Rapid Virus Diagnosis

Book excerpt: Rapid Virus Diagnosis: Application of Immunofluorescence presents developments in immunofluorescence as a technique for the diagnosis of virus infections. It discusses the effective and rapid methods for the diagnosis of virus infections. It addresses the application of fluorescent antibody techniques to the diagnosis and the investigation of virus infections and the assessment of their value both to the clinician and to the virologist. Some of the topics covered in the book are the fluorescence microscopy; nature of fluorescence; filter systems; transmitted light microscopy; interference filters for transmitted light microscopy; lamp centration and alignment of microscope; contrast-fluorescence condensers; photomicrography; and choice of microscope. The culture of viruses for production of antiserum is fully covered. The selection of cell lines or tissues for virus culture is discussed in detail. The text describes in depth the fluorescent antibody staining techniques. The preparation of specimens from respiratory infections is presented completely. A chapter is devoted to the respiratory syncytial virus. Another section focuses on the analysis influenza virus, paramyxoviruses, and picornaviruses. The book can provide useful information to doctors, virologists, students, and researchers.