The enhancing effect of copper, nickel, and cobalt ions on plaque formation by Semliki Forest virus (SFV) in chicken embryo fibroblasts.

In cultured chicken embryo fibroblasts treated with copper-(copper cation 10-minus 3.5-10-minus 5 M), nickel and cobalt salts an enhancement of the plating efficiency of Semliki Forest virus could be observed. This augmented plaque formation was most probably due to a higher adsorption rate of virions to the cell surface under the influence of the transition metal ions. The plating efficiency of West Nile virus in chicken-embryo fibroblasts and, to a lesser degree, of poliovius type 1 and 2 in KB-cells was also enhanced by copper sulfate.