Viral culture

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Viral Culture

Viral culture (pronunciation: /ˈvaɪrəl ˈkʌltʃər/) is a laboratory test that is used to determine the presence of a virus in a specific sample taken from a patient. The process involves introducing the sample into cells that the virus being tested for is able to infect and replicate in.

Etymology

The term "viral culture" is derived from the Latin word virus meaning "poison" or "slimy liquid", and the Latin cultura meaning "growing, cultivation".

Procedure

The procedure for a viral culture involves several steps. First, a sample is taken from a patient, typically from the area where an infection is suspected. This sample is then introduced into a cell culture where it is monitored for changes that indicate the presence of a virus. If the cells show changes, or cytopathic effect, it indicates that a virus is present and replicating.

Types of Viral Culture

There are several types of viral culture methods, including:

  • Shell vial culture: A rapid method where the sample is centrifuged onto a single layer of cells and then incubated.
  • Solid phase culture: A method where the sample is placed on a solid medium that encourages the growth of the virus.
  • Liquid phase culture: A method where the sample is placed in a liquid medium that encourages the growth of the virus.

Related Terms

  • Virus: A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.
  • Cell culture: The process by which cells are grown under controlled conditions.
  • Cytopathic effect: Structural changes in host cells that are caused by viral invasion.

See Also

External links

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