A novel molecular test for influenza B virus detection and lineage differentiation.

Contemporary influenza B viruses are classified into two groups known as Yamagata and Victoria lineages. The co-circulation of two viral lineages in recent years urges for a robust and simple diagnostic test for detecting influenza B viruses and for lineage differentiation. In this study, a SYBR green-based asymmetric PCR assay has been developed for influenza B virus detection. Apart from identifying influenza B virus, the assay contains sequence-specific probes for lineage differentiation. This allows identifying influenza B virus and detecting influenza B viral lineage in a single reaction. The test has been evaluated by a panel of respiratory specimens. Of 108 influenza B virus-positive specimens, 105 (97%) were positive in this assay. None of the negative control respiratory specimens were positive in the test (N=60). Viral lineages of all samples that are positive in the assay (N=105) can also be classified correctly. These results suggest that this assay has a potential for routine influenza B virus surveillance. J. Med. Virol. 86:2171-2176, 2014. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.