[Application of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for surveillance of influenza virus in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the RT-PCR method to type the influenza virus. METHODS: After amplifying the virus by cell culture, we carried out RT-PCR by using two pairs typing primers and four pairs subtyping primers to detect the influenza virus. RESULTS: In those 23 samples which had cytopathologic changes, there were 10 positive strains detected by RT-PCR assay including seven A type (six H3N2 subtype and one H1N1 subtype) and three B type. CONCLUSION: This method is rapid, specific and sensitive and possesses great value for practical application in the surveillance of influenza virus.