Abstract

An indirect fluorescent antibody technique using human serum for the rapid detection of influenza A virus in monkey kidney cell cultures is described.

Influenza A2 virus was isolated from 38 of 88 nose/throat swabs received from patients with suspected influenza during the winter of 1971-72.

Thirty-two strains isolated in monkey kidney cell cultures were identified by immunofluorescence on the day haemadsorption was observed, 22 of them within a week of receipt of the specimen.

Human antiserum was found to be very satisfactory for this purpose.