HSV IgG antibody inhibits virus detection in CSF.

Background: Before PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), laboratory diagnosis of herpes encephalitis (HSE) was based on virus isolation from brain biopsy. Viral isolation from CSF has limited clinical value due to low virus recovery; the cause for which has not been demonstrated.

Objective: To investigate the role of anti-HSV antibodies on recovery of HSV from CSF via cell culture.

Calu-3/A-549 mixed cells as a replacement for primary rhesus monkey kidney cells for virus detection.

Background: Primary kidney cells derived from rhesus macaques (pRhMK) are heavily relied upon for the detection and culture of a wide range of clinically relevant viruses. The use of these cultures is problematic due to the possible presence of endogenous viruses, the need to sacrifice a primate, and the inherent variance found in primary cultures.

Objective: To develop a continuous cell line or mixed cell co-culture that could replace dependence on pRhMK cells.