DIAGNOSTIC METHODS OF INFLUENZA A FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Influenza viruses cause seasonal epidemics with patients displaying respiratory infection leading to high morbidity and mortality in some cases. However, even during periods of epidemic prevalence, clinical diagnoses are problematic. Clinical laboratory tests became more important, especially after the H1N1 pandemics in 2009. To date, several tests are available from classic to molecular approaches, although some of them may present limitations for a promptly diagnostic response, including time consuming, average sensitivity or sensibility. From April 2009 to the present, the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has been evolving continuously, acquiring new amino acid changes that may alter its antigenic characteristics, virulence, and its antiviral drug susceptibility. This review provides an overview of various techniques, including those recommend by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for specific diagnosis of influenza infection. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17525/vrrjournal.v20i2.252