Comparison of polyclonal antiserum versus monoclonal antibodies for the rapid diagnosis of influenza A virus infections by immunofluorescence in clinical specimens.

A pool of monoclonal antibodies was compared with polyclonal antiserum for the rapid detection of influenza A virus in 28 clinical specimens by immunofluorescence. Monoclonal antibodies showed higher sensitivity (69 versus 46%) and accuracy (86 versus 75%) and easier slide interpretation than did polyclonal antiserum. The procedure proved useful for rapid detection of a community outbreak of influenza A virus infection.