A comparison of the efficiency of human embryo intestine, Hep 2 cells, and human embryo kidney cells for the primary isolation of ophthalmic viruses.

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Abstract
A comparison was made of the efficiency of 3 cell systems [human embryo kidney (HEK), Hep 2 and a continuous line of human embryo intestine (HEI)] for the isolation of ophthalmic viruses. A total of 40 herpes simplex, 51 adenoviruses and 2 vaccinia viruses were isolated from 323 specimens. HEK cells were found to be the optimal system, 85 out of 93 (91%) of the viruses being detected in these cells alone. However, HEK cells are difficult to obtain; therefore, the use of a combination of the continuous cell lines HEI and Hep 2 is recommended as an alternative. Of the viruses 89% were detected by this combination. The use of either HEI or Hep 2 cells alone was unsatisfactory.