Abstract
Investigations in recent years have revealed a group relationship of viral agents, 1 - 6 isolated from various sources (man, birds, animals), and morphologically similar to the viruses of psittacosis and lymphogranuloma venereum. 7 Interest in this group has been stimulated through recognition of the frequency of infections in man with several of these agents. 8 , 9 The need for laboratory procedures which might aid in the recognition and study of these viruses has become increasingly evident.
Serological reactions have been of little value in differentiation and identification of the members of this group. Complement fixation tests, although of value in detecting infection by a member of the group, 9 , 10 have indicated a broad antigenic similarity and have failed in general to differentiate sharply between the various agents. 11 The serum neutralization test, which has been perhaps of greatest value in identifying other viruses, was not applicable here because in general it has been the experience of investigators that infection in man and animals, 12 or artificial immunization with these agents, 3 , 13 does not produce a serum satisfactory for studying the antigenic relationships within the group by the neutralization test.
We have previously reported 13 that a neutralizing and protective antiserum of relatively high titer can be obtained against the Chicago strain of mouse pneumonitis, 14 a member of this group, by repeated intraperitoneal injections of chickens with infected mouse lungs. By similar methods we have more recently produced antiserums against the viruses of meningopneumonitis 15 and lymphogranuloma venereum.
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