A multiplex reverse transcription-PCR assay for the detection of influenza A virus and differentiation of the H1, H3, H5 and H9 subtypes

► A novel multiplex RT-PCR assay for the rapid detection of type A influenza virus and the simultaneous differentiation of H1, H3, H5 and H9 subtypes. ► The amplified products are visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis on the basis of size from each other in a single reaction. ► The mRT-PCR assay is a rapid, convenient and relatively inexpensive molecular diagnostic tool for large-scale screening of both human and avian clinical specimens.