Development of a Novel Multiple Colored, Long Fluorescent Probe Technology and Its Application in the Detection and Subtyping of Influenza a Virus

The aim of this research project is to develop a novel method for the detection and typing of RNA viruses, and to use this method to make a diagnostic kit for Influenza A virus. Influenza A virus spreads in seasonal epidemics and cause casual pandemic, interspecies transmission, leading to serious problems of public health. Surveillance of this interspecies transmission is important for preparation and control of emerging pandemic influenza. However, there is not a convenient detection method for viral subtyping currently. We will develop a real-time PCR kit for rapid detection in a single tube of H1, H3, H5, H7, H9 influenza A subtypes, which are common causes of seasonal epidemics and interspecies transmission. In addition, several core technologies will be developed in the project, for example, a long fluorescent probe will be designed to tolerate genetic variations of the RNA viruses. In addition, the probes will be tagged with different color, which allow the detection of multiple subtypes in a single tube. Preliminary results showed that our kit design work well, with a very good sensitivity and specificity. This method has potential to be applied in the detection of other RNA viruses, such as HCV and HIV. We anticipate that this kit can reduce the labor loading and save the cost of clinical laboratories in viral detection and subtyping. In addition, with its low expense, the kit can make reasonable profit for both the manufacturers and the clinical laboratories and has a good opportunity to success in the market.

Project ID:PC10308-1709
External Project ID:MOST103-2320-B182-030-MY2