Influenza virus is a single-stranded RNA virus, segmented, 70nm diameter and enveloped. Strains are described by geographic origin, strain number, year of isolation and hemagglutination (H) and neuraminidase (N) antigens. It is an acute viral disease of the uper respiratory tract characterized by fever, headache, chills, myalgia, weakness, runny nose and sore throat. Cough can be severe. Nausea and vomiting are uncommon. Fatality is generally low, except for those with chronic lung or heart conditions.
Applications
Suitable for use as an antigen in immunological protocols. Widely used for both IgG and IgM detection in assays which include EIA with polystyrene and latex solid phases.
Hemaglutination Endpoint Assay
ELISA: ~1:5000 Note: Sonicate immediately prior to use to ensure uniformity 27,307 HA U/ml
Storage and Stability
May be stored at -70°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing and freeze at -70°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months
Source
Influenza A, Texas 1/77, H3N2, cultured in embryonated chicken eggs
Purity
Contains a high concentration of viral antigens as well as some egg proteins.
Preparation
Eggs are infected by the amniotic route, incubated for 72 hours and refrigerated overnight. Amniotic fluids are harvested from live eggs. The embryos are washed in PBS. The suspension is concentrated using crossflow ultracentrifugation with a 30,000 MW cutoff. The concentrate is sonicated and clarified using low speed centrifugation.
Inactivation
Gamma radiation inactivation.
Form
Supplied as a liquid in PBS.
Important Note
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications without the expressed written authorization of United States Biological.