Inactivation, purification and stability of 146S antigens of foot and mouth disease virus for use as reagents in the complement fixation test

Abstract

Summary : The quantity of 146S antigen remaining after inactivation by acetylethylen eimine (AEI) or by formaldehyde plus AEI varied con­ siderably between foot and mouth disease virus strains. Treatment with formaldehyde prior to AEI inactivation reduced the 146S recovery of several strains but improved I46S particle stabilisation during AEI inactivation of SAT 2 Kenya 183/74. Inactivated 146S antigens were found to be satisfactory for immunising guinea pigs and the minimum effective dose was around 0.64 µg. Concentrated 146S preparations were most stable when stored above liquid nitrogen.