As part of efforts to strengthen influenza surveillance across Southeast Asia, WHO SEARO recently supported a specialized training programme to enhance the expertise of laboratory technicians from Thailand's National Influenza Centre (NIC) in antiviral resistance testing.
This hands-on training was conducted from 10 to 14 March 2025 at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza (WHO CCRRI) in Melbourne, Australia.
The training aimed to equip participants with advanced laboratory techniques for testing antiviral resistance in influenza viruses. The programme provided in-depth, hands-on sessions on antiviral resistance testing, with particular emphasis on neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) assays and the Influenza Replication Inhibition Neuraminidase-based Assay (IRINA) for assessing baloxavir susceptibility. Additionally, participants gained valuable insights into the genetic analysis of key resistance markers, including neuraminidase (NA) and polymerase acidic (PA) substitutions, which are critical for detecting mutations that may affect the efficacy of antiviral drugs.
Dr Patrick Reading, Director of the WHO CCRRI, opened the training with an overview of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). This global network, comprising over 150 National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Collaborating Centres worldwide, plays a pivotal role in monitoring circulating influenza strains, identifying new variants, and evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral treatments.
Among the highlights were expert presentations from WHO CCRRI. Dr Saira Hussain outlined methodologies for antiviral surveillance testing and approaches to identifying drug-resistant influenza strains. Ashwin Muraleetharan provided hands-on training on the Influenza Replication Inhibition Neuraminidase-based Assay (IRINA), a key tool for neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) resistance testing. Additionally, Clyde Dapat introduced FluSurver, an analytical tool used to identify mutations associated with antiviral resistance.
The training concluded with a guided tour of the WHO CCRRI’s state-of-the-art facilities, where participants observed the laboratory’s advanced infrastructure and stringent safety protocols, ensuring they are equipped to conduct these critical tests securely and effectively in their home settings.
"This training was highly beneficial to our team. It enhanced our practical skills and provided new tools to detect and interpret antiviral resistance, which is essential for guiding treatment and public health decisions," said a representative from the Thailand NIC.
This training programme forms part of WHO SEARO’s ongoing efforts to sustain and enhance influenza surveillance across WHO’s Southeast Asia Region. By supporting such initiatives, SEARO is helping to ensure that countries like Thailand are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to monitor, detect, and respond to influenza threats, particularly in the context of emerging antiviral resistance. The knowledge and skills gained through this training will be directly applied by the participants in Thailand, enabling them to disseminate best practices among colleagues and further strengthen national laboratory capacities.
WHO SEARO’s continued support for such capacity-building initiatives remains vital to strengthening regional influenza surveillance and contributing to global health security. This programme underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries, with WHO SEARO and the GISRS network working together to stay ahead of the evolving influenza threat.
Acknowledgements
The participants extended their heartfelt thanks to WHO SEARO for making this training possible, and the entire WHO CCRRI team for their invaluable contributions.