Immunocytologic study of nasal epithelial cells in influenza.

The nasal epithelial cells that are infected in influenza are the ciliated cylindric, intermediate, and basal cells, and squamous-like cells with small, ovoid nuclei. There is suggestive evidence that the goblet cells are also infected. Macrophages may also be infected. There is definite individual variation in the distribution of antigen in the infected cells, and the distribution of infected cells throughout the epithelium is also quite uneven. Some areas show a single infected cell whereas other areas show several adjacent infected cells. The ciliated border of cylindric epithelial cells begins to fluoresce early, or soon after the nucleus is filled with antigen and before the perinuclear region becomes fluorescent. Its fluorescence continues until other parts of the cytoplasm and nucleus no longer show any fluorescence. The diagnosis of influenza with fluorescent antibody can be made by an experienced examiner with relative ease in about 75 per cent of the patients if the nasal specimens are obtained ...