Influenza Virus Types A and B

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Influenza Virus Types A and B TechNotes

Influenza viruses are unique in their ability to cause sudden, pervasive illnesses in all age groups of human population on a global scale. Three “pandemics” associated with “shift” of surface viral glycoproteins (HA, NA) have occurred in the past century. One of them, “Spanish flu”, in 1918 was responsible for more than 20 million deaths worldwide, primarily in young adults. Annual influenza epidemics associated with different virus types or subtypes caused excess morbidity and mortality especially in groups of high risk. In spite of special clinical signs of influenza (such as sudden fever (>38 °C), pronounced intoxication (headache, myalgias), dry cough, shortness of breath and sternal pain) common clinical picture varied in dependence of age, individual immunity condition, accompanied person pathology and pathogenicity of virus strain. Diagnosis during pre- and inter-epidemic periods became available as a result of laboratory test applications. Laboratory diagnosis for influenza is based on direct examination and paired serum specimens serological assay. Immunofluorescence (IF) testing performed directly on nasopharyngeal secretions. EIA tests are often more objective and more sensitive than IF for direct detection. These diagnoses are necessary for etiotropic chemotherapy prescription.

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Influenza A antigens

Influenza A monoclonal antibodies against:
1. Haemagglutinin (HA) H1, H2, H3, H5, H7, H9
2. Matrix protein M2
3. Nucleoprotein (NP)

Influenza B antigens

Influenza B monoclonal antibodies against:
1. Nucleoprotein (NP)
2. Haemagglutinin (HA)
3. Matrix protein M1