Method for selecting optimal cells for enterovirus isolation as determined in an outbreak of echovirus type 33 meningitis.

An outbreak of echovirus type 33-induced meningitis which occurred in Belgium in 1982 is reported. To identify the causative agent, titers of an early isolate were measured on a variety of cells in order to select the optimal cells. A human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line was found to be the substrate of choice due to its proficient isolation of the virus. This method of determining infectious titres is recommended for improving enterovirus isolation in other epidemics.