[Stich-plaque test--an economic method for quantitative determination of viruses]

An economic method for quantitative assay of viruses is presented. In this "canule stick-plaque test" (German abbreviation SPT) samples of viruses, geometrically diluted and taken up by a canule, are inoculated by sticking into monolayer cell cultures overlayed with agar medium. A plaquelike CPE detectable by neutral red staining develops in the area of the inoculation. The frequency of this CPE formation depends on the concentration of viruses in the inoculated dilution. This dose-response allows calculation of the ID 50. In this way it is possible to carry out titration involving 6 dilutions and 10 inoculations per dilution using 3 common Petri dishes (6 cm in diameter), only. The sensitivity , accuracy, and reproductibility of this method are described and discussed.