A model virus-cell system to study the persistence of African swine fever virus.
The persistence of African swine fever virus (ASFV) on Vero cells was induced by using 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IDU). After the persistence was established, several cycles of decreasing virus production were observed with intervals in which no virus could be detected. These latency-like periods could last from 15 to 25 days. After three and a half months the cells appeared to be "cured" and no virus was detected during almost three years. These "cured" cells (Vero-L) were more resistant to superinfection with the wild type virus, and when infected they always established persistence without drug addition characterized by a continuous virus production. The persistent virus isolated at passage 23rd from ASFV persistently infected Vero-L cells was different from wild type in a) the morphology of the plaque, b) its ability to replicate in Vero-L cells, and c) greater resistance to be inhibited by IDU in normal Vero cells (Vero-N). These results suggest that both, Vero cells and ASFV have changed during persistent infection.
Gil-Fernández
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Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, C.S.I.C., Madrid, Spain.
García-Villalón
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D000358:African Swine Fever Virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D003588:Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; D007065:Idoxuridine / Q000494:pharmacology; D007497:Iridoviridae / Q000502:physiology*; D014709:Vero Cells; D010948:Viral Plaque Assay
D007065:Idoxuridine