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Influenza, a type of RNA virus, can change its genetic makeup through a process called antigenic shift. This allows it to mutate in ways that make vaccines less effective and cause a population with no immunity to the new strain. One example is the H7N9 bird flu, which first appeared in China in March 2013 and showed up again in January 2014. Most people infected had contact with live bird markets, but human-to-human spread is also suspected. Although fewer than 200 people have died from it, the death rate is about 30%.
Quick and early diagnosis is key to spotting and controlling flu outbreaks. Arbor Vita, with help from the U.S. Navy, has developed fast tests for A/H5N1 and A/H7N9 flu strains. These tests are simpler to use than PCR tests, which require more equipment, and can be used in important places like airports.
Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a viral infection that primarily affects birds, cows, and other animals, but it can occasionally spread to humans. The H5 strain of influenza A is the most frequent cause in people. Symptoms can range from mild respiratory issues to severe problems, including pink eye. Those who handle poultry, waterfowl, and dairy cows are at the highest risk of contracting it.
Bird flu (avian influenza) is a virus that mainly spreads in birds and other animals but can occasionally infect humans. It can make people very sick, similar to the regular flu, though it’s extremely rare for it to spread between people. Outbreaks in animals raise concerns because they increase the risk of human infection, affect wildlife, and may impact the food supply. Human cases have been reported in the U.S. since 2024.
There are different types of bird flu. The recent cases in the U.S. are caused by influenza A(H5). In the past, the most common types to infect humans were A(H5N1) and A(H7N9). The names of these types are based on the proteins found on the virus’s surface. The symptoms can be mild or severe.
Most recent cases of bird flu in the U.S. have caused pink eye and mild respiratory symptoms.
Symptoms of bird flu include:
· Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
· Fever
· Fatigue
· Cough
· Muscle aches
· Sore throat
· Nausea and vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Stuffy or runny nose
· Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Bird flu can often cause severe illness.
Complications include:
· Pneumonia
· Acute respiratory distress
· Bacterial infections
· Sepsis
· Brain swelling, like meningoencephalitis
· Respiratory failure
Avian flu can be diagnosed 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 don’t routinely test all positive influenza A swabs for avian flu, so you have to let your provider know that you’ve 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.
The AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test is FDA-approved for sale in the U.S., while the A/H7N9 test has emergency approval from the FDA.
This quick test detects the A/H5N1 flu virus from throat and nasal swabs, as well as viral cultures. Arbor Vita got FDA clearance for it in April 2009. The test doesn’t need any special equipment or cold storage, is easy to use, and provides results in 30 minutes, making it perfect for outbreaks. It uses a special technology called PDZ to tell H5N1 apart from regular seasonal flu.
AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test
FDA Approved (510(k)-cleared)
The AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test is the only FDA-cleared rapid test for the specific detection of the A/H5N1 virus.
AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test Package Insert:
The AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test is a quick, easy test approved by the FDA to detect the A/H5N1 flu virus from throat and nasal swabs. It doesn’t require special equipment or cold storage and gives results in just 30 minutes, which is important during an outbreak. This test uses a special technology to tell H5N1 apart from regular flu strains.
The test works by detecting the NS1 protein in flu samples. It uses a simple format with antibodies to spot H5N1 or seasonal flu viruses like H1N1 and H3N2. It can tell if someone has the H5N1 flu and if the test is positive or negative.
The AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test Kit contains cassettes and reagents for 21 tests:
21 Sample Reaction Tubes
1 AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test Sample Extraction Buffer
21 AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test Cassettes
1 AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test Positive Control
Materials required but not supplied
Liquid transfer device (pipette)
Remel Sterile Traditional Flocked Swabs (part of Remel M6™ Kit, Cat. #R12568)
M6™ Viral Transport Media (VTM) (part of Remel M6™ Kit, Cat. #R12568)
Timer or watch
Sterile barrier tips for pipette
Tube rack
Tool to remove crimp caps (optional)
Product Reference
If you have questions about this product, please use Part Number #1000000 as a reference.
Product Certification
FDA 510(k)-cleared
Legal and Disclaimers
The buyer/user has a non-exclusive licence to use AV Avantage™ A/H5N1 Flu Test.
References
• Peiris, J. S., Yu, W. C., Leung, C. W., et al. (2004) Reemergence of fatal human influenza A subtype H5N1 disease. Lancet 363:617–619.
• World Health Organization. (2005) Avian influenza: Assessing the pandemic threat. WHO/CDS/2005.29.
• World Health Organization Global Influenza Program Surveillance Network. (2005) Evolution of H5N1 avian influenza viruses in Asia.Emerg. Infect. Dis. (10):1515-1521.
