Rapid detection tests for distinguishing between influenza virus type A and B among children less than 5 years, using direct immunofluorescence assay and RT-PCR techniques

Abstract

Detection of influenza virus surveillance was world concerned for long time, because of series public health caused by the virus. In this study, rapid and sensitive methods of direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) and the real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect and distinguish between influenza virus type A and B in children, with influenza like illness symptoms, of age ranged between 2 months and 5 years old in two children hospitals in Baghdad city.  Eight out of 100 (8%) children under investigation were found positive for influenza virus type A by using DFA while 13 (13%) was detected by RT–PCR. Whilst influenza B was completely absent in all individuals tested. In summary, influenza virus type A was moderately present (8%-13%) and absence of type B in population tested in Baghdad city by using serological and molecular assays.

Kaywords: key word, Influenza virus A and B, , DFA and RT-PCR