Indirect fluorescent antibody technic for demonstration of serum antibody in dengue hemorrhagic fever cases.

One hundred eighty-three sera from two groups of children with dengue hemorrhagic fever and 37 control sera were examined for antibody against dengue virus by an indirect immunofluorescent method. When the reciprocal titer of 16 or higher was used as the diagnostic level, positive tests could be obtained in 80% of Group I and 100% of Group II sera after 3--6 days of fever. Positive tests were obtained in 100% of both groups after the first week of fever. There was no false-positive among the control sera. Preparation of the antigen is relatively easy, and the antigen may be stored for at least 3 months. The immunofluorescent method is rapid and simple, and is recommended for routine detection of serum antibody in dengue hemorrhagic fever.