Immunofluorescence methods for detection of influenza and mumps antibodies using infected shedded allantoic cells and impression smears of organ cultures as the sources of antigens

Summary

Indirect immunofluorescence technique was used for detection of specific antibodies against influenza and mumps viruses in the IgM and IgG fractions of human gamma globulins. Infected cells shed into the allantoic fluid from the allantoic membrane of inoculated hen's eggs served as a source of cell-bound influenza antigens. Impression smears of mumps infected chick embryo tracheal organ cultures yielded a sufficient amount of mumps antigens containing cells. Using these techniques, specific antibodies against the two viruses were readily detectable in one or both fractions of human gamma globulins. No cross-reactions between influenza and mumps virus occured, techniques were found to be simple and reliable, the slides prepared in quantities and fixed in acetone were available anytime, when required for the tests.

Sera used in this investigation were previously screened by complement fixation reaction and the presence of specific antibodies were thus indicated. Comparisons between findings achieved by complement fixation and immunofluorescence were made.