Specific organ defects in early chick embryos following inoculation with influenza A virus.

Abstract

SummaryThe PR8 strain of influenza A virus was inoculated in high titer in chick embryos which were in stages of development ranging from 10 to 15 by Hamburger and Hamilton staging criteria (approximately 48 hours incubation time). Such inoculations produced specific organ defects, particularly noted in the lens and auditory vesicles, in addition to previously reported axis twists and flattening of the encephalon. Embryos inoculated at slightly later stages with more dilute virus also developed axis twists and flattened encephalon, but were much less consistent in their production of defects of the lens and otocysts within the time limits of the experiment. Specific hyperimmune serum to influenza A virus completely prevented all the influenza A-induced teratogenic effects, whereas other hyperimmune serum (Newcastle disease) failed to do so.