Measles Virus: A Summary of Experiments Concerned with Isolation, Properties, and Behavior

Abstract

Results of studies of measles virus carried out during the last 3 years are summarized. Application of tissue culture techniques employing cells of human origin has provided means whereby the virus can be isolated from patients, its infectivity determined and other biologic properties defined. Data more recently obtained are presented for the first time in a preliminary manner which show that the virus can be cultivated in the developing chick embryo. Certain of these findings, described in this paper, afford procedures for the direct assay of the potency of human gamma globulin or other materials containing measles antibodies used for the induction of passive immunity. The demonstration by means of tissue culture techniques of the multiplication of the virus in chick embryos offers a basis for renewed attempts to develop an effective vaccine under conditions of more accurate control than have been available in the past.