Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Bird flu (avian influenza) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bird-flu/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20568430

  To diagnose bird flu, a healthcare professional takes a sample of fluid from your nose and throat to test for evidence of bird flu infection. […] If you could have been exposed to bird flu through work, travel or your hobbies and you have symptoms of illness, see your healthcare professional right away. […] It’s important to avoid people if you’re waiting for lab results. If you do have bird flu, healthcare professionals may suggest testing for people who had close contact with you when you had symptoms. They may give antiviral medicine to people who were exposed to bird flu and are at high risk of serious illness.

• #2 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): H5N1, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22401-bird-flu

  Bird flu (avian influenza) is an infection from a type of influenza (flu) virus that usually spreads in birds and other animals. Sometimes, humans can get bird flu from infected animals. […] Healthcare providers can diagnose avian flu with a throat or nose swab or a swab from the conjunctiva of your eye. Current tests will detect highly pathogenic H5N1 (bird flu) as influenza A. Labs dont routinely test all positive influenza A swabs for avian flu, so you have to let your provider know that youve been in contact with birds, cows or other animals that could be infected. Then, if the test is positive for influenza A, the lab will send the sample to a special lab to be tested for bird flu. […] If identified early, you can treat bird flu with antiviral medications. A provider might prescribe: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Peramivir (Rapivab), Zanamivir (Relenza).

• #3 What Causes Bird Flu Virus Infections in Humans | Bird Flu | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/virus-transmission/avian-in-humans.html

  Bird flu virus infection in people cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms alone; laboratory testing is needed. Bird flu virus infection is usually diagnosed by collecting a swab from the upper respiratory tract (nose or throat) of the sick person. Testing is more accurate when the swab is collected during the first few days of illness. […] For critically ill patients, collection and testing of lower respiratory tract specimens also may lead to diagnosis of bird flu virus infection. However, for some patients who are no longer very sick or who have fully recovered, it may be difficult to detect bird flu virus in a specimen. […] CDC has posted guidance for clinicians and public health professionals in the United States on appropriate testing, specimen collection, and processing of samples from patients who might be infected with avian influenza A viruses.

• #4 Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/455

  Avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection is a notifiable condition. Infection prevention and control measures such as patient isolation and standard, contact, and airborne (including eye protection) precautions are recommended. […] Most patients present with fever and features of lower respiratory tract infection on admission to the hospital. Infection should be considered in anyone showing signs or symptoms of acute respiratory illness who has a relevant exposure history. Molecular testing (with subtyping) is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. […] Antiviral therapy is recommended as soon as possible in symptomatic patients with suspected or confirmed infection. Supportive care and specialized intensive care management are indicated for respiratory failure and other severe complications.

• #5 What’s New

  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Evaluation-and-Testing-for-Human-Avian-Influenza-A-H5N1-Infection.aspx

  Human avian influenza A(H5N1) cases have been identified in California, including one case in a child with no known exposure to animals. […] Healthcare providers should consider avian influenza A in persons with acute respiratory symptoms and/or conjunctivitis and recent exposure to animals suspected or confirmed to have avian influenza A OR recent consumption of raw dairy products. Of note, all cases among California dairy workers have had conjunctivitis. […] Testing of respiratory and conjunctival specimens for avian influenza A is available at some public health laboratories and two commercial laboratories. […] Healthcare providers should consider the possibility of avian influenza A virus infection in a patient with signs and symptoms consistent with acute respiratory tract infection and/or conjunctivitis; AND a history of exposure in the last 10 days to animals suspected or confirmed to have avian influenza A, or who have had exposure to raw milk.

• #6 Interim Guidance on Specimen Collection and Testing for Patients with Suspected Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Severe Disease or with the Potential to Cause Severe Disease in Humans | Bird Flu | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/severe-potential/index.html

  This document provides interim guidance for clinicians and public health professionals in the United States on appropriate specimen collection and diagnostic testing for patients who might be infected with novel influenza A viruses associated with severe human disease or with potential to cause severe human disease. […] A novel influenza A virus is considered to have the potential to cause severe human disease if previous cases of infection with the same hemagglutinin subtype [e.g., HPAI A(H5) or A(H7) viruses] have been associated with severe human disease. […] Clinicians should notify their state health department immediately if they decide to test a patient for novel influenza A virus infection so that appropriate testing and follow up of contacts is initiated. […] CDC should be notified immediately when any clinical specimens from suspected patients test positive for novel influenza A virus or if the testing results of clinical specimens from suspected cases are inconclusive.

• #7

  https://www.aao.org/education/bird-flu

  As of April 30, 2025, a total of 70 human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been identified in the United States since 2024. […] Because the predominant symptoms in the majority of patients to date have been related to conjunctivitis, and multiple patients’ conjunctival swabs tested positive for the virus, the CDC recommends that clinicians consider the possibility of avian influenza in patients presenting with conjunctivitis and who have a history of relevant exposure to livestock or other animals within 10 days before onset of symptoms. […] Patients with conjunctivitis and a history of recent exposure to sick or dead poultry or cows or unpasteurized (raw) cow milk prior to their illness should be suspected of H5N1 infection. […] Testing and Surveillance: Influenza A H5N1 can be detected by FDA-cleared and approved assays for influenza A. These tests, however, cannot distinguish H5N1 from other influenza A subtypes and cannot be used with conjunctival swab specimens.

