Chikungunya virus isolation using simplified cell culture technique in Mauritius

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The 2005-2006 chikungunya outbreak in Mauritius overwhelmed existing laboratory diagnostic capabilities.
• Limited laboratory facilities, primarily virus isolation in cell culture tubes and serology, faced a high volume of blood samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of different cell lines for chikungunya virus isolation during an outbreak.
• To identify a rapid, simple, and cost-effective method for chikungunya virus isolation to aid surveillance and control.

Main Methods:

• Comparative virus isolation was performed using human embryonic lung (HEL) cells and VERO cells grown in 96-well plates.
• Blood samples from the outbreak were inoculated into both cell types to detect cytopathic effects (CPE).

Main Results:

• Human embryonic lung (HEL) cell cultures demonstrated higher sensitivity for chikungunya virus isolation.
• Cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed earlier in HEL cells compared to VERO cells.
• Out of 18,300 blood samples inoculated onto HEL cells, 11,165 tested positive.

Conclusions:

• Human embryonic lung (HEL) cells provide a superior method for rapid chikungunya virus isolation in outbreak settings.
• This optimized virus isolation technique is valuable for effective disease surveillance and vector control strategies.
• The described method offers a cheap, rapid, and simple approach for chikungunya virus detection during epidemics.