IN-VITRO CULTIVATION OF THE HUMAN MICROSPORIDIUM VITTAFORMA-CORNEAE -DEVELOPMENT AND EFFECT OF ALBENDAZOLE

When in vitro growth of Vitiaforma corneae was tested using MDCK, MRC- 5, XEN, L-929 and FHM cell lines, propagation occurred only in MDCK, M RC-5 and XEN cells. The intervals required for the various stages of t he life cycle to develop were the same in all the cell lines tested. T he MDCK cell line was selected to support the growth of V. corneae in vitro and provide the system for in vitro testing of drugs. The weekly output of V. corneae spores from the MDCK cell monolayer was monitore d over a 61-week period during which there were fluctuations but no de finite increase or decrease in output. Albendazole at 2.1 or 4.2 mu g/ ml in MEM was tested against V. corneae in MDCK cell monolayers and sh owed antimicrosporidial activity. The percentage of infected cells was reduced in the presence of the drug and there were ultrastructural ab normalities in all stages of the life cycle. The drug prevents parasit e division.