SARS–associated Coronavirus Replication in Cell Lines

SARS–associated Coronavirus Replication in Cell Lines

Thomas Tran, Mike Catton, Doris Chibo, Chris Birch, Julian Druce, Renata Kostecki, Matthew Kaye, Jessica Morris

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.

2006

research, SARS-CoV, Cell susceptibility, cytopathic effects

DOI: 10.3201/eid1201.050496

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Infectious and parasitic diseases, Medicine