Cytopathic effect

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cytopathic effect (CPE) refers to degenerative changes in cells (especially in tissue culture) associated with the multiplication of certain viruses. When in tissue culture, the spread of virus is restricted by an overlay of agar (or other suitable substance) and thus the cytopathic effect may lead to formation of plaque.[1] Thus identification of a viral infection can be made by examining the characteristic cytopathic effect produced on different cell sheets. This method however is relatively slow and not all viruses will grow on cell sheets.

This microbiology-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Medical microbiology, Mims and Playfair, Mosby Europe, 1993, 18.8.