Avian flu diagnosis
The avian flu, also called avian influenza, is a mutation of the influenza A virus. It hardly differs from infection with other influenza viruses.As with other types of the influenza virus, the symptoms are similar to influenza, which is why the distinction between avian flu and other subtypes must be made in a way other than by looking at the symptoms. Important for the diagnosis of the presence of an avian flu is first of all the medical history by the treating physician.
Since the influenza viruses of the bird flu subtype are less contagious for humans than the “normal” flu, there must typically have been intensive contact between infected poultry and the person affected. Whether this was the case is one of the central points in the anamnesis if an infection with the virus is suspected. If the suspicion of the diagnosis “infection with avian influenza virus” is confirmed, a smear of the throat wall or the nasal mucosa should be taken so that the DNA of the virus can be detected for a reliable diagnosis. Since the genetic information of the avian flu virus is different from the DNA of other common influenza viruses, this test can provide certainty about the presence of infection with this virus.
Diagnosis swine flu
The swine flu (also: “new flu”) is a mutation of the influenza A virus, which in addition to the pig can also affect humans. Since the symptoms are similar to the usual symptoms of an infection with the influenza virus, a clear diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of the symptoms alone. A clear diagnosis can be made if the genetic material of the virus can be found in a smear of the throat or nasal mucous membrane of the person affected.
The material is taken using a cotton swab and the DNA contained is amplified and examined. If, in addition to the DNA of the person affected, the genetic material of the swine flu virus can also be detected, the infection is almost certainly an infection with the mutated influenza A virus.
