CULTIVATION OF BUFFALO GREEN MONKEY KIDNEY-CELLS PERSISTENTLY INFECTED WITH HEPATITIS-A VIRUS

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of prolongation of in cubation periods, cocultivation with normal buffalo green monkey kidne y (BGMK) cells and different concentrations of foetal calf serum (FCS) on the production of hepatitis A virus (HAV) by BGMK cell line persis tently infected with HAV strain HM175. HAV could be detected from week 1 onwards. However, maintenance of cultures beyond this period was fo und to yield substantially higher quantities of virus. Cocultivation o f persistently infected cells with normal BGMK cells also improved the antigen yields. Different concentrations of FCS did not show any effe ct on the amount of virus produced. The cell line was maintained up to 46 passages during which there was continuous production of HAV in th e cells and release of small amounts of virus in the culture supernata nts. Cell associated and cell free viral particles were found to be in fectious. Supernatant derived virus was a highly suitable inoculum for infecting other susceptible cell lines. Persistently infected BGMK ce ll line appears to be a reliable and economical source to derive HAV i n adequate amounts for diagnostic and research purposes.