Identification of rhinovirus stran D.C.

Abstract

IN 1953, Andrewes et al.1 reported the propagation of a virus in cultures of primary human embryonic lung from nasal washings of a patient (D. C.) with a common cold. Although no cytopathic effects were noted, culture fluids from the fourth to the tenth passage produced colds in volunteers whereas control fluids did not. At that time, attempts to repeat these experiments were unsuccessful. Using nasal washings from individuals inoculated with D. C. material, Tyrrell et al.2 attempted to propagate the D.C. virus in primary human embryo kidney cultures in conditions favourable for recovery of rhino viruses. Although these tests were also unsuccessful, these workers were able to propagate a virus, with production of cytopathic effects, in human diploid fibroblast cultures. This development led to the recognition of the agent as a rhinovirus. It is probable but not certain that this virus is the same as that which was in the original D. C. nasal washings.