In Vitro Cultivation in Human Fetal Intestinal Organ Culture of a Reovirus-Like Agent Associated with Nonbacterial Gastroenteritis in Infants and Children

Authors:
  • RWRichard G. Wyatt
    Richard G. Wyatt
  • AKAlbert Z. Kapikian
    Albert Z. Kapikian
  • TTThomas S. Thornhill
    Thomas S. Thornhill
  • MSMitzi M. Sereno
    Mitzi M. Sereno
  • HKHyun W. Kim
    Hyun W. Kim
  • RCRobert M. Chanock
    Robert M. Chanock
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Abstract
Evidence was obtained that a reovirus-like agent associated with infantile gastroenteritis grew in organ cultures of human fetal intestine. Three serial passages of the agent in organ culture were successfully accomplished. Specific antigen was visualized in organ cultures by indirect immunofluorescence and appeared to be localized primarily in the epithelium that lined the intestinal villi. Immunofluorescence, with use of sections of infected organ cultures, was a sensitive method for serologic diagnosis of infection with the reovirus-like agent.