[Release of hepatitis A virus into the culture medium, during its replication in PLC/PRF/5 cells]

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), obtained from human feces collected 3 days after the onset of jaundice, was propagated in human hepatocarcinoma cells (PLC/PRF/5). In the course of 5 passages, it was released into the supernatant without cytopathic effect. Released HAV was propagated after inoculation into PLC/PRF/5 cells. Its biophysical properties (buoyant density in CsCl: 1, 33 g/cm3; sedimentation coefficient: 155 S) were similar to those of the infectious particle present in the cells or in the stools of patients.