ABSTRACT
This chapter evaluates current knowledge of host systems available for detecting viruses in water, with recommendations for the most appropriate systems and areas for future research. In general, simian or human cell cultures are the most useful cultures for viruses of interest in the water environment. Diploid cell cultures are easier to obtain and maintain than primary cultures, but may have a more limited range of virus susceptibility. Cell culture systems are the most convenient and widely used hosts for the recovery of viruses from water. The choice of a host system for detecting viruses in water must consider not only the sensitivity of the system to the viruses of interest, but also the availability, ease of handling, and cost of such a system. The traditional laboratory host systems used for detecting viruses are described. The two standard methods for detecting and quantifying viruses by cell culture inoculation are plaque assay and cytopathic effect induction in the host cells.
