Propagation of Junin Virus, the Etiological Agent of Argentinian Hemorrhagic Fever, in HeLa Cell Cultures

Abstract

Junin virus, the etiological agent of Argentinian hemorrhagic fever, has been propagated serially in HeLa cell cultures. Appropriate cell viability during the long experimental period was obtained by the use of suitable combination of growth-promoting and maintenance media as well as by frequent fluid changes during the period of viral synthesis. A characteristic cytopathogenic effect was observed during the 1st passage and did not change during 10 consecutive transfers of the agent. Evidence that the cytopathogenic agent was Junin virus was derived from fluorescent antibody studies and irom neutralization tests with sera from animals immunized with the virus propagated in newborn mice. In cell cultures, Junin virus was inactivated by sodium desoxycholate, a property common to all arthropod-borne viruses.