Multiplication of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (Mucambo) virus in cultured mosquito cells

Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (Mucambo) virus was able to multiply at 28degree C in cultured mosquito cells (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) without inducing any apparent cytopathology. The kinetics of virus multiplication was similar in mosquito and mammalian (Vero) cells. Twelve to twenty four hours post-infection, a maximum of 10-50 per cent of the cells were engaged in virus production; however, almost immediately this proportion fell abruptly tending to stabilize in the order of 0.01 to 0.05 per cent. No significant increase of infectious centers was observed after cell subculturing. Study of subpopulations of mosquito cells revealed a differential suceptibility to virus infection, which suggests that a balance of susceptible and virus resistant cells may play a role in the establishment and persistence of the chronic infection.