You are running an ELISA on a sample to test for the presenc

You are running an ELISA on a sample to test for the presence of antigens from the influenza A virus. When it comes time to add the antibody, you realize that you only have antibodies for the influenza B virus. Would these antibodies give you accurate results? Why or why not?

Solution

Influenza virus is divided into three main types 1. Influenza A 2. Influenza B 3. Influenza C

Influenza A virus is mostly observed in a wide variety of birds and mammalian species and Influenza B is mostly confined to humans.

Influenza A and B have significant differences in antigens that are present in their membrane proteins.

Antibodies are specific to antigens, as the antigens present on influenza A membrane are different from influenza B, the addition of influenza B antibodies instead of influenza A antibodies would result in inaccurate results.