Effects of temperature and host cell type on the in vitro growth and development of Sarcocystis falcatula.

The growth and development of Sarcocystis falcatula in four different cultured cell lines [vero cells, bovine turbinate (BT) cells, equine dermal (ED) cells, and human Hep-2 cells] inoculated with culture-derived merozoites are described. Parasite yields, viability, and plaque forming efficiency were used to compare the growth between different cell lines. