Preparation of stable noninfective influenza virus antigens for typing by hemagglutination–inhibition

Abstract

For use in the hemagglutination–inhibition test, influenza virus antigens in the form of (a) untreated and inactivated allantoic fluids and (b) untreated and inactivated purified virus suspensions were compared. The inactivation procedures used were formaldehyde treatment and gamma irradiation. It was found that there was no significant difference in the potency and specificity of the purified virus antigens but that the formaldehyde-treated allantoic fluids lost potency during this process. The inactivated antigens can be lyophilized for stable storage and, after reconstitution, can be used in the diagnostic laboratory without risk of infection or interference with isolation procedures. For ease and speed of treatment, gamma irradiation is superior to treatment with formaldehyde.