H1N1 AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS- RAPID AND EASE IN VIRAL AND DISEASE MONITORING

Abstract

Influenza a viruses are medically significant pathogens responsible for higher mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Swine influenza known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1, H1N2, H2N3,H3N1, and H3N2, is a highly contagious and an economically important disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae. Mainly H1N1, H1N2, H3N2 and H3N1 subtypes of influenza A viruses are endemic in pig populations worldwide. Pigs can also be infected by humans and avian influenza viruses and, acts as ‘mixing vessels’ for them, giving rise to novel reassortants. Human infections with swine flu H1N1 viruses have been earlier reported to be rare. Current review focuses on the significant approach of the usage of Molecular method utilizing Real-Time PCR in detail for the detection of type A influenza virus (H1N1 subtype) in human specimens.