NEURAMINIDASES AND INFLUENZA VIRUS INFECTION IN EMBRYONATED EGGS.

Highly purified neuraminidase from influenza virus prevents embryonated eggs from infection by Lee-B influenza virus. The degree of prevention afforded is equal to that of neuraminidases from Vibrio cholerae and from Clostridium perfringens when assayed at the same enzyme activity. The preventive effect is much lower against PR-8 virus. The results support the concept that the intact "receptor" containing sialic acid is required for the binding and infection of cells by influenza viruses.