A Rapid Method for Detecting Junin Virus Viremia in the Guinea Pig

Abstract
A method for detecting Junin virus viremia in guinea pigs is described. The method consists of infecting BHK-21 cells with blood samples from infected guinea pigs; 48 h later, Junin virus antigens are detected in the cells by indirect immunofluorescence. Application of this technique to patients with Argentine hemorrhagic fever may lead to the quickest method for the virologic diagnosis of this disease.