Application of the single radial diffusion test for assay of antibody to influenza type A viruses.

Single radial diffusion (SRD) tests for antibodies to influenza type A hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, nucleoprotein, and matrix protein antigens were compared with conventional hemagglutination inhibition, neuraminidase inhibition, and complement fixation tests. Sera used in this study were obtained in 1968-1969 from volunteers before and after vaccination and before and after an ensuing epidemic of Hong Kong influenza. The SRD test compared favorably with conventional tests for assessment of vaccine- or infection-induced rises in antibody titers to influenza type A viruses. Little linear relationshiip was seen between zone areas with SRD and titers with conventional tests, suggesting that the SRD test may detect antibody of different quality or specificity. The SRD seemed equal to the hemagglutination inhibition test for predicting susceptibility to influenza. SRD is a simple test for the recognition of antibody to various antigenic components of the influenza virus and could prove to be a valuable epidemiological tool.