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Propagation and Titration of West Nile Virus on Vero Cells
Alexander J McAuley1, David W C Beasley2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Keiller Building, Route 0609, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
The propagation and titration of viruses are key virological techniques. Unlike other flaviviruses, such as the dengue viruses, West Nile virus (WNV) grows and plaques very efficiently on Vero cells, usually inducing strong cytopathic effect (CPE) and forming clear plaques. Here, we outline the steps for propagating WNV from culture supernatant stocks and homogenized organ/mosquito samples, as well as for determining virus titers in samples by serial-dilution plaque assay using neutral red or crystal violet stains.
