A virus obtained from influenza patients

The epidemic of influenza at the beginning of 1933 afforded an opportunity of making an experimental study of this disease, the results of which are here embodied in a preliminary communication. Throat-washings were obtained from a number of patients as early as possible after the onset of definite symptoms. On the assumption that the aetiological agent of influenza was probably a filtrable virus the throat-washings were filtered before use through a membrane impermeable to bacteria. The filtrates, proved to be bacteriologically sterile, were used in attempts to infect many different species. All such attempts were entirely unsuccessful until the ferret was used and the first success was only secured towards the close of the epidemic.