Suboptimal detection of influenza virus in adults by the Directigen Flu A+B enzyme immunoassay and correlation of results with the number of antigen-positive cells detected by cytospin immunofluorescence

J Clin Microbiol. 2003 Jul;41(7):3407-9. doi: 10.1128/JCM.41.7.3407-3409.2003.

Abstract

To provide 24-h influenza diagnosis for adults presenting to the emergency department, the Directigen Flu A+B enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was performed in the chemistry laboratory during the night shift. Nasopharyngeal swabs were retested by cytospin-enhanced direct immunofluorescence (DFA; SimulFluor respiratory screen) when the virology laboratory opened. The influenza EIA detected 16 influenza A virus infections, whereas cytospin-enhanced DFA detected 31 influenza A virus infections as well as 3 respiratory syncytial virus, 2 adenovirus, and 1 parainfluenza virus infections. A positive EIA result usually correlated with 50 or more influenza virus cells positive by DFA.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, Viral / analysis*
  • Centrifugation
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques / methods*
  • Influenza A virus / classification
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza B virus / classification
  • Influenza B virus / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Nasopharynx / cytology
  • Nasopharynx / virology
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic*

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic