A serological survey of influenza a antibody in human and pig sera in Calcutta.

A study was undertaken with a view to assess the distinct pattern of sero-prevalence of influenza A viruses in the city of Calcutta population during the years of 1981-90. Concurrently, based on the fact of increasing pig population, a study was carried out to establish the activity of the human influenza A virus among pigs with a view to the potential threat of emergence of a new strain of influenza A virus that may surface following co-infection with swine and human influenza A viruses. The percentage positivity of the H3N2 antigen was found to be highest (46%), followed by H1N1 (43%), H2N2 (35%) and H0N1 (19%). A similar pattern was noted with pig sera.