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Updated: Sep 18, 2026
Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification
Published on: April 20, 2011
Plaque formation and isolation of pure lines with poliomyelitis viruses
Abstract:
Plaques have been produced with the three types of poliomyelitis viruses on monolayer tissue cultures of monkey kidney and monkey testis. The number of plaques was proportional to the concentration of the virus. Each plaque originates, therefore, from a single virus particle, defined as the virus unit that is unseparable by dilution. The plaques are due to the specific action of the virus since they are suppressed by type-specific antiserum. Pure virus lines were established by isolating the virus population produced in single plaques. These derived virus lines had the same morphological, serological, and pathogenic properties as the parent strain. High titer virus stocks, with titers up to 7 x 10(8) plaque-forming particles per ml., were obtained.
Insights
Researchers produced poliomyelitis virus plaques on monkey kidney and testis cell cultures. This plaque assay method allows for virus quantification and isolation of pure virus lines for further study.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Poliomyelitis virus poses a significant public health challenge.
- Accurate methods for virus quantification and characterization are crucial for vaccine development and disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a plaque assay for poliomyelitis virus.
- To demonstrate the utility of plaque assays for isolating pure virus lines.
Main Methods:
- Culturing monkey kidney and testis monolayer tissue cultures.
- Inoculating cultures with different types of poliomyelitis viruses.
- Quantifying virus concentration based on plaque formation.
- Isolating virus from single plaques to establish pure virus lines.
Main Results:
- Plaque formation was observed and directly proportional to virus concentration.
- Plaques were confirmed to be virus-specific, as they were neutralized by type-specific antiserum.
- Pure virus lines derived from single plaques retained the original strain's properties.
- High-titer virus stocks (up to 7 x 10^8 PFU/ml) were successfully generated.
Conclusions:
- The plaque assay is a reliable method for quantifying poliomyelitis virus.
- This technique enables the isolation of stable, pure virus lines.
- The plaque assay is valuable for virological research and the production of virus stocks.
