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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
EXPERIMENTS ON THE SURVIVAL OF THE FEBRILE HERPETIC AND ALLIED VIRUSES IN VITRO
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
Abstract:
These studies fail to confirm the statements previously made that microorganisms of the class of the globoid bodies of poliomyelitis may be cultivated in the Smith-Noguchi medium from the so called virus of encephalitis lethargica. They show equally that the herpes virus does not multiply in this medium. The experiments indicate, moreover, that the medium is unfavorable to the survival of the virus, while ordinary broth under aerobic conditions is more favorable for maintaining the activity of both the encephalitic and the herpes viruses. Probably no multiplication of either takes place in the latter medium but merely a survival, and for a maximum period of 6 days in the broth itself, and 12 days in the fragment of brain tissue immersed in the broth. Finally, it has been shown that with a suitable technique the viruses can be passed from the brain of one rabbit to that of another through a long series without contamination with cocci or other common bacterial forms. Hence we regard all reports of the finding of ordinary bacteria in the brain of cases of epidemic or lethargic encephalitis as instances of mixed or secondary infection arising during life, or examples of postmortem invasion of the body, or of faulty technique at the autopsy.
Insights
This study found that the Smith-Noguchi medium does not support the growth of encephalitis lethargica or herpes viruses. Ordinary broth is better for virus survival, and bacterial contamination is likely due to secondary infections or poor technique.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Previous studies claimed globoid bodies of poliomyelitis could be cultivated from encephalitis lethargica virus using Smith-Noguchi medium.
- The Smith-Noguchi medium's efficacy for cultivating neurotropic viruses was questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the suitability of Smith-Noguchi medium for cultivating encephalitis lethargica and herpes viruses.
- To determine optimal conditions for virus survival and activity.
- To clarify the origin of bacterial contamination reported in encephalitis cases.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation attempts of encephalitis lethargica and herpes viruses in Smith-Noguchi medium.
- Comparative survival studies in Smith-Noguchi medium versus ordinary broth (aerobic conditions).
- Serial passage of viruses in rabbits to assess viability and contamination.
Main Results:
- Smith-Noguchi medium failed to support the cultivation or multiplication of encephalitis lethargica and herpes viruses.
- Ordinary broth demonstrated a more favorable environment for virus survival, up to 6 days in broth and 12 days in brain tissue.
- Successful serial passage of viruses in rabbits confirmed viability and demonstrated the possibility of avoiding bacterial contamination with proper technique.
Conclusions:
- The Smith-Noguchi medium is unsuitable for cultivating encephalitis lethargica and herpes viruses.
- Bacterial findings in encephalitis cases are likely secondary infections or artifacts of poor laboratory technique.
- Ordinary broth provides a better medium for short-term survival of these viruses compared to Smith-Noguchi medium.
