Rapid identification of viruses by indirect immunofluorescence: isolation and identification of adenovirus types 4 and 7 and coxsackievirus type A21 in microcultures.

The indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT), employing treated and standardized antiserum in a single pool, was earlier reported to have been used successfully for the preliminary identification of nine respiratory viruses in second to ninth passage multiplying in cells propagated on microscope slides. This report describes parameters affecting the isolation in first passage and the identification by IFAT of adenovirus types 4 and 7 and coxsackievirus type A21 present in stored clinical specimens inoculated into microcultures of WI-38 cells. Isolation frequency was comparable to that obtained in tube cultures, and identification by IFAT of viruses in microcultures could be accomplished in 3 to 4 hr after recognition of a cytopathogenic effect.