Combing the haystacks: The #search for highly pathogenic avian #influenza virus using a combined #clinical and research-developed #testing strategy
Abstract Background : Highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza A has caused sporadic human infections , increasing the risk for potential human–to–human spread . In 2024, the U.S. experienced outbreaks among poultry and cattle , prompting enhanced surveillance . Objective : To evaluate an H5 testing algorithm in subjects with respiratory symptoms presenting for routine care during low influenza A virus circulation. Design : Observational study using clinical – and research–developed nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and pooled screening methods. Setting : Academic medical center in Boston , MA. Participants : 5,400 symptomatic individuals contributing 6,935 respiratory specimens from June 23 to August 28, 2024. Measurements : Specimens underwent initial respiratory pathogen testing per clinical protocols, which did not routinely include influenza due to low summer–month prevalence. Influenza A–positive specimens were s...