Confident detection of H5N1 influenza A

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Influenza A · H5N1 · Clade 2.3.4.4b

EasyScreen™ Respiratory Pathogen Detection Kit detects 100% of analysed H5N1 sequences

Influenza A H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b, has emerged worldwide – primarily in birds, and in cattle and feline species in North America. The virus has now been identified in Australia.

Genetic Signatures pan-FluA assay is confirmed to effectively detect all known isolates of H5N1.

3,275
H5N1 sequences analysed from GISAID 		98.9%
sequences with 100% primer match 		100%
within expected detection range

In-silico Assessment

The matrix protein gene region was analysed from 3,275 H5N1 variant sequences collected worldwide from 1 Dec 2025 through 24 Jun 2026. After applying the 3base® conversion, alignment of Genetic Signatures’ FluA targets revealed:

100% of analysed H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b sequences remain within the expected detection range of the EasyScreen™ Respiratory Pathogen Detection Kit.

The remaining 1.1% of sequences (36 total) carry a single mutation under one primer or probe in locations not expected to affect assay efficiency or sensitivity. This includes the only H5N1 2.3.4.4b sequence determined from a seabird in Australia by the CSIRO.

Why the assay stays ahead of variants

Target gene
Targets the Matrix Protein gene — not the highly variable Hemagglutinin (H) or Neuraminidase (N) regions where FluA variation primarily occurs. 		3base® technology
More resilient to naturally occurring C-T and T-C mutations, ensuring robust detection even as new variants emerge.

EasyScreen™ Respiratory Pathogen Detection Kit

14 pathogens in one automated, molecular test

Viruses

  • Influenza A
  • Influenza B
  • Respiratory syncytial virus A/B
  • Rhinovirus
  • Human Metapneumovirus
  • Parainfluenza 1/3
  • Parainfluenza 2
  • Enterovirus
  • Adenovirus

Bacteria

  • Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Discover the advantage of 3base® technology for pathogen detection

3base® Technology revolutionises syndromic infectious disease testing by simplifying complex 4-base DNA and RNA sequences into streamlined 3-base patterns. This patented approach enables accurate PCR detection across entire pathogen families and their variants—without compromising sensitivity or specificity. The result? More efficient multiplex PCR assays, fewer reagents, harmonised PCR reaction conditions, and greater resilience to genetic variation. Laboratories gain smarter molecular diagnostics and reliable coverage.

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We gratefully acknowledge and thank the Authors, Originating Laboratories, and Submitting Laboratories contributing sequence and metadata shared through GISAID, which enabled this analysis. We specifically acknowledge Dr. Matthew Neave and colleagues from the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, for sharing access to the brown skua H5N1 2.3.4.4b sequence (GISAID EPI_ISL_20479340).

  1. Genetic Signatures, 2025. 3base® Technology. [online] Accessed 20/11/2025. geneticsignatures.com
  2. Millar D, Melki J. Diagnosis of Viral Families Using a Nucleic Acid Simplification Technique. Infectious Diseases. IntechOpen; 2023. doi:10.5772/intechopen.109632
  3. GISAID. [online] Accessed 20/11/2025. gisaid.org

For enquiries:

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