CULTIVATION OF DIFFICULT VIRUSES FROM PATIENTS WITH COMMON COLDS

Specimens were collected during 31 colds in 27 patients, mainly adults. The specimens were tested for the presence of viruses by the combined use of tissue culture, organ culture, and inoculation of volunteers. Known or presumed viruses were grown from 29 specimens. These included 16 rhinoviruses, 2 enteroviruses, 4 parainfluenza viruses, 1 virus resembling avian infectious bronchitis virus, 1 adenovirus, and 5 unclassified agents, probably viruses. Of these, 4 rhino viruses, 2 enteroviruses, 2 parainfluen.za viruses, and 1 adenovirus were detected by the use of ordinary tissue cultures only organ cultures being unnecessary. We wish to thank the volunteers for their willing co-operation and Dr. H. E. M. Kay and his staff for the supply of most of the embryos used. Miss E. M. Bullock assisted in the volunteer experiments, and Miss C. J. Blamire and Mrs. P. K. Brown in the laboratory work. Dr. P. J. Chapple carried out some of the preliminary experiments on strain H.W., and Drs. H. G. Pereira and A. T. Roden on strain M.R. © 1968, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.