Surveillance for reassortant virus by multiplex reverse transcription-PCR specific for eight genomic segments of avian influenza A H5N1 viruses.

Avian influenza H5N1 virus is a global threat. An emergence of a reassortant virus with a pandemic potential is a major concern. Here we describe a multiplex reverse transcription-PCR assay that is specific for the eight genomic segments of the currently circulating H5N1 viruses to facilitate surveillance for a virus resulting from reassortment between human influenza virus and the H5N1 virus.