A reverse transcriptase PCR was developed to detect 50 or 5,000 RNA copies of influenza A virus per ml in throat swab specimens. The assay was more sensitive than the Directigen Flu A test. The technique was also used to detect amantadine-resistant isolates.
Utility of reverse transcriptase PCR for rapid diagnosis of influenza a virus infection and detection of amantadine-resistant influenza a virus isolates.
Department of Infectious Disease and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, 111-P, Hines, IL 60141, USA. constance.pachucki@med.va.gov
