Isolation of Influenza A and B Viruses in HeLa Cells

The HeLa cell line which is one of the most popular cell lines was shown to be suitable for isolation of types A (H3N2) and B influenza viruses from throat washings of patients. Sixty-nine and 67 out of 147 throat washings taken from patients during the period from January to April, 1994, were positive for influenza A virus in HeLa cells and MDCK cells, respectively. Seven out of 10 throat washings taken between January and March, 1993, were positive for influenza B virus in MDCK. Of these 7, 4 were also positive for HeLa cells.