摘要:
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.