Influenza virus genetic sequences in the blood of children with congenital pathology of the CNS.

Influenza A virus genetic sequences revealed by dot hybridization were detected in peripheral blood cells, serum and liquor of three children with congenital pathology of the CNS. The children were born to mothers who contacted influenza during pregnancy. The virus-specific sequences were found for a long period of time (83 days in one case). The serum of the child did not contain antibodies against M protein suggesting that viral nucleocapsids but not the virus particles persist in the organism of the sick child.