New Panel of Oligonucleotide Probes and Primers Ready for Influenza Researchers

Molecular biologists and virologists working on the influenza virus will welcome the introduction of a new panel of oligonucleotide probes and primers that may be used to resolve the genetic signatures of a variety of influenza strains.

The panel is being marketed by Biosearch Technologies (Novato, CA, USA) and is produced under license from the developer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, GA, USA) and from F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Basel, Switzerland).

The reagents – probes and primers – are intended for use in qPCR (quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction) protocols. The procedure for qPCR follows the general principle of polymerase chain reaction; its key feature is that the amplified DNA is detected as the reaction progresses in real time, compared to standard PCR, where the product of the reaction is detected at its end. Two common methods for detection of products in real-time PCR are (1) nonspecific fluorescent dyes that intercalate with any double-stranded DNA, and (2) sequence-specific DNA probes consisting of oligonucleotides that are labeled with a fluorescent reporter, which permits detection only after hybridization of the probe with its complementary DNA target.

The Biosearch Influenza A Subtyping ValuPanel Reagents comprise oligonucleotides based on the following seven signature sequences: universal strain of influenza A; influenza A H1 subtype; influenza A H3 subtype; influenza A H5a subtype; influenza A H5b subtype; universal strain of influenza B, and RNase P as a positive control.

"Over the past few years, Biosearch has developed advanced manufacturing capability and quality system management, which set us apart from traditional oligonucleotide suppliers,” said Dr. Ron Cook, president and CEO of Biosearch Technologies. "We are pleased to apply our expertise to provide these important new reagents for the detection of all major strains of influenza. We expect to augment this listing as new assays become available.”

Related Links:
Biosearch Technologies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
F. Hoffmann-La Roche