Influenza Nucleic Acid Oligomers for Rapid Viral Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting influenza viruses A and B are either too slow, exposing personnel to infectious agents, or require extensive sample handling, failing to provide rapid and specific results necessary for timely therapeutic intervention.
Innovation Solution
Development of nucleic acid oligomers specific for influenza virus A and B, using sequences such as those listed in SEQ ID NO:3 to SEQ ID NO:31 and SEQ ID NO:34 to SEQ ID NO:58, which are used in compositions and methods for in vitro nucleic acid amplification and probe detection, allowing for rapid and specific detection of viral nucleic acids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If viral culture in vitro followed by visual analysis and hemadsorption is used to detect influenza viruses, then detection can be performed, but the completion time is long (5 days to 2 weeks) and personnel are exposed to infectious agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and visual detection methods (viral culture, hemadsorption, visual analysis) with molecular biology-based nucleic acid amplification methods (RT-PCR, TMA, NASBA). This substitution enables rapid detection within hours rather than days or weeks, while maintaining high reliability through specific amplification of viral genetic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nucleic acid amplification as an intermediary step between sample collection and detection. By amplifying viral RNA or DNA sequences before detection, the method achieves both rapid results and high sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Loss of time
If immunoassays are used to detect influenza viruses, then detection is faster (30 min to 4 hrs), but extensive sample handling is required and results depend on subjective determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual immunoassay procedures with automated nucleic acid amplification systems. The use of thermal cyclers and automated fluorescence detection eliminates extensive manual sample handling and subjective visual interpretation, providing objective, reproducible results within hours.
3Measurement precision
If PCR-based amplification assays are used to detect influenza viruses, then detection is sensitive and specific, but the completion time is up to 2 days and specialized thermocycling equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the amplification parameters by using isothermal amplification methods (TMA, NASBA) that operate at constant temperatures rather than requiring thermal cycling. This change reduces completion time from up to 2 days to several hours while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity through specific primer-probe designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs transcription-mediated amplification methods that use RNA polymerase to produce multiple RNA copies from a single RNA template through a self-sustaining amplification cycle. This phase transition from DNA-based PCR to RNA-based amplification enables faster completion while preserving detection precision.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If rapid detection methods are developed to minimize exposure to infectious agents, then personnel safety is improved, but detection sensitivity and specificity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct viral culture methods that require handling live infectious agents with nucleic acid amplification methods that detect viral genetic material. This substitution rapidly inactivates the viral threat while maintaining high detection sensitivity and specificity through amplification of conserved viral sequences.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of influenza virus A and B nucleic acids within 45 minutes, minimizing exposure to infectious agents and enabling timely diagnosis and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
at least two nucleic acid oligomers specific for influenza virus A made up of sequences consisting of SEQ ID NO:3 to SEQ ID NO:18 and SEQ ID NO:21 to SEQ ID NO:31, or their completely complementary sequences
Implementation Method 2
amplifying a target sequence in an influenza virus A nucleic acid or influenza virus B nucleic acid contained in a sample by using a nucleic acid polymerase in vitro to produce an amplified product
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for detecting influenza virus A and influenza virus B nucleic acids in biological samples by using in vitro amplification and detection are disclosed. Compositions that are target-specific nucleic acid sequences and kits comprising target-specific nucleic acid oligomers for amplifying in vitro influenza virus A or influenza virus B nucleic acid and detecting amplified nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.