Biosensing methods for the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 and H7N9 viruses

Abstract

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and H7N9 viruses may lead to the next pandemic if human-to-human transmissibility is established because the host range restriction can be changed via virus mutations or reassortments. Therefore, effective and efficient detection methods are crucial for the early stage identification and surveillance of an outbreak of HPAI viruses. In this review, viral mutation and pathogenicity are briefly introduced first. Then, traditional detection methods, including virus isolation, immunoassays, and molecular biology methods, for H5N1 and H7N9 viruses are presented in detail. Finally, the state of the art in biosensing methods for the detection of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses is presented and discussed with an emphasis on advances made in biosensors. Future developments may make biosensing methods more accessible for low-cost and point-of-care application.