Epidemic Influenza B and G in Navy Recruits during Winter of 1951-52

Abstract

Summary

Data have been presented on the occurrence of influenza in Navy recruits at Great Lakes Naval Training Center during the winter of 1951-52. Serological evidence of occurrence of epidemic influenza B was confirmed by the isolation of 11 viruses which appear to resemble the 1210 strain of influenza B. The isolation of 14 strains characterized as influenza C and the serological evidence that influenza C was also epidemic are presented. One of these viruses, the GL 899C strain, was studied in more detail. Its biological and immunological properties and its relation to previously isolated strains were studied. Data were also presented indicating that influenza C infections occurred in other localities throughout the United States. The importance of performing routinely the CRC agglutination and CRC agglutination-inhibition tests at 4°C for the detection of influenza C viruses and antibody titer is stressed.