Immunoelectrophoretic Studies of the California Encephalitis Virus Group

Abstract

Abstract Immunoelectrophoretic studies of the California encephalitis group (CEV) of arboviruses were carried out. Both single and multiple injection rabbit antisera prepared against the various antigens were used in several agar-buffer-pH systems. Multiple shared antigens were demonstrable among BFS-283 (CE) and all other members of the group except Keystone (KEY) and trivittatus (TVT), thus showing a close antigenic relationship among the majority of members. However, only a minor common antigen was shared between CE and the latter two, indicating a distant antigenic relationship. Guaroa, a member of the Bunyamwera (BUN) group shown by the more conventional neutralization and hemagglutination tests to be related to the CEV group, was found to show a common minor antigen with all members of the CEV group except TVT. At least two common antigens were shared with the latter. Based on this present work and immunodiffusion studies previously reported, it is suggested that the CEV group be considered as a separate group with at least three types. These would be represented by prototypes CE, TVT and KEY. More exhaustive antigenic studies may eventually define additional types and further elucidate the extent of relatedness among members of the CEV and BUN groups.