Question

Please explain how a hemagglutination reaction occurs.

Answer 1

Answer

HIA is a serologic assay that be used either to detect antibody to a virus or to identify a suspect virus. The HIA is performed by first mixing virus samples with dilutions of serum. Antibody is allowed time to bind the virus and then RBCs are added to the mix. Viruses that have bound to antibody will be unable to bind to RBCs. Thus in the HIA, the absence of hemagglutination is a positive result. If a hemagglutinating virus is the known reagent, the HI assay can be used to detect antibody. If the hemagglutinating virus is unknown, it can be identified by using a panel of known antibodies.HA and HI apply the process of hemagglutination, in which sialic acid receptors on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) bind to the hemagglutinin glycoprotein found on the surface of influenza virus (and several other viruses) and create a network, or lattice structure, of interconnected RBC's and virus particles.In a positive reaction, RBC becomes agglutinated by virus particles, showing a lattice formation. In a negative reaction, RBC precipitates to the bottom of the well, forming a distinct red dot in a cone-shaped bottom.The linking together of the red blood cells by the viral particles results in clumping. This clumping is known as haemagglutination.Both can cause the agglutination of red blood cells. Note that some other viruses and some bacteria will also agglutinate chicken red blood cells.

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