Argentine hemorrhagic fever: early diagnosis by immunofluorescence

A procedure that allows to ascertain a diagnosis of Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever (AHF) as early as 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms is described. An immunofluorescent (IF) test on round cells of urinary sediment was employed. The procedure was assayed on 31 patients with febrile syndrome during epidemic peaks of 1975-1976. It was positive in 19 and negative in 12 cases. The 19 positive cases were confirmed AHF by clinical follow up and serology. From 12 negative cases, 8 belonged to other etiologies and 2 were confirmed AHF. The usefulness of the procedure for early diagnosis is emphasized.