Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors for Influenza Detection

World Health Organization, United Nations and national governments are doing detailed monitoring of influenza viruses due to the fact that there is considerable concern about the emergence of new global pandemics with significant socio-economic impact. These concerns are based on known epidemiological data and knowledge, because antigens (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) of influenza viruses can easily and quickly changed. Result of mutational changes is the emergence of a new subtype of the virus, which can cause a worldwide pandemic with a high fatality rate due to its virulence properties (Spanish Flu 1918, Asian Flu 1957, Hong Kong Flu 1968). Assessment of pathogenicity and virulence is the key to taking appropriate health actions in the outbreak of several tens of hours. Methods used for detection of viruses demand on equipment and personnel, and, moreover, confirmation (diagnosis) of infection lasts hours to days. Given the above, finding methods for rapid, sensitive and selective detection of the virus in the environment, body fluids and tissues is still challenging. A promising area of nanotechnology seems to using nanoparticles in combination with electrochemical detection. The aim of this review is to describe and discuss the previously known facts in the detection of influenza viruses and to outline the challenges and trends in the field of electrochemical detection. In this paper, there are described and discussed appropriate strategies for detection viral nucleic acid, specific viral proteins and virions. The strategies are divided into two main parts as sensors and biosensors.