Fluorescent sialic derivatives for the specific detection of influenza viruses.

Early and accurate diagnosis of influenza viruses can decrease its harmful impact. Here, we have synthesized fluorescent sialic acid derivatives that are cleaved by influenza neuraminidases (NAs) and not by Streptococcus pneumoniae that also inhabits the human olfactory. We have also attempted to develop assays that could differentiate between influenza virus and S. pneumoniae by taking advantage of the structural differences between NAs from these pathogens.