• #8 Avian influenza A(H5N1): Symptoms and treatment – Canada.ca

  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/avian-influenza-h5n1.html

  Diagnosing avian influenza A(H5N1) […] A laboratory test is required to diagnose avian influenza A(H5N1). It is usually diagnosed by taking a swab from the nose or throat during the first few days of illness. This swab is then sent to a laboratory for testing to identify the type of virus causing the infection. […] Treating avian influenza A(H5N1) […] Antiviral medications can be used to treat avian influenza A(H5N1). It is important that antiviral medications be taken as early as possible, ideally within 48 hours of getting sick. They can: reduce influenza symptoms, shorten the length of illness, potentially reduce serious complications.

• #9 Laboratory Resources for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) – Update 2024 | NETEC

  https://netec.org/2024/04/25/laboratory-resources-for-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-update-2024/

  NETEC experts in safe laboratory practices for high-consequence infectious diseases have developed a resource on laboratory testing, specimen handling, and shipping for Highly Pathogen Avian Influenza (HPAI). […] If infection with HPAI is suspected, laboratory testing is necessary to diagnose the disease in humans. […] Commercially available diagnostic tests for detecting seasonal influenza in respiratory specimens (rapid influenza tests) cannot distinguish between infection with seasonal influenza A and novel influenza A viruses, including HPAI. […] Clinicians and laboratorians using diagnostics that can detect all currently circulating influenza A virus subtypes (i.e., seasonal influenza subtypes) who get an unsubtypeable result should contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and their state or local public health laboratory for additional testing.

• #10 Avian influenza A(H5N1): For health professionals – Canada.ca

  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/avian-influenza-h5n1/health-professionals.html

  Clinicians and front line laboratory personnel should consult their local public health unit and the Protocol for Microbiological Investigations of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) for guidance on appropriate testing, recommended procedures, and prioritization for influenza A(H5N1) investigations if significant exposure history has been established. […] Specimen collection types to be considered include: nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and endotracheal secretions. […] Influenza A and B RT-PCR with subtyping (H5) should be the primary method for detection of avian influenza A(H5N1). Any positive samples must be shared with the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) for confirmatory testing and analysis to fulfill NML’s obligations as a National Influenza Centre and Canada’s obligations under the International Health Regulations and other agreements.

• #11

  https://www.aao.org/education/bird-flu

  For patients with conjunctivitis (with or without respiratory symptoms): one conjunctival swab and one nasopharyngeal swab into separate viral transport media. […] Antiviral prophylaxis and outpatient treatment to patients with exposure to H5N1 virus should be provided based on the CDC treatment recommendations. […] In multiple patients, H5N1 viruses were detected at higher levels in conjunctival swabs compared with samples from the upper respiratory tract.

• #12 Laboratory Resources for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) – Update 2024 | NETEC

  https://netec.org/2024/04/25/laboratory-resources-for-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-update-2024/

  The CDC should be notified immediately in the event that any clinical specimens from suspected patients test positive for novel influenza A virus or if the testing of clinical specimens from suspected cases are inconclusive. […] Specimens should be collected within seven days of illness onset to test for HPAI. […] When collecting specimens from patients with suspected HPAI, adhere to standard, contact, and airborne precautions. […] Clinical specimens of HPAI are considered a UN3373, Biological Substance, Category B (IATA Division 6.2 Infectious Substances). […] Most clinical specimens for clinical care may be managed as routine specimens in your facilitys core laboratory using standard safety precautions and PPE.

• #13 What’s New

  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Evaluation-and-Testing-for-Human-Avian-Influenza-A-H5N1-Infection.aspx

  Specimens should ideally be collected within 24-72 hours of symptom onset and no later than 10 days after symptom onset. […] Healthcare providers who suspect influenza A(H5N1) virus infection should refer to the CDC’s Interim Guidance on the Use of Antiviral Medications for Treatment of Human Infections with Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Severe Human Disease and the CDC Emergency Use Instructions for Oseltamivir. […] Antiviral treatment is recommended as soon as possible for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. Antiviral treatment should not be delayed while waiting for laboratory test results. […] Chemoprophylaxis dosing for avian influenza A is the same as treatment dosing: 75 mg twice daily for adults for 5 days if there has been a time-limited exposure OR 10 days if exposure is ongoing.

• #14 Avian Influenza – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553072/

  Apply evidence-based diagnostic techniques, such as RT-PCR and imaging studies, to accurately confirm avian influenza and assess disease severity. […] The diagnosis of avian influenza involves clinical suspicion, laboratory testing, and imaging studies. […] Laboratory confirmation is crucial, with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as the gold standard for detecting avian influenza virus subtypes, including H5N1 and H7N9. […] RT-PCR is highly sensitive and can yield results within hours, enabling timely management. […] Given the high mortality risk associated with the infection, a negative rapid antigen test should not rule out avian influenza when there is strong clinical suspicion of the virus’s presence. […] Imaging studies are essential for assessing disease severity. Chest radiographs frequently reveal bilateral infiltrates consistent with viral pneumonia.

