Cultivation and survival studies of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a human diploid cell strain

Yale J Biol Med. 1974 Dec;47(4):291-6.

Abstract

Neisseria gonorrhoeae was cultivated in a human diploid cell strain (WI-38). Eighty percent of the cultures contained viable gonococci for at least 4 m at 36°C, as evidenced by subculture to brain heart infusion broth. Monthly subcultures of bacteria could be made to fresh WI-38 cultures for at least 11 monthly passages with a 69% survival rate. The identity of gonococci was confirmed by morphology, gram staining, oxidase testing and fermentation reactions. Viability in brain heart infusion broth, minimum essential medium (Eagle), and WI-38 spent fluid was of much shorter duration. The organisms grown in WI-38 cultures appeared to orient largely in the vicinity of the WI-38 cells as well as within the cytoplasm of the cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cell Line
  • Diploidy*
  • Humans
  • Lung / embryology
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / growth & development*