Influenza viruses in birds: rapid identification by counterimmunoelectrophoresis

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Abstract
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis [CIE] with an antiserum raised in rabbits against the M protein of the avian N [influenza] virus was particularly useful for large-scale identification of influenza A virus isolates. Of a total of 231 hemagglutinating agents isolated from 1656 rectal swabs collected from shore and open-country birds, 158 could be identified as influenza A viruses by CIE and 75 were serologically related to Newcastle disease virus by hemagglutination inhibition with an antiserum to Newcastle diseae virus. Two isolates contained a mixture of influenza A virus and Newcastle disease virus; although the Newcastle disease virus particles outnumbered the influenza A virus particles in a ratio of 1000:1, as seen by EM, the latter could be readily detected by CIE. This type of assay may be used for epidemiological surveillance of influenza virus isolated from humans and animals. It combines specificity, sensitivity and simplicity.