• #15 Interim Guidance on Specimen Collection and Testing for Patients with Suspected Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Severe Disease or with the Potential to Cause Severe Disease in Humans | Bird Flu | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/severe-potential/index.html

  If infection with a novel influenza A virus with the potential to cause severe disease in humans is suspected, respiratory specimens should be collected while following recommended infection control precautions. […] The performance of current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared diagnostic tests for detecting influenza viruses in respiratory specimens has been demonstrated for seasonal human influenza A and B viruses as described by the manufacturer’s package insert. Performance has not been demonstrated with most novel influenza A viruses. […] Testing of symptomatic human cases of suspected novel influenza A virus infection should be referred to the nearest public health laboratory. […] Therefore, influenza A testing by rRT-PCR is recommended at public health laboratories and CDC for any patient with suspected novel influenza A virus infection.

• #16 Avian influenza | American Veterinary Medical Associationmultiple-users-1addaddaddaddadd

  https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza

  Early recognition of avian influenza is important to stopping its spread. […] Various tests and strategies are used to screen for avian influenza or confirm its presence in poultry species. These tests include antigen capture immunoassay (ACIA), direct RNA detection with molecular methods, and virus isolation. […] ACIA: Rapid ACIA test kits are available from various commercial sources. These tests can be effective flock-based screening tools, as they have lower sensitivity than molecular assays but are highly specific for avian influenza when used for testing of clinically ill or dead birds. […] Direct RNA detection: This molecular method involves real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) to first detect influenza A and H5/H7 subtypes in biological specimens.

• #17 H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A Virus (Bird Flu) – National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases

  https://nccid.ca/debrief/avian-influenza-h5n1/

  A laboratory test is required to diagnose H5N1 AI A. Specimen collection can include nasopharyngeal swab (most common, often done in the first few days of illness), throat swab, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and endotracheal secretions. […] For accurate detection of the H5N1 AI A virus, RT-PCR with subtyping for the H5 strain should be the primary diagnostic method employed. Positive samples must be shared with the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) for confirmatory testing and analysis. Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs) should not be used for laboratory diagnosis. In addition to suboptimal sensitivity of these tests, the ability to detect novel influenza viruses, such as avian influenza viruses, is unknown. […] PHAC encourages clinicians and front-line laboratory personnel to follow the Protocol for Microbiological Investigations of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) to facilitate the diagnosis of severe respiratory infections caused by pathogens with epidemic potential.

• #18 FIND Calls for Tests to Distinguish H5N1 Avian Flu From Other Flu Subtypes | 360DxRSS FeedsVisit 360Dx on TwitterVisit 360Dx on LinkedIn

  https://www.360dx.com/diagnostics/find-calls-tests-distinguish-h5n1-avian-flu-other-flu-subtypes

  FIND said Thursday that human infections with H5N1 avian influenza may be going undetected in the absence of tests that are specific for the influenza subtype and public health authorities could miss the window to contain any outbreaks. […] The organization noted that H5N1 influenza infections have proven to cause severe disease and death in humans, but there are no commercially available testing methods to distinguish it from other influenza subtypes. […] FIND also plans to soon begin evaluating the performance of existing tests for the identification of H5N1 infections. […] However, the rapid tests that are available today do not distinguish influenza subtypes and cannot be used to identify H5N1 infections. […] FIND said that while the WHO has determined that the risk of human-to-human H5N1 transmission is low, the organizations are jointly monitoring the market for influenza tests and developing use cases and target product profiles for the tests that are needed.

• #19 Prevention and control of avian influenza virus: Recent advances in diagnostic technologies and surveillance strategies | Nature Communications

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58882-4

  Laboratories play a critical role in formulating clinical management strategies and guiding epidemic control measures. A summary of laboratory diagnostic technologies for AIV is shown in Fig. 1. Organizations like the WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regularly issue updated guidelines for AIV testing and diagnosis. Recommended diagnostic techniques for AIV include virus isolation, antigen detection, real-time or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and serological assays, such as hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). […] Virus isolation is considered the gold standard for diagnosing AIV. However, despite its diagnostic value, it is labor-intensive, dependent on professional and technical expertise, and poses biosafety challenges. It has largely been replaced by direct detection of viral nucleic acids as an initial diagnostic method.

• #20 Diagnostic Assays for Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance and Monitoring in Poultry

  https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/228

  Virus isolation (VI) is the standard diagnostic method for AIV to confirm the presence of viable (i.e., infectious) viruses in specimens collected from suspect birds. […] Virus isolation remains the only laboratory method to obtain a viable virus for downstream testing, such as virus characterization and pathogenicity studies. Therefore, VI has been a critical part of AIV surveillance. […] Antigen-capturing immunoassays (ACIAs) can be employed in a lateral flow or micro-well format. […] The lateral flow ACIA (also known as lateral flow device) is rapid, giving results in approximately 15 min, and is portable; hence, such a test kit can be used as a pen-side testing tool [i.e., point-of-care (POC) test] for AIV. […] The analytical sensitivity of ACIA kits is generally low, requiring the presence of a virus at approximately ≥10^4 mean embryo lethal dose (ELD50)/mL or median embryo infectious dose (EID50)/mL in the sample being tested.

