Rubella Complement Fixation Test

Abstract

Complement-fixing antigens specific for rubella were made in tissue cultures of RK-13 rabbit kidney cells and primary cultures of kidney from the African green monkey. The antigens were prepared with the infected cell monolayer diluted to 30 percent with supernatant fluid and frozen and thawed three times. Complement-fixing antibody appeared in patients with rubella soon after the termination of rash and persisted for at least 8 months. In 8 out of 12 individuals who had the disease 10 to 20 years before they were tested, no complement-fixing antibody was found, but neutralizing antibody was present.