USE OF FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY METHOD FOR THE RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF INFLUENZA DURING AN EPIDEMIC
Abstract
Rabbit specific immune gamma-globulins were combined against influenza virus A2, A1, B, B1 and C with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). Such fluorescent antibodies were used for a rapid diagnostic test of nasal smears (concha inferior) from people suffering from A2 influenza or living together with patients at the same place during the influenza epidemic caused by the A2 type. In five out of eleven persons examined daily, specific immuno-fluorescence of the cylinder epithella was demonstrated in the first three days. Influenza was serologically corroborated in nine persons. Further two did not produce specific antibodies although the cytological analysis of nasal mucosal cells as well as mild clinical signs showed a definite infection. As a contribution to quick influenza diagnosis, the demonstration of influenza antigen can be also used with the aid of fluorescent antibodies in amnion and amniotic fluid cells, if the chicken embryo was inoculated in the first passage with influenza-virus containing material. In influenza patients the cytological analysis of smears from the inferior concha shows changes on the cells (degeneration, cytopathic effect, inclusion formation, occurrence of leukocytes). The use of fluorescent antibody method in the rapid diagnosis of influenza on smears of the nasal mucosa, prepared during the first three days of sickness, can be recommended as a suitable method.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 12, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0835181
Entities
People
- D. Blaskovic
- P. Albrecht
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories