Comparison of MRC-5 and primary rabbit kidney cells for the detection of herpes simplex virus.

Abstract

To compare MRC-5 and primary rabbit kidney (PRK) cells to either cell monolayer alone for the recovery of herpes simplex virus (HSV). A total of 2476 specimens received for HSV culture during a 3-year period were cultured on MRC-5 and PRK cells. Detection rates and the time to first detection were determined for each cell type used. A cost analysis was also performed for the isolation and identification of HSV using both cell types, the MRC-5 cell line alone, and PRK cell culture alone. Large, urban, tertiary-care, university-affiliated hospital. Of the 2476 specimens cultured for HSV, 535 (21.6%) were positive. The MRC-5 cell line detected 531 (99.3%), and the PRK cell culture detected 522 (97.6%) of the positive specimens. Thirteen HSV isolates were detected only in MRC-5 cells, and four were isolated only in PRK cells. Approximately 44% of the cultures were positive by day 1, 84% by day 2, and 98% by day 3, regardless of the cell type used. The total cost per culture was comparable for MRC-5 and PRK cells. There was no difference in the sensitivity or time to detection of HSV between PRK and MRC-5 cells either alone or in combination. Either cell type alone represents an efficient, cost-effective method for the isolation of HSV.