Immunofluorescent Studies on Rubella-Infected Tissue Cultures and Human Tissues

Abstract

Specific viral antigen has been demonstrated in the cytoplasm of two types of tissue culture cells (RK13, GMKH) by the technique of indirect immunofluorescence. Employing the same reagents, discrete foci of fluorescent cells were demonstrated in the heart and skeletal muscle of an infant with the rubella syndrome who died on the 6th day of life. Although final proof is lacking, this finding is presumed to indicate rubella virus infection in these areas. An interfering agent was isolated from the heart of this infant which was not finally identified as rubella virus. However, rubella virus was isolated from the pharynx of a surviving twin who also had classical features of the rubella syndrome.