Immunologic Response of Hamsters to Influenza Virus Strains.

Abstract

Anti-sera prepd. in hamsters by the intranasal instillation of allantoic fluids containing influenza virus were type-specific when used in the complement-fixation test with the soluble antigens; group or subtype-specificity (e.g., A prime) when used in the complement-fixation test with the allantoic fluid antigen, and strain specific in hemagglutination inhibition tests. It appears that the hamster is an animal best suited for quick identification of influenza viruses. It is suggested that their sera be used for symstematic classification of strains.