Application of Immunodiffusion Methods for Typing Members of the Phlebotomus Group of Arboviruses 1

Summary

Studies were undertaken to evaluate the use of immunodiffusion methods (ID) for typing and/or identification of the phlebotomus fever group of viruses as well as for diagnosing sandfly fever. Hyperimmune mouse ascitic fluids (IAF) to twelve viruses were tested against the homologous and heterologous antigens. Each reacted monospecifically with its homologous antigen preparation. Naples and I-47 IAF's were the only exceptions; each cross reacted with both Naples and I-47 antigens, but not with any other heterologous antigen. By cross-absorption tests, these two agents were shown not to be identical. Further evidence of lack of identity was that human anti-Naples sera reacted only with Naples, but not with I-47 antigen. These results strongly suggest that ID is exceedingly useful for typing these viruses. Human anti-Naples and Sicilian sera obtained after experimental infection with unadapted or mouse-adapted viruses also reacted monospecifically with the homologous antigen. This indicates the potential use of this technique in the diagnosis of sandfly fever.