Genome and antigenic analysis of influenza A (H3N2) viruses isolated from an epidemic in a closed community of Carmelite nuns |
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Authors: | I Donatelli A M Takhonova A I Klimov Y Z Ghendon J S Oxford |
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Affiliation: | Division of Virology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy. |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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Keywords: | influenza genetic variation molecular epidemiology |
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