Multiplex RT-PCR for the rapid detection of influenza virus types and subtypes

Objective To establish a sensitive and specific multiplex RT-PCR (MRT-PCR) for the simultaneous detection of influenza virus types and subtypes. Methods Primers were designed from highly conserved region of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of influenza H1N1,H3N2 and B virus and MRT-PCR was performed. Additional two pairs of primers were designed to determine the N1 and N2 subtypes of neuramidinase (NA) of influenza H1N1 and H3N2 virus. Results The fragments of HA gene of all types of influenza virus were amplifi...