HOST INFLUENCE ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS VIRUS
Abstract
Experiments were performed to examine the changes in biological and chemical characteristics of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) viral populations that occurred during ten serial passages in embryonated eggs, suckling mice, chick embryo fibroblasts, and L cells. Alterations in plaque size, virulence, and lipid content were studied for possible interrelationships among these properties. The chick embryo host maintained the same large-plaque and virulence properties of the virus through ten passages as seen in the original seed. Passage of virus in either L cells or chick fibroblasts rapidly produced populations that were, in the main, intermediate with respect to plaque size and virulence. Passage of virus in suckling mouse brain yielded populations that were intermediate with respect to plaque size only. The nature of the lipid of the virus, in terms of the ratio of petroleum ether-soluble to -insoluble lipid, changed after only one passage in all systems except in chick embryos. Nine additional serial passages failed to enhance these changes in viral lipid, suggesting that the decrease in the large-plaque and virulence properties were not directly associated with changes in lipid content.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0475577
Entities
People
- Fred P. Heydrick
- Henry J. Hearn Jr.
- Ralph F. Wachter
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories