USE OF CONTINUOUS HUMAN LUNG-CELL CULTURE FOR ADENOVIRUS ISOLATION

Adenovirus sensitivity, TCD50 value and mean time to cytopathic effect (CPE) were compared in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), rhesus monke y kidney (RhMK), human lung carcinoma (A549) and in newly identified c ontinuous human lung (CHL) cell cultures. High-titer stock and positiv e original specimens were inoculated in culture. Patient specimens wer e also placed in shell-vial cultures. A549 and CHL cells demonstrated comparable sensitivity, however the former generally produced CPE earl ier. Sensitivity was respectively reduced and poor in RhMK and MDCK cu ltures, as expected in cells of nonhuman origin. The performance of CH L for adenoviruses and other pathogens makes them a useful addition in diagnostic virology laboratories.