Detecting Oseltamivir Resistance in Influenza A/H1N1 2009
Author Information
Author(s): Tong Steven Y. C., Dakh Farshid, Hurt Aeron C., Deng Yi-Mo, Freeman Kevin, Fagan Peter K., Barr Ian G., Giffard Philip M.
Primary Institution: Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University
Hypothesis
We aimed to design a real-time reverse-transcriptase-PCR (rRT-PCR), high-resolution melting (HRM) assay to detect the H275Y mutation that confers oseltamivir resistance in influenza A/H1N1 2009 viruses.
Conclusion
The HRM assay can rapidly and cost-effectively screen samples for oseltamivir resistance in influenza A/H1N1 2009, although it is less sensitive than TaqMan assays.
Supporting Evidence
- The HRM assay was validated on 69 influenza positive clinical samples.
- The assay was able to differentiate between wildtype and mutant strains.
- The study found that 34% of clinical samples would not be amenable to the HRM assay due to low viral concentrations.
Takeaway
Scientists created a test to quickly find out if a flu virus is resistant to a medicine called oseltamivir, which helps treat the flu.
Methodology
The study used a real-time reverse-transcriptase-PCR (rRT-PCR) followed by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis to detect the H275Y mutation.
Limitations
The assay cannot reliably interrogate clinical samples with low amounts of viral RNA template.
Participant Demographics
Patients with influenza-like illness from Royal Darwin Hospital.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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