Polykaryocytosis and replication of mouse hepatitis virus in peritoneal macrophages.

Results of this investigation indicated that the infectivity titre of mouse hepatitis virus decreased after 6 hour incubation at 37°. Nutrient fluids from infected macrophage cultures retained pathogenicity and the ability to form polykaryons Electron microscope studies of polykaryons formed from infected macrophage cultures showed the presence of virus-like particles in the cytoplasm. From the study, it was concluded that polykaryon formation in infected macrophage cultures resulted from an active viral agent.