Pauline H. Peralta

A plaque neutralization method for arboviruses.

Summary A method for production of plaques by arboviruses in small wells of disposable plastic trays is described. Each of 19 viruses from Central or South America produced plaques in MA-111 and VERO cell lines. Optimum conditions for various agents were determined. The method was shown to give reliable measurement of VEE virus antibodies in sera from humans with naturally acquired infections.

Demonstration of Encephalomyocarditis Virus Antibody in Human Serums from Panama.

Summary Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus neutralizing antibody was found in 36 (20%) of 180 human sera collected in 4 geographically separated, rural areas of the Republic of Panama. Hemagglutination inhibition antibody was present in over half (58%) of the sera positive in the neutralization test. Sera from more than 15% of the population sampled in each of the 4 areas contained neutralizing antibody. Children had a significantly higher incidence than adults, a difference which is unexplained.