Capillary Electrophoresis-Based Assay Differentiates Respiratory Viruses

In a study carried out at the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, (Salt Lake City, Utah, USA), scientists evaluated the capillary electrophoresis-based multiplex assay for three viral targets. Thirty respiratory samples were collected that had previously tested positive for a respiratory virus. There were ten samples from each of the following viruses: Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus.

The multiplex PCR test, called the Seeplex assay was manufactured by Seegene (Rockville, MD, USA). The assay detected nine of the ten influenza A samples; nine out of ten influenza B samples, and all ten RSV samples. The overall total detection rate was 93%. The two samples that were undetected by the Seegene assay both generated late-crossing thresholds on the real-time platform, consistent with low viral loads. The authors concluded that the Seeplex assay provides a promising alternative for multiplex respiratory testing.

The importance of differentiating between respiratory pathogenic organisms is while those infected with the 2009 H1N1 Flu strain, seasonal influenza A and B have similar symptoms, the correct antiviral drug must be prescribed for efficacious treatment. The 2009 H1N1 Flu, seasonal influenza A (H3N2), and seasonal influenza B viruses are susceptible to the neuraminidase inhibitors, while seasonal influenza A (H1N1) is resistant to these drugs. The Influenza B virus is easier to catch in fall/winter and symptoms are similar to those of Influenza A virus. Therefore, it is essential to differentiate between 2009 H1N1 Flu and other seasonal influenza viruses for administration of the appropriate therapy and prevention of drug resistance. The study was published in January 2011 in Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science.

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