Skin tests with influenza virus.

Skin reactions have been produced in normal subjects by the injection of highly purified influenza A and B viruses. The reactions reached a maximum at 24-48 hr. and the histological pattern was compatible with a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. There was no close relation between skin test results and circulating antibodies. Twenty-seven subjects were challenged intranasally with attenuated influenza A (H3N2): 5 of 14 skin-test-negative subjects were infected, but none of 13 skin-test-positive subjects.