Multiplex assay for simultaneously typing and subtyping influenza viruses by use of an electronic microarray.

We report on the use of an electronic microarray to simultaneously type influenza A and B viruses and to distinguish influenza A virus subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 from the potentially pandemic avian virus subtype H5N1. The assay targets seven genes: the H1, H3, H5, N1, and N2 genes of influenza A virus; the matrix protein M1 gene of influenza A virus; and the nonstructural protein (NS) gene of influenza B virus. By combining a two-step reverse transcription-multiplex PCR with typing and subtyping on the electronic microarray, the assay achieved an analytical sensitivity of 10(2) to 10(3) copies of transcripts per reaction for each of the genes.

Evaluation of the NanoChip 400 system for detection of influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial, and parainfluenza viruses.

The NanoChip400 system uses multiplex PCR chemistry and electronic microarray detection of influenza A and B viruses; respiratory syncytial viruses A and B; and human parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3. The results obtained with the NanoChip 400 system were compared with those obtained by direct fluorescent-antibody staining (DFA) and real-time PCR with 122 and 130 specimens, respectively. Concordance between DFA and NanoChip 400 system was obtained for 106 of 122 (86.