Abstract
Epidemics of seasonal influenza caused by H1N1pdm09, H3N2, and type B viruses occur throughout the world. Sporadic human H5 and H7N9 virus infections are also reported in particular regions. To treat influenza patients effectively with antivirals, sensitive and broad-reactive influenza rapid diagnostic tests (IRDTs) are required. Here, we tested the sensitivity of 23 IRDTs during the 2018–2019 influenza season for their ability to detect H1N1pdm09, H3N2, H5N1, H5N6, H7N9, and Victoria- and Yamagata-lineage type B viruses. All IRDTs detected all influenza A and B viruses tested but with different sensitivities. Several IRDTs detected the H5 and H7 viruses and the seasonal viruses with similar sensitivity. Such IRDTs might be useful for diagnosing patients infected with H5 and H7 viruses.
Highlights
Influenza virus infection is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases
The 23 influenza rapid diagnostic tests (IRDTs) listed in Table 1 were evaluated for reactivity and sensitivity according to the manufacturers’ procedures
We examined the sensitivity of 23 IRDTs commercially available in the 2018–2019 influenza season (Table 1)
Summary
Influenza virus infection is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases. Seasonal influenza viruses, including H1N1pdm09, H3N2, and type B viruses, cause annual epidemics, despite the use of vaccines against influenza virus. We examined the sensitivity of 23 IRDTs commercially available in the 2018–2019 influenza season (Table 1). Veritor System Flu, Fuji dri-chem immuno AG cartridge FluAB, Spotchem FLORA FluAB, and Sofia Influenza A + B FIA; the human eye is used for the others (Table 1).
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