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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Monitoring Influenza Virus Survival Outside the Host Using Real-Time Cell Analysis
Published on: February 20, 2021
Influenza: propagation, quantification, and storage
Kristy J Szretter1, Amanda L Balish, Jacqueline M Katz
1Influenza Branch, Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Abstract:
Influenza viruses are negative-sense, single-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae. Three types exist, influenza A, B, and C. All infect humans, but only A and B are major human pathogens. Influenza type A viruses are divided into subtypes based on genetic and antigenic differences in the two surface spike proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). The appropriate cell lines to be used for isolation of influenza A or B viruses depend on the clinical information and the host of origin. MDCK cells are the preferred cell line for isolation of human influenza viruses from clinical specimens.
Insights
Influenza A and B viruses are major human pathogens. Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells are the preferred choice for isolating these influenza viruses from clinical samples.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Influenza viruses are RNA viruses responsible for seasonal epidemics.
- Influenza A and B are the primary types causing human illness.
- Influenza A is further classified into subtypes based on hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the optimal cell lines for influenza virus isolation.
- To highlight the importance of host and clinical information in virus isolation.
Main Methods:
- Review of influenza virus classification and characteristics.
- Discussion of cell line utility for viral isolation.
Main Results:
- MDCK cells are identified as the gold standard for isolating human influenza A and B viruses.
- The choice of cell line is influenced by the specimen's origin and clinical context.
Conclusions:
- MDCK cells provide reliable isolation of human influenza viruses.
- Accurate influenza virus identification relies on appropriate cell line selection and consideration of clinical data.
