A simple method for testing antigenic variation of influenza virus antigenicity
Jung-ken, L.
Chinese Medical Journal 92(1): 37-40
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 105843 Document Number: 151545
A simple method for detecting antigenic variation of influenza virus is described. Convalescent sera of infant patients of 6 mo.-1 1/2 yr of age were used to perform hemagglutination inhibition test (HI) against newly isolated and typical strains of influenza A virus isolated during the past few years. The existence of any new influenza variants could be readily shown with a rise of HI titers. The method is simple, rapid, highly specific and easy. Apparatus required are available in most of the regional anti-epidemic stations of this country. The stepladder curve produced by the results of this method graphically illustrates the main course of antigenic variation of influenza A virus from 1968-1975.