• #21 Expert consultation on diagnosis of H5N1 avian influenza infections in humans

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4634538/

  Although the methods for serological diagnosis differ in various laboratories, WHO does provide a set of standard criteria for serological diagnosis of human infection of avian influenza infection. […] The sensitivity of currently used rapid antigen/POC tests for H5N1 disease is clearly insufficient, varying from 82% in the 1997 HK outbreaks to 0% in the 2005 Indonesia and Turkey outbreak. […] The analytical sensitivity of currently available antigen detection test kits for influenza A remains too low for reliable use as POC tests for direct detection of H5N1 virus in clinical specimens. […] The actual technical know how for influenza diagnosis is fairly advanced, though this has not yet translated into significant innovation in rapid detection in field settings. […] Improvements are continually being made in both antigenic and molecular techniques for antigen and antibody detection, including development of increasingly simple-to-use tests.

• #22 H5N1 bird flu: Symptoms, causes, and diagnosis

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/5556

  Receiving a diagnosis of H5N1 avian flu early can lead to a better outlook. Before arriving at a diagnosis, the doctor will: […] If a person gives this respiratory sample in the first few days of the illness, the results of the analysis are likely to be more accurate. […] In 2009, the FDA approved the AVantage A/H5N1 flu test, which can detect the presence of the virus in nose or throat swabs. […] The test can identify a specific protein, called NS1, which indicates the presence of the virus. […] Because H5N1 avian flu is rare, a physician would not expect to make this diagnosis, unless the person has been in contact with birds or recently stayed in a place where H5N1 infection is likely.

• #23 Diagnostic Assays for Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance and Monitoring in Poultry

  https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/228

  Immunohistochemistry (IHC) method can be used to detect a variety of AIV antigens in cells of a tissue section. […] PCR-based assays are commonly used to detect viral genomic material in various sample matrices. […] Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is a rapid test for AIV screening or subtyping of OPC or tracheal swabs and tissues from wild birds or poultry. […] Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), as the name implies, involves amplifying a target sequence under isothermal conditions. […] Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) is an isothermal and enzymatic reaction especially designed for RNA targets as it is a transcription-based technique. […] Poultry sera are often tested for antibodies specific to AIV to ascertain a commercial poultry flock’s immune status after vaccination in countries practicing AIV vaccination.

• #24 Diagnostic Assays for Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance and Monitoring in Poultry

  https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/228

  The presence of AIV antibodies is also indicative of past infection or the presence of passively transferred maternal antibodies. […] The agar gel immunodiffusion test is generally designed to detect antibodies to highly conserved AIV antigens, such as NP or the M protein, in infected poultry. […] Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) is based on the principle that antibodies to AIV (mainly HA protein) interfere with the hemagglutination activity of the virus. […] The HI test is rapid, easier to perform, and requires less technical expertise than the SVN test. […] The choice of test depends on the specific needs of the laboratory.

• #25 Expert consultation on diagnosis of H5N1 avian influenza infections in humans

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4634538/

  The ability to rapidly and accurately diagnose infections with novel influenza subtypes is crucial to minimizing morbidity and mortality in humans and reducing the potential for a pandemic. […] The ongoing exposure of humans in countries experiencing disease in animals and ensuing global pandemic concern have highlighted some gaps and challenges in human influenza diagnostics. Appropriate clinical management, including timely treatment of human H5N1 cases, as well as plans for containing an emerging influenza pandemic, rely on the ability to rapidly and accurately diagnose the virus in humans. […] Diagnosis of H5N1 in humans is not yet achievable in the vast majority of diagnostic laboratories. […] The MN assay remains the gold standard for serological diagnosis of H5N1 infection in humans.

• #26 Testing and diagnosis of avian influenza

  https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infectious-disease-topics/z-disease-list/avian-influenza/prevention-and-control/testing-and-diagnosis

  The confirmation of a productive avian influenza infection in a person (symptomatic or asymptomatic) with a positive PCR should include repeated testing to exclude a false-positive signal. […] Serological investigations are also needed to identify seroconversion for case ascertainment. […] Reference viruses and sera against reference viruses need to be developed, constantly updated, and provided to countries to investigate transmission events and confirm infections serologically.

• #27 Avian Influenza – Real-time PCR | Public Health Ontario

  https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Laboratory-Services/Test-Information-Index/Avian-Influenza-RT-PCR

  Community and hospital laboratories that perform novel influenza or non-seasonal influenza testing (including H5) should immediately notify PHO and send positive specimens to PHO for further analysis. […] Serology testing is not recommended for influenza diagnosis, including avian influenza, and is not available for clinical testing in Canada. […] For Avian Influenza testing: […] Laboratories who cannot subtype influenza A (non-H3/non-H1) are encouraged to submit positive specimens as part of PHOs enhanced influenza surveillance program. […] Influenza A positive specimens will be subtyped with real time RT-PCR. […] Positive avian influenza (H5, H7, or N9) specimens will be forwarded to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) for confirmation. […] Specimens that are positive for avian Influenza are reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.

