[Complex study of population immunity to 3 influenza A virus antigens]

In 5 large cities of the USSR a four-year study of the population immunity to 3 antigens of influenza A virus (hemagglutinin, neuraminidase and ribonucleoprotein antigens) was carried out. The time course of immunity to these antigens had a similar character. The high level of population immunity to actual hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, observed for 2 years, in succession, indicated the possibility of shift-life changes in these surface antigens. Population immunity to ribonucleoproteid antigen had no influence on the epidemic process in influenza A. A method for the study of population immunity, based on the analysis of pooled serum samples from healthy persons, is proposed. This method considerably reduces the time of the test and the number of ingredients.