Comparison of GeneXpert FluA PCR to direct fluorescent antibody and respiratory viral panel PCR assays for detection of 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus.

摘要

The emergence of 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus has made accurate detection and subtyping of influenza viruses a priority for many clinical laboratories. The Cepheid Gene-Xpert instrument is a cartridge-based PCR system for performing nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification, and real-time detection automatically without intermediate sample-handling steps (2). We performed a study, approved by the UCSF Committee on Human Research, to determine its ability to detect 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus by using previously tested frozen patient samples.We analyzed 105 upper respiratory specimens (nasal aspirates/washes or nasopharyngeal flocked swabs in universal transport media). Twenty-six were positive for influenza A virus by use of direct fluorescent antibody (DFA; Millipore/ Light Diagnostics, Temecula, CA).