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Plaque formation by mumps virus and inhibition by antiserum
Abstract:
Boston and ABC strains of mumps virus produced plaques approximately 1.0 mm in diameter in monolayers of BGM cells. The plaques were circular and either clear or target-like in form. Ricki strain virus produced plaques of similar size and form but, in addition, a red plaque was observed with this agent. The vaccine strain of mumps virus, Jeryl Lynn, produced minute clear plaques approximately 0.3 mm in diameter. Incorporation of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-dextran into the overlay medium did not affect the size difference between Jeryl Lynn plaques and those of the other strains. However plaques of the Jeryl Lynn and Ricki strains were more easily visualized when the overlay medium contained 400 mug/ml of DEAE-dextran. Simultaneous titration by plaque formation and roller tube infectivity showed that these two methods were of equal sensitivity. Virus neutralization by antibody was demonstrated by plaque reduction. Rise in antibody titer was observed in sera from human and animal infection, human vaccination, and rabbit immunization.
Insights
Mumps virus strains Boston, ABC, and Ricki form larger plaques than the Jeryl Lynn vaccine strain. DEAE-dextran enhances plaque visualization, and plaque reduction assays effectively detect mumps virus neutralizing antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mumps virus characterization is crucial for vaccine development and diagnostics.
- Plaque assays are a standard method for quantifying viral infectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plaque formation characteristics of different mumps virus strains.
- To evaluate the effect of DEAE-dextran on plaque visualization.
- To assess the correlation between plaque assays and infectivity titrations.
Main Methods:
- Culturing mumps virus strains (Boston, ABC, Ricki, Jeryl Lynn) in BGM cell monolayers.
- Analyzing plaque size, morphology, and visualization with and without DEAE-dextran.
- Performing simultaneous titrations using plaque formation and roller tube infectivity.
- Demonstrating virus neutralization by antibody through plaque reduction assays.
Main Results:
- Boston, ABC, and Ricki strains produced 1.0 mm plaques; Jeryl Lynn produced 0.3 mm plaques.
- Ricki strain exhibited unique red plaques.
- DEAE-dextran (400 µg/ml) improved visualization of Jeryl Lynn and Ricki plaques.
- Plaque formation and roller tube titrations showed equal sensitivity.
- Plaque reduction assays confirmed virus neutralization and antibody titer increases.
Conclusions:
- Distinct plaque characteristics differentiate mumps virus strains.
- DEAE-dextran aids in visualizing plaques from specific strains.
- Plaque assays are reliable for mumps virus quantification and neutralization studies.