Absence of detectable interferon in jejunal biopsies, jejunal aspirates, and sera in experimentally induced viral gastroenteritis in man.

Seven of thirteen normal volunteers inoculated with either the Norwalk of Hawaii agent of viral gastroenteritis demonstrated clinical illness, with typical rapid onset, short duration, and rapid recovery. Examination of sera, jejunal aspirates, and jejunal biopsy specimens obtained 48-96 hr after inoculation, failed to reveal the presence of interferon in samples from either ill or well subjects.