• #28 Avian Influenza – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553072/

  Avian influenza, commonly known as „bird flu,” is a zoonotic disease caused by avian influenza A viruses. […] This course highlights discussions on various diagnostic modalities such as RT-PCR, imaging studies, modes of treatment including neuraminidase inhibitors, and supportive care for complications like ARDS and multiorgan failure, which can develop as complications from avian influenza infection. […] This activity reviews the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of avian influenza, emphasizing strategies to improve outcomes through early intervention and effective treatment due to the disease’s potential for severe progression and significant public health impact. […] Identify the clinical presentations, transmission routes, and at-risk populations of avian influenza to support early diagnosis and timely intervention.

• #29 Interim Guidance on Specimen Collection and Testing for Patients with Suspected Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Severe Disease or with the Potential to Cause Severe Disease in Humans | Bird Flu | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/severe-potential/index.html

  Clinicians should notify their local and state health department immediately when they wish to test a patient for infection with novel influenza A viruses. […] Specimens that are unsubtypeable or that test presumptive positive for novel influenza A virus at the state public health laboratory should be sent to CDC, Influenza Division, Virology Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch Laboratory for confirmatory testing.

• #30 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Workup: Laboratory Studies, Imaging Studies, Procedures

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2500029-workup

  If avian influenza is suspected, the laboratory should be called ahead of time and forewarned before specimens for identification of viral infection (eg, nasal washes) are obtained. Pneumatic tubing is not recommended for transport; hand transport using a leak-proof specimen bag is preferred. The specimen should be clearly labeled as „suspected AI,” and the person who transports the specimen should use appropriate protective equipment. […] Many laboratories are not equipped to deal with the isolation needed to safely contain avian influenza (category 3+ containment, higher than that used for HIV). If a sample is sent, the laboratory may need to be shut down for decontamination. Samples from patients with suspected avian influenza should be sent to a dedicated central reference laboratory such as at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC laboratory can perform antiviral sensitivity testing, as well as subtyping of the virus.

• #31 Lack of H5N1 influenza diagnostics undermines global pandemic readiness – FIND

  https://www.finddx.org/publications-and-statements/press-release/lack-of-h5n1-influenza-diagnostics-undermines-global-pandemic-readiness/

  There are currently no commercially available diagnostic tests to detect H5N1 specifically. […] There is an urgent need for development of adaptable, scalable tests, globally accessible and suitable for wide use. […] These critical gaps in testing and surveillance jeopardize containment and management of the current disease outbreaks. […] Experts at FIND are warning that human cases of H5N1 avian flu could be going undetected because of poor surveillance and a lack of diagnostic testing in at-risk groups. […] Analysis of the diagnostic landscape reveals extensive diagnostic gaps for this subtype of the influenza A virus, leaving the world with little visibility on the scale or scope of current outbreaks and jeopardizing containment measures. […] However, there are currently no commercially available diagnostic tests to detect H5N1 specifically – and no known development pipeline to fix this.

• #32 We Need Rapid Bird Flu Testing Now | MedPage Today

  https://www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/second-opinions/114127

  We Need Rapid Bird Flu Testing Now […] Can the effective diagnosis and follow-up treatment provided by the cruise ship, a veritable Petri dish of potential infection, be replicated on dry land? Diagnostic testing is, of course, an important element; yet, we are far from widespread access to rapid and reliable H5N1 tests. […] Our health system currently has a two-step approach to identifying avian flu. Many emergency departments, urgent care centers, and primary care offices are using point-of-care testing that includes three or four of the viral pathogens of concern: COVID, influenza A, influenza B, and perhaps RSV. […] Consequently, we need to have avian flu testing in the front lines. Only two FDA-approved tests are available, according to the most recent list. […] We ask state governors and their public health and medical leadership to encourage and sponsor their large healthcare systems, in coordination with state virology labs, to test avian flu within their existing protocols for influenza A, influenza B, COVID, and RSV with a focus on patients with early symptoms (day 1 or 2).

• #33

  https://newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/2024-10-23-Quest-Diagnostics-Awarded-CDC-Contracts-for-H5-Avian-Influenza-and-Oropouche-Virus-Test-Development

  Quest will introduce an immediate response molecular laboratory test to aid in the detection of avian influenza A H5 virus. The new multi-target molecular diagnostic test is intended for use in people suspected of being infected with influenza A H5 virus. […] With support from CDC, Quest developed the test as part of our ongoing pandemic response efforts. The test helps detect influenza A H5 virus, including A(H5N1), but does not detect seasonal influenza A subtypes, influenza B or other respiratory viruses. […] Today, specimens that test positive for influenza A virus by Quest or another commercial laboratory, and for which the provider has reason to suspect avian influenza, would need to be sent to state/local public health laboratories or CDC for testing to identify an avian influenza virus infection.

