Test allowing for faster ID of bird-flu strains reported

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — BioChip Innovations (BCI) is working to release Influenza PrimRset, a new product that can identify each of avian influenza's 144 strains, allowing quicker response time and appropriate treatment for outbreaks.

Current genetic tests used to detect and subtype influenza A viruses have multiple deficiencies, says Dr. Graeme Barnett, BCI CEO. "These include an inability of a single test to detect any of the 144 known subtypes, all of which infect wild birds," Barnett says. "The recent transference of the H5N1 virus from wild birds to poultry to humans has highlighted the need for a simple, accurate and affordable test that can detect and analyze any influenza strain."