Genome and antigenic analysis of influenza A (H3N2) viruses isolated from an epidemic in a closed community of Carmelite nuns.
Eighteen influenza A (H3N2) viruses were isolated during a single outbreak in a closed community of Carmelite nuns. Serological analysis of the virus haemagglutinin (HAs), using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, demonstrated antigenic microheterogeneity. In contrast, no significant biochemical differences were detected in viral genes by RNA:RNA hybridisation or in structural or nonstructural polypeptides analysed by high-resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) or by limited proteolysis followed by PAGE. Influenza A (H3N2) viruses isolated in the vicinity of the convent were distinguishable from each other and from the epidemic viruses isolated in the convent both antigenically and biochemically.
Donatelli
I
I
Division of Virology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy.
Takhonova
A M
AM
Klimov
A I
AI
Ghendon
Y Z
YZ
Oxford
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000940:Antigenic Variation; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D005814:Genes, Viral; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; D006389:Hemagglutinins, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D053122:Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012384:Rome / Q000453:epidemiology; D012934:Social Isolation; D015678:Viral Structural Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; D006389:Hemagglutinins, Viral; D012367:RNA, Viral; D015678:Viral Structural Proteins