👉 The Congress Fluid is a unique protein complex produced by the influenza virus during infection, primarily found in the upper respiratory tract. It consists of viral proteins M (matrix), P (polymerase), and NP (nucleoprotein), which together form a spherical particle that is distinct from the host's own cellular proteins. This fluid is crucial for viral assembly and release, as it encapsulates the viral RNA and facilitates the budding of new virions from the host cell membrane. The presence of Congress Fluid in a sample is a key diagnostic indicator for influenza, helping differentiate it from other respiratory viruses.
