Sequences and methods for detecting influenza a and influenza b virus

A method for detecting the presence of influenza B in a sample, said method comprising:

• a) amplifying an influenza B matrix gene target nucleic acid, if present in the sample, using at least two oligonucleotide primers, at least one of said oligonucleotide primers selected from the group consisting of:
• i) SEQ ID NO:
• 69 and oligonucleotides adjusted by up to 12 nucleotides in length or position in either the 5′ or 3′ direction, or both, with respect to SEQ ID NO:
• 69, that are capable of hybridizing to the influenza B matrix gene target;
• and
• ii) SEQ ID NOS:
• 74-77 and oligonucleotides adjusted by up to 12 nucleotides in length or position in either the 5′ or 3′ direction, or both, for SEQ ID NOS:
• 74-77, or both that are capable of hybridizing to the influenza B matrix gene target to produce an amplified target nucleic acid product;
• and
• b) detecting the influenza B matrix gene target nucleic acid, wherein detection of the influenza B matrix gene target nucleic acid indicates presence of influenza B in the sample.

A method for detecting the presence of influenza B in a sample, the method comprising:

• a) amplifying an influenza B matrix gene target nucleic acid, if present in the sample, using at least first and second oligonucleotide primers, the first and second oligonucleotide primers each comprising target binding sequences for the influenza B matrix gene target, the first oligonucleotide primer consisting essentially of the target binding sequence of SEQ ID NO:
• 10 and target binding sequences adjusted by up to 12 nucleotides in length or position in either the 5′ or 3′ direction, or both, with respect to SEQ ID NO:
• 10 and the second oligonucleotide primer consisting essentially of the target binding sequence of SEQ ID NOS:
• 9 and target binding sequences adjusted by up to 12 nucleotides in length or position in either the 5′ or 3′ direction, or both, with respect to SEQ ID NO:
• 9, to obtain an amplified target nucleic acid product;
• and
• b) detecting the influenza B matrix gene target nucleic acid, wherein detection of the influenza B matrix gene target nucleic acid indicates presence of influenza B in the sample.

A kit for detecting an influenza B matrix gene, the kit comprising:

• at least two oligonucleotide primers, wherein at least one of said oligonucleotide primers is selected from the group consisting of:
• a) SEQ ID NOS:
• 69 and oligonucleotides adjusted by up to 12 nucleotides in length or position in either the 5′ or 3′ direction, or both, with respect to SEQ ID NO:
• 69, that are capable of hybridizing to the influenza B matrix gene target;
• b) SEQ ID NOS:
• 74-77 and oligonucleotides adjusted by up to 12 nucleotides in length or position in either the 5′ or 3′ direction, or both, with respect to SEQ ID NOS:
• 74-77, that are capable of hybridizing to the influenza B matrix gene target;

A kit for detecting an influenza B matrix gene, the kit comprising:

• at least two oligonucleotide primers, wherein at least one of said oligonucleotide primers is selected from the group consisting of
• i) an oligonucleotide with a target binding sequence of SEQ ID NO:
• 9 and oligonucleotides adjusted by up to 12 nucleotides in length or position in either the 5′ or 3′ direction, or both, with respect to SEQ ID NO:
• 9, that are capable of hybridizing to the influenza B matrix gene target;
• and
• ii) an oligonucleotide with a target binding sequence of SEQ ID NO:
• 10 and oligonucleotides adjusted by up to 12 nucleotides in length or position in either the 5′ or 3′ direction, or both, with respect to SEQ ID NO:
• 10, that are capable of hybridizing to the influenza B matrix gene target.