• #34 Labcorp Launches H5 Bird Flu Test in the U.S., Now Available for Order through Physicians | Labcorp

  https://ir.labcorp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/labcorp-launches-h5-bird-flu-test-us-now-available-order-through

  Labcorp announced today the commercial availability of its new H5 bird flu molecular test to aid in the diagnosis of human infection with H5 bird flu. The test is available in the United States to physicians to order for patients suspected of infection with the H5N1 virus.* […] Healthcare providers suspecting patients of H5 bird flu infection can collect a nasopharyngeal swab specimen at the point of care and submit it to Labcorp for analysis. Labcorp’s test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and a specific reagent validated to determine the presence of the H5 virus genetic material. Results are reported to the patient and physician. […] Labcorp developed this commercially available test with support from the CDC to increase access and testing capacity to support public health preparedness strategies.

• #35 NIST Develops Genetic Material for Validating H5N1 Bird Flu Diagnostic Tests | NIST

  https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/01/nist-develops-genetic-material-validating-h5n1-bird-flu-diagnostic-tests

  NIST is releasing a nonhazardous, synthetic genetic material that will aid in the development of new diagnostic tests for the H5N1 virus. […] To bolster the nations preparedness for a pandemic, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a synthetic, nonhazardous genetic material to support the development and validation of diagnostic tests for the H5N1 virus (commonly known as bird flu). […] The sooner this genetic material reaches manufacturers, the faster we can facilitate the development and validation of new H5N1 diagnostics, added NIST microbial geneticist Scott Jackson. […] There are currently a limited number of diagnostic tests for the virus on the market. […] Should H5N1 spread widely among humans, millions of diagnostic tests will be needed. […] In June 2024, NIST entered a $1.5 million interagency agreement with the CDC to develop a genetic material that will help commercial entities produce reliable diagnostic tests.

• #36 NIST Develops Genetic Material for Validating H5N1 Bird Flu Diagnostic Tests | NIST

  https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/01/nist-develops-genetic-material-validating-h5n1-bird-flu-diagnostic-tests

  Most H5N1 tests rely on the presence of these genetic targets to identify H5N1. […] Because this genetic material is synthetic and noninfectious, it offers manufacturers a safe way to test and calibrate their equipment and methods. […] Tests that produce positive results when using this genetic material will meet a key benchmark for diagnostic reliability. […] The H5N1 genetic material is classified as a research-grade test material (RGTM). […] NIST plans to release a more thoroughly characterized reference material in the future. […] NIST is distributing the H5N1 genetic material for free (with a small fee for shipping and packaging) to companies entering the H5N1 diagnostic market.

• #37 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241122/Advanced-diagnostic-kit-developed-for-detecting-highly-pathogenic-H5N1-avian-influenza-virus.aspx

  The Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub), a national platform hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, in collaboration with the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan, and the A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute (A*STAR BII), has successfully developed Steadfast, an advanced diagnostic kit for detecting the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus (AIV). This development marks a significant breakthrough in avian influenza monitoring, reinforcing global efforts in pandemic preparedness. […] Steadfast not only offers rapid detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) but also distinguishes between highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) strains, both of which are critical for effective control measures.

• #38 New Diagnostic Kit for Rapid H5N1 Avian Influenza Detection | Clinical Lab Products

  https://clpmag.com/disease-states/infectious-diseases/emerging-zoonotic-diseases/new-diagnostic-kit-for-rapid-h5n1-avian-influenza-detection/

  New Diagnostic Kit for Rapid H5N1 Avian Influenza Detection […] The DxD Hub, in collaboration with NIES and A*STAR BII, has developed Steadfast, an advanced diagnostic kit enabling rapid detection and differentiation of H5N1 avian influenza strains, significantly bolstering global pandemic preparedness. […] Steadfast identifies H5N1 and other HPAI strains in as little as three hours, a substantial improvement over conventional methods that take two to three days. […] The kit distinguishes between highly pathogenic and low pathogenic avian influenza strains, enabling tailored and timely responses to outbreaks. […] This development marks a significant breakthrough in avian influenza monitoring, reinforcing global efforts in pandemic preparedness. […] Steadfast not only offers rapid detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) but also distinguishes between highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) strains, both of which are critical for effective control measures.

• #39 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241122/Advanced-diagnostic-kit-developed-for-detecting-highly-pathogenic-H5N1-avian-influenza-virus.aspx

  By enabling faster identification of the specific strain, the kit allows for more precise and timely responses, significantly reducing transmission risks and helping to prevent potentially devastating epidemics. […] Validated by NIES, Japan’s primary laboratory for avian influenza testing in wild birds, the kit accurately classified avian influenza viruses detected in wild birds in Japan between 2022 and 2024 as either high or low pathogenicity. […] This close collaboration between DxD Hub, NIES and A*STAR BII was instrumental in refining the diagnostic kit’s functionality and ensuring its effectiveness in detecting both HPAI and LPAI strains in real-world clinical and field applications. […] „DxD Hub is pleased to have collaborated with global ecosystem partners like NIES and A*STAR BII to develop the H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus diagnostic test kit. This achievement reflects our shared commitment to enhancing zoonotic diseases surveillance and pandemic preparedness,” said Dr Weng Ruifen, Chief Executive Officer of DxD Hub.

