Circulation of influenza virus A(H1N1) in Moldavia (Romania) during 1978-1982.

The influenza virus A(H1N1) subtype that reappeared after an absence of 20 years was incriminated as an etiological agent of acute respiratory disease outbreaks in Moldavia (Romania). There were three epidemics in the winter--spring of 1978, 1979, and 1982, that affected mostly school communities and young adults. In 1980-1981 the circulation of A(H1N1) virus was limited. In all the epidemics mentioned the A(H1N1) subtype caused mild influenza cases, with minimal complications and insignificant mortality.

[Fluorescent antibody method in the study of an antiviral agent: 5-sulfamido--isatin-thiosemicarbazone]. / Metoda anticorpilor fluorescenti în studiul unei substante antivirale: 5-sulfamide-isatin-tiosemicarbazona

Direct immunofluorescence supplied evidence of the antiviral action of a new synthetic derivative (5-sulfamido-ITSC) against vaccina virus in HeLa cell cultures. The antiviral potential of the new derivative is expressed by a 10-18 delay in the appearance of the viral antigen and by the quantitative reduction of synthesis. Administered in a single dose of 40 uM/ml, after infection of the HeLa cells, 5-sulfamido-ITSC does not arrest the infection and bring about elimination of the virus from the cell, in the course of a single viral multiplication cycle. Direct immunofluorescence is a rapid, specific method for detection of the in vitro antiviral action of synthetic derivatives.