Use of immunoperoxidase for the rapid identification of human myxoviruses and paramyxoviruses in tissue culture.

The immunoperoxidase method, using commercially available antisera, was compared with standard virological methods for the identification and typing of 77 isolates of human myxoviruses and paramyxoviruses. Results of typing using neutralization tests and the immunoperoxidase technique were identical for 76 of the 77 isolates. With the immunoperoxidase method there was one false negative reaction, but no false positive reactions. Cross-reactivity between influenza A (soluble) and A(2)/HK antisera with influenza A isolates was noted, but did not interfere with the interpretation of results. It is concluded that the immunoperoxidase method is ideally suited for the rapid identification and typing of common human respiratory viruses on a routine basis. It offers a number of decided advantages over both immunofluorescence and standard virological methods.