• #40 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Real-Time PCR Diagnostics

  https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/behindthebench/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-rt-pcr-diagnostics/

  Poultry producers and veterinarians want fast, accurate diagnostic results that they can have confidence in every time they test, but its even more important when they are in the middle of a disease outbreak like avian influenza that could impact their entire flock, said Ivan Leyva-Baca, DVM, PhD, product manager of Notifiable Disease Diagnostics at Thermo Fisher Scientific. […] The Applied Biosystems VetMAX-Gold AIV Detection Kit is the first USDA-licensed diagnostic test that successfully passed the stringent USDA review process. […] The VetMAX-Gold AIV kit provides a qualitative, one-step, real-time reverse transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) assay to detect AI virus (AIV) RNA isolated from individual poultry oropharyngeal/tracheal swab samples. […] During a disease outbreak like avian influenza when an operations entire flock hangs in the balance, diagnostic accuracy and speed are everything, and our kit delivers both. […] The Thermo Fisher Scientific USDA-licensed avian influenza diagnostic kit is widely available for testing.

• #41

  https://newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/press-releases?item=94382

  Quest Diagnostics Offers Test to Detect Avian Influenza Virus […] Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, the nation’s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that it has developed a diagnostic test to detect the avian influenza virus and will participate in the government’s preparedness efforts to provide rapid diagnosis and early surveillance of an outbreak, should the need arise. […] Quest Diagnostics has notified physicians and hospitals that it has begun to offer a gene-based screening test it developed to identify the H5N1 strain of Influenza A virus, the virus that is responsible for causing „avian flu” in birds and some humans in certain parts of the world. The test is intended to help physicians screen patients with a range of flu-like symptoms who may have been exposed to the virus. Testing is performed on respiratory samples, which include sputum, swabs and bronchial washes. […] Positive results of the screening test would be considered a „presumptive identification” of avian flu until confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or other public health laboratory.

• #42 Avian Influenza – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553072/

  The treatment of avian influenza primarily focuses on supportive care and antiviral medications. […] Management mainly addresses the complications and sequelae of the infection. […] Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes, especially in severe cases. […] Neuraminidase inhibitors are the primary antiviral medications used to treat avian influenza, and early administration is essential for effectiveness. […] Oseltamivir is the drug of choice that should be initiated as early as possible, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset. […] Baloxavir marboxil, a cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor, may be considered in select cases where oseltamivir resistance is suspected or confirmed in patients with avian influenza. […] The use of corticosteroids in avian influenza remains controversial and is not routinely recommended due to potential adverse effects, such as prolonged viral shedding and an increased risk of secondary infections. […] Vaccines targeting specific avian influenza strains, such as H5N1, are available for high-risk populations, including poultry workers and healthcare providers in endemic areas. […] RT-PCR is the gold standard for diagnosing avian influenza.

• #43 Avian Influenza – Infectious Diseases – MSD Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/respiratory-viruses/avian-influenza

  Most subtypes of avian influenza that have caused human infections are H5, H7, and H9 viruses. […] An appropriate clinical syndrome in a patient exposed to a person known to be infected or exposed to birds in an area with an ongoing avian influenza outbreak should prompt consideration of this infection. History of exposure to birds, dairy cows, or infected people should prompt testing for influenza A. […] Testing is done with RTPCR using a nasal or throat swab. Patients with lower respiratory tract illness can have samples taken from sputum, endotracheal aspirate, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. […] Suspected and confirmed cases should be reported to the appropriate government health authority (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] in the United States). […] Treat with oseltamivir or zanamivir at usual doses or with baloxavir marboxil.

• #44 Avian influenza A(H5N1): For health professionals – Canada.ca

  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/avian-influenza-h5n1/health-professionals.html

  Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests should not be used to rule out influenza A infection. In addition to suboptimal sensitivity of these tests, the ability to detect novel influenza viruses, such as avian influenza viruses, is unknown. […] Antiviral agents can be used to treat suspected, probable, or confirmed avian influenza A(H5N1) cases. The ideal time to begin antiviral treatment is within the first 48 hours of illness onset. Treatment can be initiated while awaiting confirmatory test results and should not be delayed. […] There are several antiviral options for the treatment of influenza A(H5N1): Neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir), Amantadine, Baloxavir. […] To date, there have been no clinical trials measuring the outcome of antiviral use in individuals infected with avian influenza A(H5N1). However, data from animal models and human observational studies have suggested a morbidity and mortality benefit to the use of oseltamivir as an antiviral agent. […] For more information on the indications, safety, and use of antivirals in special populations, refer to the Product Monographs available on Health Canada’s Drug Product Database.

