Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the M protein (M1) were used in the development of direct detection systems for type A influenza viruses in clinical specimens. Optimal detection by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was achieved when MAbs were used as capture antibodies and rabbit polyclonal antibodies were used as sandwich antibodies. Detection by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay required amplification of the virus. direct detection in clinical specimens (nasopharyngeal aspirates) was accomplished when MAbs recognizing two distinct antigenic sites of M1 were used in a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Type A influenza viruses could be detected equally well in specimens obtained during epidemics of both H3N2 and H1N1 influenza viruses.