Adaptation of reptilian paramyxovirus to mammalian cells (Vero cells).

The reptilian paramyxovirus GOV was successfully adapted to Vero cells in 80 passages at 30 degrees C. The virus replicated with HA titres of 1:64 and 10(7.5) TCID50/ml in the heterologous host cells forming syncytia, giant cells and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. After 80 passages GOV was identified by immunofluorescence, by immune electron microscopy and by PCR. Sequencing of RT-PCR products of GOV after 80 passages did not reveal changes in the nucleotide sequence of the partial L-gene of GOV.