Influenza A virus (avian influenza virus) is one of the most common pathogens infecting millions of people and animals (particularly birds) every year. Due to its high variability, the virus can give rise to not only local epidemics, but also pandemics on a global scale. Pandemic of so-called avian influenza which ocurred in the first decade of the 21st century caused economic losses estimated at several billion euros.
Oseltamivir, more commonly known under its trade name „Tamiflu”, gained particular popularity due to avian influenza, and has been included in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines.
As Tamiflu is now widely used throughout Europe, it is becoming increasingly important to identify and distinguish between influenza strains susceptible and resistant to Oseltamivir. This differentiation is particularly important while dealing with resistant strains, in which case administration of the drug will not only not yield any positive effects but may result in the emergence of a new influenza strain resistant to the drug.
Developed diagnostic method based on real-time PCR, provides effective tool for identification of influenza virus (IV) as well as determination of its resistance or susceptibility to treatment.
