread influenza virus subtype, may serve as an example.
Surveillance and early disease containment measures continue to play an important role in managing outbreaks of this virus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) influenza update released on 25 February 2011, influenza activity is increasing in parts of North America coincident with increasing numbers of detections of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 and influenza type B.
The dominant virus in North America is still currently Influenza A (H3N2).
The transmission of influenza appears to have peaked in most parts of Western Europe, with the number of severe and fatal cases continuing to accumulate.
During 2009-10, the Realtime-ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set from Roche Applied Science proved its suitability for identifying individuals suffering from Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 by helping physicians to determine an early, targeted treatment for this group.
In the recent research study, the analytical performance and clinical potential generated with the Realtime-ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set using the Lightcycler 2.0 instrument was further characterised.
The study demonstrated the usefulness of the set as a tool for quickly detecting and monitoring the H1N1/09 Influenza A virus infections, which are known to cause more severe illness than the H3N2 and Inf B subtypes.
According to the WHO, severe cases of infection occur in 15-64 year olds.
A substantial number of cases appear outside of the known higher-risk groups and a majority of these are a result of the H1N1 2009 virus infection.
Gerd Haberhausen, life-cycler leader for qPCR at Roche Applied Science, said: 'We have extended our Realtime-ready influenza portfolio in 2010 to be well prepared for a potential new pandemic outbreak in the future.
'It allows the identification of individuals infected with the H1N1/09 Influenza A virus and Influenza B, further improving the tests' potential to facilitate clinical decision making and demonstrating our commitment to Roche's personalised healthcare approach,' added Haberhausen.
In late 2010, Roche Applied Science launched two RT-PCR detection sets for Influenza B for use in a standalone reaction to detect Influenza B infections in a variety of research sample materials.
In addition, the Influenza B test supplements the previously launched Realtime-ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set, allowing researchers to perform duplex (Lightcycler 2.0) or triplex (Lightcycler 480) reactions for identifying and distinguishing between Influenza A and/or Influenza B infections.
If the first test is positive for Influenza A, users of this set can then test for the H1N1 subtype.
