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Insect cells: adventitious agents
1Insect Biocontrol Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350.
Abstract:
The varied associations between insects and micro-organisms provides ample opportunity for the contamination of insect cell cultures. As with cell cultures from vertebrates, the addition of serum or serum products into cell culture media risks the introduction of mycoplasma and bovine viruses into cell cultures. Rarely do these organisms persist or multiply in insect cultures; however, there have been reports of the growth of Acholeplasmas introduced with fetal bovine serum. The contamination of cultures with plant or mammalian pathogens that are transmitted by insects is more common. The micro-organisms that are associated with insects, either as pathogens or commensals, frequently contaminate primary cell cultures and may also contaminate cell lines.
Insights
Insect cell cultures are susceptible to contamination from various microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, often introduced through culture media supplements like serum. While many contaminants do not thrive in insect cells, some, like Acholeplasma, can grow, impacting research outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- Insect cell cultures are prone to contamination due to the inherent associations between insects and microorganisms.
- Contamination risks are amplified by the use of serum or serum products in culture media, mirroring concerns in vertebrate cell culture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the common sources and types of microbial contamination in insect cell cultures.
- To discuss the implications of microbial contaminants on the integrity and reliability of insect cell-based research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microbial contamination in insect cell culture.
- Analysis of common contaminants, including mycoplasma, bovine viruses, and insect-associated microorganisms.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma and bovine viruses, often introduced via serum, rarely persist but can proliferate in insect cultures.
- Plant and mammalian pathogens transmitted by insects are frequent contaminants.
- Microorganisms associated with insects as pathogens or commensals commonly contaminate primary cultures and cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining sterile insect cell cultures requires careful management of media components and awareness of potential microbial sources.
- Effective contamination control strategies are crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of insect cell culture experiments.