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Subtype-specific identification of influenza virus in cell cultures with FITC labelled egg yolk antibodies
Abstract:
We report on results obtained with a direct immunofluorescence test for subtype-specific identification of influenza virus in detached cells of MDCK cultures after inoculation of 281 clinical specimens from patients with influenza-like disease. Influenza virus antibodies were produced in eggs from immunized hens and labelled with FITC. In 157 cases CPE was found in MDCK cells. A total of 57 cases of influenza A (H3N2), 86 cases of influenza A (H1N1), and 14 cases of influenza B were identified. In 33 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection with massive CPE guinea pig but not chicken erythrocytes were agglutinated by the cell culture supernatants. The single step immunofluorescence test described proved easy to perform and results were obtained within 1 h after CPE was observed in contrast to the conventional HIT which is very time-consuming.
Insights
A new immunofluorescence test rapidly identifies influenza virus subtypes A (H1N1, H3N2) and B in patient samples. This method offers a faster alternative to traditional tests for diagnosing influenza-like illness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Diagnostic Microbiology
Background:
- Influenza virus diagnosis is crucial for patient management and public health surveillance.
- Traditional methods for influenza virus identification, such as the Hemadsorption Inhibition Test (HIT), are time-consuming.
- Rapid and accurate subtype-specific identification of influenza is needed for effective treatment and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a direct immunofluorescence test for rapid, subtype-specific identification of influenza viruses.
- To compare the performance of the immunofluorescence test with conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- Direct immunofluorescence test using FITC-labeled antibodies.
- Inoculation of 281 clinical specimens from patients with influenza-like illness into MDCK cell cultures.
- Observation of Cytopathic Effect (CPE) and subsequent immunofluorescence staining.
- Hemadsorption Inhibition Test (HIT) for comparison in select cases.
Main Results:
- Cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed in 157 out of 281 specimens.
- Influenza A (H3N2) identified in 57 cases, influenza A (H1N1) in 86 cases, and influenza B in 14 cases.
- The immunofluorescence test provided results within 1 hour after CPE detection, significantly faster than HIT.
Conclusions:
- The direct immunofluorescence test is a rapid, easy-to-perform method for subtype-specific identification of influenza viruses.
- This test offers a significant time advantage over conventional diagnostic methods.
- The findings support the utility of this immunofluorescence assay in clinical settings for influenza diagnosis.