The Avian Influenza Virus (H5/H7/H9) Real Time PCR Kit is an in vitro diagnostic avian influenza test kit for the qualitative detection and differentiation of H5, H7 and H9 viral RNA. The assay is intended for human nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens.

This multiplex avian influenza PCR test helps laboratories distinguish three avian influenza A subtypes associated with human infection in one workflow. An internal control supports process monitoring, and the assay is designed for use on compatible mainstream real-time PCR instruments.

Avian Influenza Background

There are four types of influenza (flu) viruses: A, B, C and D. Wild aquatic birds, including gulls, terns, and shorebirds, and wild waterfowl, such as ducks, geese and swans are considered reservoirs (hosts) for avian influenza A viruses.

Avian influenza A viruses are classified into the following two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) A viruses, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A viruses. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses cause severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry. Only some avian influenza A(H5) and A(H7) viruses are classified as HPAI A viruses, while most A(H5) and A(H7) viruses circulating among birds are LPAI A viruses. HPAI A(H5) or A(H7) virus infections can cause disease that affects multiple internal organs with mortality up to 90% to 100% in chickens, often within 48 hours. Both HPAI and LPAI viruses can spread rapidly through poultry flocks. Avian influenza A viruses rarely infect people. The most frequently identified subtypes of avian influenza A viruses that have caused human infections are H5, H7 and H9 viruses.

• H5/H7/H9 differentiation: Detects and differentiates RNA from three avian influenza A subtypes.
• Defined human specimen use: Suitable for human nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs.
• Process reliability: Includes an internal control and no cross-reaction with other similar-symptom viruses
• Efficient PCR workflow: Delivers results in 79 minutes and supports avian influenza testing across multiple mainstream real-time PCR instruments.

This avian flu test kit is intended for molecular testing of human respiratory specimens. Appropriate applications include:

• H5, H7 and H9 subtype testing: Qualitative detection and differentiation when avian influenza A infection is considered in a human diagnostic workup.

• Human respiratory swab analysis: Testing of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs in professional molecular laboratories.

• Public health and reference laboratory workflows: Use within laboratory testing programs that require clear subtype identification, subject to local protocols and the kit's intended use.

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