SARS-associated coronavirus replication in cell lines.
Given the potential for laboratory-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infections, we must know which cell lines are susceptible to the virus. We investigated 21 cell lines routinely used for virus isolation or research. After infection with SARS-CoV, cells were observed for cytopathic effects, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure ongoing viral replication. An indirect immunofluorescence assay was also used as a confirmatory test. The study identified 10 new cell lines capable of supporting the replication of SARS-CoV and confirmed the susceptibility of 4 cell lines previously reported. This study shows that SARS-CoV can be isolated in several cell lines commonly used for diagnostic or research purposes. It also shows that SARS-CoV can achieve high titers in several cell lines, sometimes in the absence of specific cytopathic effects.
Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. matthew.kaye@mh.org.au
Matthew
M
Kaye
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D003588:Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; D004285:Dogs; D000882:Haplorhini / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011817:Rabbits; D045473:Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000502:physiology*