A team of genetics experts in Southampton have produced swine flu real-time PCR kit, the world’s first DNA test for influenza A(H1N1). The first shipment of rapid-results tests has been sent to Mexico and various territories to aid the authorities in monitoring the number of suspected cases.

The test kit was developed by PrimerDesign Ltd, a UK-based firm founded by University of Southampton. This company already manufactures genetic detection kits for other viruses. When the Center for Disease Control published the genetic data of the deadly swine flu virus early this month, PrimerDesign’s swine flu DNA project team announced that the development the ultimate diagnosis tool was imminent.

The real-time PCR kit works by rapidly multiplying a sample of DNA taken from a suspected swine flu patient. This test quickly differentiates common strains of the flu virus from H1N1. While the current tests for swine flu are accurate, medical professionals would have to wait for 2 days for the result. The new Swine Flu test kit, on the other hand, detects the presence of the virus within 2 hours. At the rate the swine flu virus is spreading, early detection is unquestionably significant. According to Dr. Jim Wicks of PremierDesign, the new DNA test will contribute to the worldwide effort against Swine flu.

The swine flu real-time test kit is sold primarily for research purposes but could also be used to diagnose the disease in laboratories globally. At present, 29 countries have officially reported 4379 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Updates and other information about swine flu can be found on the World Health Organization’s website.

References:
University of Southampton (2009, May 2). Scientists Race To Deliver DNA Swine Flu Test
University of Southampton (2009, May 10). First Swine Flu DNA Test Produced.

Tags: DNA test kit, H1N1, influenza, influenza A, Mexican swine flu, pandemic, PCR kit, PrimerDesign Ltd, swine flu, swine flu test