title: Propagation, quantification, detection, and storage of West Nile virus.
abstract: West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family of enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses. WNV, an emerging viral pathogen, is transmitted by mosquitoes to birds and mammals and is responsible for an increasing incidence of human disease in North America and Europe. Due to its ease of use in the laboratory and the availability of robust mouse models of disease, WNV provides an excellent experimental system for studying molecular virology and pathogenesis of infection by flaviviruses. Here, we describe common laboratory techniques used to propagate, quantify, detect, and store WNV. We also briefly describe appropriate safety precautions required for the laboratory use of WNV, which is classified as a Biosafety Level 3 pathogen by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
authors: Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.|These authors contributed equally to this work.
authors: James D
authors: JD
authors: Brien
authors: Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.|These authors contributed equally to this work.
authors: Helen M
authors: HM
authors: Lazear
authors: Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.|Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.|Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
authors: Michael S
authors: MS
authors: Diamond
mesh_terms: D003264:Containment of Biohazards / Q000379:methods*; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D014773:Virology / Q000379:methods*; D014902:West Nile virus / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification*
keywords: West Nile virus; infection; plaque assay; purification; titration