Neutralizing antibody response of guinea pigs to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

A 24-h neutralization test that is based on fluorescent cell counting was used for the detection and quantitative determination of serum-neutralizing antibody against lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. The earliest manifestation of serum-neutralizing antibody in guinea pigs was shown to occur within 1 week after inoculation with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Within 11 weeks, serum-neutralizing antibody increased from 20- to 300-fold. Neutralizing end points of serum samples, obtained from 3 through 11 weeks, were enhanced as much as sevenfold by complement. Anti-guinea pig immunoglobulin G or anti-whole guinea pig serum potentiated the neutralizing activity of serum as much as 20- and 40-fold, respectively.