Epstein-barr Virus (EBV) intracellular antigens: factors affecting the patterns of immunofluorescence

Immunofluorescent pictures of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) antigens were studied with regard to the lability of the antigens to heat and to solvents as well as to the modifications of the immunofluorescent patterns related to the length of drying time of the cell smears. The nuclear antigen (EBNA) and the early restricted antigen (EA-R) appeared to be sensitive to heating 30 minutes at 56 degrees C. Lengthening of the drying time of the cell smears results in a progressive dispersion of three antigens; viral capsid antigen (VCA), early diffuse antigen (EA-D) and EA-R in the cell and in some apparent loss of EBNA. Petroleum benzine which can be used as a fixative on plastic, support, allows the detection of all four antigens.