Primary rabbit embryo cell culture for isolation of rubella virus.

Abstract

Primary cultures of rabbit embryo (RE) cells were compared with that of African green monkey kidney (GMK) cells for sensitivity in the isolation of rubella virus from clinical materials. Virus was recovered in either or both RE or GMK cells from one or more sites in 82% of 38 children clinically diagnosed as having rubella. Virus was isolated from 50% of 32 throat swabs in RE cells, and from 53% of 38 throat swabs in GMK cells. Of 32 throat swabs inoculated into both cell systems, 24 yielded virus; 10 of these were positive in both cell systems, 8 were positive only in GMK cells, and 6 were positive only in RE cells. None of 19 blood specimens yielded virus in GMK cells, whereas of 18 of these same 19 specimens tested in RE cells, 10 (56%) yielded positive results. These results indicate that RE cells are more sensitive than GMK cells. Recognition of rubella virus in RE cells is achieved by direct observation of cytopathic effect, instead of the cumbersome interference technique as employed in GMK cells or certain other cell systems. RE cells are practically free of latent viruses, readily available, and easy to cultivate. All this indicates that the RE cells provides not only a highly sensitive but also a practical host system for the isolation of rubella virus from clinical materials.