Major pandemics and seasonal epidemics that have ravaged the world in the past and even at present, are mostly caused by RNA viruses. This has necessitated the need for continuous research to identify important natural products, with antiviral potentials, which can be harnessed for use in the prevention and treatment of viral infections. This study therefore, evaluated the antiviral property of Curcuma longa on two important RNA viruses of public health importance, namely polio and measles viruses. Extraction of active ingredients from turmeric rhizomes was done with the use of Analar grade methanol and concentrated using rotary evaporator. Polio and measles viruses were isolated from their respective vaccines using Reed-Muench method. Infective doses of the viruses and toxicity profile of extract were determined. Confluent Vero cells were inoculated with the viruses at different dilutions of the extract, incubated and observed for 7 days. Methanol extract of Curcuma longa inhibited polio virus at the maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTC) of 0.031μg μL-1 and inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.067 μg μL-1 with selectivity index of 2.16. Inhibition by the extract was observed prior to infection with the viruses. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed presence of terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and phenol as the bioactive phytochemicals. This study has shown that curcuma longa has potent inhibitory activity, hence can be harnessed in the development of an effective antiviral agent against polio and measles viruses.

Introduction: Early detection of emerging influenza virus variant is a key factor in the WHO influenza Global strategies for prevention and control. Rapid, accurate, inexpensive and portable detection systems are needed for influenza virus diagnosis and surveillance. Such a detection system should easily identify all the subtypes of influenza virus. Degenerate primers and probes designed from evolutionally conserved regions for known influenza A viruses present the best way to identify unknown subtypes of influenza A virus by polymerase chain reaction PCR and array techniques. The isothermal reactions, Nucleic Acid Sequencing Based Amplification (NASBA) and Loop-mediated isothermal Amplification (LAMP) possess great potential for influenza A virus detection especially in developing countries. However, multiplex real-time (rT) or quantitative (q) polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) remains a rapid, accurate and timesaving technique used for influenza virus detection. Aim: This manuscript explained the principles of nucleic acid amplification techniques commonly used in developing countries. Methods: Literature search was done in NCBI PUBMED, PUBMED Central and Google Scholar using words and phrases including “Influenzamolecular diagnosis, NAAT”, Molecular techniques/ methods, PCR, qPCR, NASBA, LAMP, and DNA microarray. Results: The underlining principles and basic processes involved in the application of nucleic acid amplification techniques for the detection and epidemiological surveillance of influenza virus were identified and grouped under PCR (RT-PCR and qRT-PCR) and Non-PCR (LCR, pyrosequencing, NASBA, LAMP and DNA microarray) amplifications. Conclusion: It is hoped that by understanding the techniques and basic principles of Nucleic acid amplifications, less expensive, and more convenient protocols for influenza virus detection and surveillance can be developed Keywords: Influenza, NAAT, Molecular, PCR, qPCR, Viral diagnosis.

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