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Updated: Jul 31, 2025
Cell Culture Techniques and Practices to Avoid Contamination by Fungi and Bacteria in the Research Cell Culture Laboratory
Published on: July 7, 2023
Constant testing for Pestivirus in cell lines reveals different routes of contamination
Tatiana F P DE Oliveira1, Antônio A F Júnior1,2, Anapolino M DE Oliveira1
1Laboratório Nacional Agropecuário de Minas Gerais, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular/Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Doenças Virais, Avenida Rômulo Joviano, s/n, 33600-000 Pedro Leopoldo, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
Pestivirus can contaminate cell cultures and sera and cause serious problems that evolve the integrity of studies, confidence in diagnostic results, and safety of human and animal vaccines. Contaminations by Pestivirus and other viruses may occur at any time and regular assays of monitoring in cell cultures and your supplies are necessary. This study aimed to analyze the phylogeny of Pestivirus detected from cell cultures, calf serum, and standard strains of three laboratories in Brazil that carry out frequent tests for the monitoring of cellular contaminations. These samples were submitted to phylogenetic analysis to understand the genetic relationship between contaminants occurring in these facilities. As result, the Pestivirus found in samples were Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2), Hobi-like viruses (often named BVDV-3), and Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and the phylogenetic analysis help us to infer at three possible routes of contamination in this work.
Insights
Pestivirus contamination in Brazilian labs threatens research and vaccine safety. Phylogenetic analysis identified Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), Hobi-like viruses, and Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), revealing contamination routes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Pestivirus contamination poses significant risks to cell cultures, sera, diagnostic results, and vaccine safety in both human and animal health.
- Regular monitoring assays for viral contamination in cell cultures and supplies are crucial due to the potential for contamination at any time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a phylogenetic analysis of Pestivirus detected in cell cultures, calf serum, and standard strains from three Brazilian laboratories.
- To understand the genetic relationships among Pestivirus contaminants within these facilities and infer potential contamination routes.
Main Methods:
- Samples of cell cultures, calf serum, and standard strains were collected from three laboratories in Brazil.
- Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on the detected Pestivirus to determine their genetic relationships.
Main Results:
- The study identified Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2), Hobi-like viruses (BVDV-3), and Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in the analyzed samples.
- Phylogenetic analysis provided insights into the genetic diversity of these Pestivirus strains.
- Three potential contamination routes for Pestivirus within the studied laboratories were inferred based on the phylogenetic data.
Conclusions:
- Pestivirus, including BVDV types and CSFV, are present as contaminants in Brazilian laboratories.
- Phylogenetic analysis is a valuable tool for understanding Pestivirus epidemiology and identifying contamination sources.
- The findings highlight the need for stringent monitoring and control measures to prevent Pestivirus contamination in research and production settings.
