Abstract:

Objective To assess the application effect of real-time fluorescence reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, and to provide reliable data to laboratory detection for avian influenza A(H7N9) virus surveillance, prevention and control. Methods A total of 137 being monitored and suspected specimens from hospitals were collected, and the nucleic acids of avian influenza A(H7N9)virus in specimens from upper and lower respiratory tracts were detected by 4 kinds of real-time fluorescence RT-PCR kits. Results The positive rate of avian influenza A(H7N9)virus was 3.65%(5/137). Among the positive specimens,the positive rate of upper respiratory tract was 60%(3/5), and the positive rate of lower respiratory tract was 100%(3/3). The coincidence rate of 4 kinds of kits was 100%. Conclusions Real-time fluorescence RT-PCR can detect the nucleic acid of avian influenza A(H7N9)virus effectively. Specimens from lower respiratory tract contribute to improve the positive detection rate of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus.

Key words: Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, Human infection, Real-time fluorescence reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Lower respiratory tract specimen