Molecular methods for diagnosis of influenza

The accurate and reliable diagnosis of transmissible diseases is the first requirement to ensure their control. Several different pathogens can produce respiratory illness with similar clinical symptoms, making an accurate diagnosis of influenza by a physician difficult. The invention and development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology has enabled rapid and sensitive viral diagnostic tests to influence patient treatment. Molecular methods used directly on clinical materials have an important role to play in the diagnosis and surveillance of influenza viruses.