The Centre has developed two set of primers, 17 pairs for Type A and 19 pairs for Type B, that enable the full genomes of both Type A and Type B viruses to be sequenced for surveillance purposes. If you are from a National Influenza Centre and would like to access the sequences of these primers, please send us an email with the subject line "NIC request for primer sequences".

The Centre has published a paper describing a simple and streamlined method for sequencing the full genome of influenza A viruses using Sanger sequencing. The paper, which contains full details of the method and primer sequences used, is freely accessible:

Deng YM, Spirason N, Iannello P, Jelley L, Lau H and Barr IG. A simplified Sanger sequencing method for full genome sequencing of multiple subtypes of human influenza A viruses. J Clin Virol. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2015.04.019

Access the paper here

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Primer sequences for sequencing of avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses that have recently emerged are also available from the Centre to National Influenza Centres only. If you are from a National Influenza Centre and would like these sequences for surveillance purposes, please send us an email with the subject line "NIC request for A(H7N9) primer sequences".

For more updates and information on detection of avian influenza A(H7N9):

Information from WHO on the avian influenza A

WHO real-time RT-PCR protocol for the detection of the avian A(H7N9) influenza virus

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