Differentiation between two African arenaviruses (Lassa and Mozambique) by plaque assay

The biological characteristics of Lassa and Mozambique viruses were compared by plaque assay. Both viruses produced plaques under the same conditions, however, Lassa virus plaques measured on average 2 mm in diameter being twice as large as the Mozambique virus plaques. By plaque reduction tests, cross protection was demonstrated between both viruses showing that Lassa and Mozambique viruses are distinct but related.