Propagation, quantification, detection, and storage of West Nile virus

JD Brien, HM Lazear… - Current protocols in …, 2013 - Wiley Online Library
Current protocols in microbiology, 2013Wiley Online Library
West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family of enveloped, single‐stranded,
positive‐sense RNA viruses. WNV, an emerging viral pathogen, is transmitted by
mosquitoes to birds and mammals and is responsible for an increasing incidence of human
disease in North America and Europe. Due to its ease of use in the laboratory and the
availability of robust mouse models of disease, WNV provides an excellent experimental
system for studying molecular virology and pathogenesis of infection by flaviviruses. Here …
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family of enveloped, single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA viruses. WNV, an emerging viral pathogen, is transmitted by mosquitoes to birds and mammals and is responsible for an increasing incidence of human disease in North America and Europe. Due to its ease of use in the laboratory and the availability of robust mouse models of disease, WNV provides an excellent experimental system for studying molecular virology and pathogenesis of infection by flaviviruses. Here, we describe common laboratory techniques used to propagate, quantify, detect, and store WNV. We also briefly describe appropriate safety precautions required for the laboratory use of WNV, which is classified as a Biosafety Level 3 pathogen by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 31:15D.3.1‐15D.3.18. ©2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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