Characterization of rubella virus-induced hemolysis.

We have characterized rubella virus-induced hemolysis, as compared to the virus-induced hemagglutination. A correlation was seen between both activities, when red blood cells from various animals were used in the assays. However the two activities of the virus exhibited different responses to treatments, like freezing and thawing, heating, and Tween 80-ether extraction. These results indicate the two-step nature of the reaction of rubella virus-induced hemolysis: virus adsorption to cells and cell lysis.