A novel real-time RT-PCR assay for influenza C tested in Peruvian children

Influenza C virus (ICV) has been recognized as a cause of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in humans since 1947 [1]. However, since ICV is difficult to culture, the true burden of disease has remained unclear. Seroprevalence of ICV has been reported to be as high as 64% by 5 years of age, suggesting that many infections occur during early childhood [2 –5]. Recent RT-PCR studies suggest that ICV may be more commonly associated with ARI than previously thought [6–8]. However, ICV assays are not commercially available or widely tested in children.

Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - September 1, 2017 Category: Virology Authors: Leigh M. Howard, Monika Johnson, Ana I. Gil, Andrew Pekosz, Marie R. Griffin, Kathryn M. Edwards, Claudio F. Lanata, Carlos G. Grijalva, John V. Williams, for the RESPIRA-PERU Group Tags: Full length article Source Type: research