SARS–associated Coronavirus Replication in Cell Lines
research, SARS-CoV, Cell susceptibility, cytopathic effects
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.
Thomas Tran, Mike Catton, Doris Chibo, Chris Birch, Julian Druce, Renata Kostecki, Matthew Kaye, Jessica Morris
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Infectious and parasitic diseases, Medicine