Validation of ProbeTools-designed hybridization probe panel for targeted genomic sequencing of avian-origin influenza A viruses

ProbeTools is a package of bioinformatic tools for designing compact panels of hybridization probes targeting diverse and hypervariable viral taxa. We validated it by designing a panel of probes for capturing haemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and matrix genome segments of avian-origin influenza A viruses (AIVs). This panel was assayed on a collection of 22 egg-cultured AIVs diluted in background material from mock infected eggs.