Epidemic Influenza B and C in Navy Recruits, 1953-1954. I. Antigenic Studies on Influenza Virus, Type B.

Abstract

An epidemic of influenza B occurred in the recruit population at U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill., during the Spring of 1954. Data were presented on the 37 strains isolated from individuals who were ill with an acute respiratory disease. The recently isolated influenza type B viruses are antigenically different from the 1940 Lee B. The complement-fixation test was of value only when antigens employed were prepared from the current epidemic strain of influenza B.