MONOCLONAL ENZYME-IMMUNOASSAY SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING SECRETORY IMMUNITYTO INFLUENZA-A AND INFLUENZA-B VIRUSES

Enzyme immunoassay system has been developed for measuring the titers of secretory IgA in secretion from the upper respiratory airways (SURA ). Russian ingredients are used. The conjugate includes monoclonal ant ibodies to heavy chains of human secretory IgA. The sensitivity and sp ecificity of the kit was tested with SURA of normal subjects and patie nts with influenza. The initial level of specific secretory IgA antibo dies detected by the kit clearly correlated with defense from natural influenza infection. The protective concentrations of the antibodies c orresponded to at least 1:64 dilutions. The titers of serum and secret ory antibodies in convalescents after influenza A or B were virtually the same. The level of secretory antibodies dropped sooner than that o f serum antibodies.