• #45 Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/455

  Clinicians are advised to consider the possibility of HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection in anyone showing signs or symptoms of acute respiratory illness or conjunctivitis who has a relevant exposure history. […] A confirmed case of H5N1 virus infection has also been reported in the UK in the West Midlands region. […] The person acquired the infection on a farm after close prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds. The case was detected during routine surveillance, and no onwards transmission from the case has been reported. […] Antiviral postexposure prophylaxis and monitoring of close contacts of a confirmed or probable case are recommended. […] Diagnostic tests include CBC with differential, LFTs, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, sputum Gram stain, sputum and blood bacterial culture, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR).

• #46 Lack of H5N1 influenza diagnostics undermines global pandemic readiness – FIND

  https://www.finddx.org/publications-and-statements/press-release/lack-of-h5n1-influenza-diagnostics-undermines-global-pandemic-readiness/

  Nucleic acid-based (molecular) tests are the current gold standard for detection of influenza viruses, being more sensitive than antigen-based testing, but they generally require laboratory infrastructure to support their use. […] Rapid tests exist that can differentiate between influenza A and B viruses, but these cannot subtype and thus cannot identify H5N1. […] Without comprehensive diagnostics for H5N1, we are pirouetting on the edge of a volcano that is about to erupt. […] The absence of surveillance means we’re increasing the potential of missing the window to contain outbreaks like H5N1 before they escalate into full-blown pandemics. […] FIND is working closely with WHO to monitor the landscape of influenza tests, and develop use cases and a target product profile for the tests required.

• #47 Bird Flu Tests Are Hard To Get. So How Will We Know When To Sound the Pandemic Alarm?

  https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/bird-flu-tests-pandemic-possibility-preparedness/

  Stanford University infectious disease doctor Abraar Karan has seen a lot of patients with runny noses, fevers, and irritated eyes lately. Such symptoms could signal allergies, covid, or a cold. This year, theres another suspect, bird flu but theres no way for most doctors to know. […] To become a pandemic, the H5N1 bird flu virus would need to spread from person to person. The best way to keep tabs on that possibility is by testing people. […] Scientifically speaking, many diagnostic laboratories could detect the virus. However, red tape, billing issues, and minimal investment are barriers to quickly ramping up widespread availability of testing. At the moment, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized only the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions bird flu test, which is used only for people who work closely with livestock.

• #48 Lack of H5N1 influenza diagnostics undermines global pandemic readiness – FIND

  https://www.finddx.org/publications-and-statements/press-release/lack-of-h5n1-influenza-diagnostics-undermines-global-pandemic-readiness/

  The organization is also preparing to conduct analytical evaluations of existing tests to assess their potential performance in identifying H5N1. […] Quality diagnostics are the first line of defence in identifying and isolating cases to prevent widespread transmission. […] The lack of surveillance and investment into R&D of diagnostics, treatments and vaccines is not only shocking but negligent. […] Allocate resources to develop rapid, accurate, and affordable diagnostic tests for highly pathogenic avian influenza including H5N1. […] These tests should be accessible globally, especially in places where there is an increased risk to humans due to a close interface with infectious animals and food products. […] FIND and partners are analysing the current influenza infrastructure to understand where best to invest resources in a ‘no regrets’ policy.

• #49 Prevention and control of avian influenza virus: Recent advances in diagnostic technologies and surveillance strategies | Nature Communications

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58882-4

  Antigen-detection tests, such as lateral flow antigen-capture tests by using colloidal gold conjugates, are easy to perform and provide results rapidly. However, they have low diagnostic sensitivity, resulting in false-negative results, which could delay timely mitigations. […] When a sample tests positive, there is a need to determine the AIV subtype and any associated mutations by sequencing, to identify the source and to formulate mitigation strategies. […] Serological assays identify past viral infections. When serum samples are collected from a large population humans or animals and tested by simple screening tests such as ELISA, the result provides a crude estimate of the prevalence of AIV infection, hence identifying at-risk populations. […] The demand for rapid detection techniques is obvious. Traditional laboratory diagnosis methods often require extended processing times, making them less suitable for real-time diagnosis.

• #50 Prevention and control of avian influenza virus: Recent advances in diagnostic technologies and surveillance strategies | Nature Communications

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58882-4

  Therefore, there is a need for a rapid, and highly specific and yet sensitive point-of-care-test (POCT). POCT does not require expensive instruments and laboratories, and they are being increasingly utilized for rapid detection of AIVs in both clinical (human) and veterinary (animal) contexts. […] In summary, the utilization of integrated detection methodologies tailored to specific requirements represents a pivotal approach to monitor the progression of the epidemic and to institute mitigation.

• #51 FIND Calls for Tests to Distinguish H5N1 Avian Flu From Other Flu Subtypes | 360DxRSS FeedsVisit 360Dx on TwitterVisit 360Dx on LinkedIn

  https://www.360dx.com/diagnostics/find-calls-tests-distinguish-h5n1-avian-flu-other-flu-subtypes

  „Without comprehensive diagnostics for H5N1, we are pirouetting on the edge of a volcano that is about to erupt,” FIND Board Chair Ayoade Alakija said in a statement. „The absence of surveillance means we’re increasing the potential of missing the window to contain outbreaks like H5N1 before they escalate into full-blown pandemics.”

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