Multicenter evaluation of molecular point-of-care testing and digital immunoassays for influenza virus A/B and respiratory syncytial virus in patients with influenza-like illness. Issue 6 (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaku, Norihito; Kodama, Hina; Akamatsu, Norihiko; Ota, Kenji; Kosai, Kosuke; Morinaga, Yoshitomo; Narita, Yusuke; Matsumoto, Yasushi; Matsushita, Tetsuro; Mizuta, Yohei; Izumikawa, Koichi; Mukae, Hiroshi; Yanagihara, Katsunori
• Is Part Of: Journal of infection and chemotherapy. Volume 27:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 820
• Page End: 825
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Influenza -- Molecular diagnostic techniques -- Multicenter study -- Point-of-care -- Respiratory syncytial virus; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.5805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.01.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1341-321X

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Digital immunoassays (DIAs) and molecular point-of-care (POC) tests for influenza were recently developed. We aimed to evaluate and compare the positive rate with molecular POC tests and DIAs in detecting influenza virus A, B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 2019–2020. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from adult outpatients with influenza-like illness who visited four hospitals and clinics in Japan. DIAs were performed at each facility. The clinical diagnosis was determined based on the findings of DIAs, history taking, and physical assessment. Molecular POC test and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed later. Results: A total of 182 patients were evaluated. The positive rate for influenza virus with molecular POC test was significantly higher than that with DIAs (51.6% versus 40.7%, p = 0.046). In patients who tested positive for influenza virus with only molecular POC test, the presence of influenza virus was confirmed by RT-PCR. In a comparison between the patients who were positive for influenza virus with only molecular POC test and those with both molecular POC test and DIA, the percentage of patients who sought consultation within 18 h after the onset of symptoms was significantly higher in the molecular POC test only group than in the both methods group (70.0% versus 43.2%, p = 0.044). Conclusions: A molecular POC test could contribute to the accurate diagnosis of influenza in patients with influenza-like illness, especially those who visited a hospital immediately after the onset of symptoms.