Methods for diagnosing human influenza and 4-position modified chromogenic n-acetylneuraminic acid substrates for use therein

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Chromogenic derivatives of N-acetylneuraminic acid modified in the 4-position by eliminating the hydroxyl group by, replacing the hydroxyl group with fluorine or by replacing the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group with methyl are used as substrates in colorimetric assays for human influenza neuraminidase activity in clinical specimens for the purpose of selectively diagnosing influenza infection. The substrates may exhibit different reactivity with the different types of influenza neuraminidases thus, enabling one to discern the specific type of influenza infection and prescribe appropriate treatment and/or supportive therapy therefor.