Egg globulins in rapid virus diagnosis.

Egg-derived antibodies specific for a range of human viruses are now available commercially. These globulins are prepared by inoculating chickens with the relevant virus then harvesting antibodies from egg yolks. Reagents for influenza A and B, parainfluenza 1 and 3, adenovirus group antigen and rotavirus were tested. The successful use of these reagents on tissue culture and clinical material is described as well as their quality assessment. The advantages of this type of antibody are discussed.