The use of a line of hamster kidney cells (BHK 21) for growth of arthropod-borne viruses

Abstract

1. 1) Group A and B arthropod-borne viruses were tested for their ability to multiply, produce cytopathic effect and form plaques in a line of baby-hamster kidney cells (BHK 21). 2. 2) VEE, Mayaro, SLE and Ilhéus viruses multiplied well, produced a cytopathic effect and formed plaques. Mayaro formed triangular, crescentic or irregular (cirriform) plaques. 3. 3) Yellow fever virus strains FN and 17D multiplied, but cytopathic effect and plaque formation were variable. The lack of cytopathic effect was correlated with production of interferon effective against an attenuated strain of foot-and-mouth disease virus. 4. 4) BHK 21 cells were used for isolation, identification and serum neutralization tests in an outbreak of VEE in Venezuela. 5. 5) It is suggested that BHK 21 cells would be suitable for virus isolation studies with the faster growing, arthropod-borne viruses, which do not produce interferon.