Rapid focus reduction neutralization test of influenza A and B viruses in microtiter system.

A rapid neutralization test for influenza A and B viruses was developed. In this method, a 96-well tissue culture plate was used for the preparation of cell monolayers and the peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining technique was used for the visualization of foci infected with these viruses. In the presence of trypsin and tragacanth gum, clear foci developed 1 day after infection. A linear relationship between virus dilutions and numbers of foci was observed. When neutralizing antibodies in some test sera were assayed, a good correlation was observed between the titers obtained by the focus method and those obtained by the ordinary plaque method. In addition, many serum specimens were investigated by the neutralization test, and it was demonstrated that the test is useful for serological studies of influenza.