H5 SUBTYPE-SPECIFIC BINDING PROTEINS USEFUL FOR H5 AVIAN INFLUENZA DIAGNOSIS AND SURVEILLANCE

摘要

The invention provides monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins that bind specifically to the envelope glycoprotein of H5 subtypes of avian influenza virus ("AIV"). The monoclonal antibodies and related binding prot eins are useful for the detection of H5 subtypes of AIV, including the patho genic H5N1 subtypes. Virus may be detected in formalin preserved, paraffin e mbeded specimens as well as frozen specimens and biological fluids. Accordin gly, the invention provides means for the diagnosis and surveillance of dang erous viral infections.