Detection of viral contamination?

[tigerGS08]

Does anyone know of a way to confirm a viral infection of cell cultures? I have ruled out all other culture problems (media, CO2, water) except mycoplasma which I am in the process of testing for. The cell phenotype does change (indicitive of mycoplasma), but after a period of time the cells begin to undergo apoptosis (more indicitive of a virus). If my mycoplasma test results are negative, I would like to know if there is any way I can confirm that this cell death is due to viral contamination? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[danfive]

I bet a histopathologist can tell how to test for it, either do-it-yourself or send to diagnostic lab.

[kiki06]

Hello
viruses that replicate by cell lysis should create clearing plaques on your cells.

Otherwise as Danfive says you may need to use ELISA or other tests to detect the suckers...

any idea what virus contaminated it?

[lesoleil]

Hey, the Celis book : Cell biology A Laboratory Handbook would address ur question in full. if ur cell line undergoes apoptosis then u should discard it anyway. But it may be important for ur lab to track the source of contamination. u have to decide with ur PI, if it worth it. i would say u might check hemagglutination tests. Good luck!

[wr_1a]

thanks