Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
Simplified Reverse Genetics Method to Recover Recombinant Rotaviruses Expressing Reporter Proteins
Published on: April 17, 2020
Detection and Quantification of African Swine Fever Virus in MA-104 Cells
Ayushi Rai1,2, Sarah Pruitt1,2, Elizabeth Ramirez-Medina1,2
1Agricultural Research Service Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Detection of live African swine fever virus (ASFV) has historically relied on the use of primary swine macrophages (PSM). PSM do not replicate and have to be isolated fresh from donor swine. We previously identified that a MA-104 cells (ATCC #CRL-2378.1), a commercially available cell line isolated from African green monkey ( Cercopithecus aethiops ) kidney epithelial cells, supports the detection of ASFV from field samples with a sensitivity comparable to that of primary swine macrophages. Collection of swine blood or lungs is time costing, which is often not readily available in most veterinary diagnostic laboratories. MA-104 cells could thus be used as substitute for primary swine macrophages to save significant lead time by avoiding the production of primary swine macrophages.
Insights
MA-104 cells, a monkey kidney cell line, can effectively detect African swine fever virus (ASFV). This offers a viable alternative to primary swine macrophages, streamlining diagnostics for veterinary laboratories.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Cell Biology
- Diagnostic Microbiology
Background:
- Primary swine macrophages (PSM) are the standard for detecting live African swine fever virus (ASFV).
- PSM require fresh isolation from donor swine, a process that is time-consuming and resource-intensive for veterinary diagnostic labs.
- The availability of PSM can be a limiting factor in timely ASFV diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate MA-104 cells as a potential substitute for PSM in ASFV detection.
- To determine if MA-104 cells offer comparable sensitivity to PSM for ASFV detection from field samples.
- To identify a more accessible and efficient cell line for ASFV diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MA-104 cells, a commercially available cell line derived from African green monkey kidney epithelial cells.
- Compared the sensitivity of MA-104 cells to PSM for the detection of ASFV in field samples.
- Assessed the practicality of using MA-104 cells in veterinary diagnostic workflows.
Main Results:
- MA-104 cells demonstrated a sensitivity for ASFV detection comparable to that of primary swine macrophages.
- The use of MA-104 cells bypasses the need for fresh isolation of PSM.
- This cell line provides a readily available alternative, reducing lead time in diagnostics.
Conclusions:
- MA-104 cells are a suitable and sensitive alternative to primary swine macrophages for detecting African swine fever virus.
- Adopting MA-104 cells can significantly reduce diagnostic lead times and improve laboratory efficiency.
- This finding supports the broader implementation of MA-104 cells in veterinary diagnostic laboratories for ASFV surveillance and control.
