The CDC 2009 Influenza A H1N1 (Flu) Pandemic Real-time RT-PCR Panel including Pandemic Influenza A and Pandemic H1 Assays

CDC researchers have developed probes and primers for detecting the 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus in patient samples using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) methods. These primers and probes were originally developed in 2009 and were cleared by the FDA as part of a domestic human diagnostic testing panel in June 2010. These were also updated to increase specificity and/or sensitivity of the detection methods. The compositions and methods can be used to quickly identify 2009 pandemic influenza A (pdm InfA) and pandemic H1 (pdm H1), other influenza A virus sub-types (e.g., H3, H5, H7, and H9) and influenza B virus sub-types present in a sample. The CDC-developed probes and primers permit the rapid detection and/or discrimination of influenza virus subtype nucleic acids in initial clinical sample testing.