Rapid detection of influenza virus in cell culture by indirect immunoperoxidase staining with type-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Seventy respiratory specimens culture-positive for influenza virus were stored at -70 degrees C and retested in duplicate by virus isolation and by indirect immunoperoxidase (IPA) staining of cell monolayers 24 hr postinoculation using influenza type-specific monoclonal antibodies. The IPA stain was positive for 24 of 28 specimens from which influenza virus was reisolated and for eight specimens from which influenza virus was not reisolated.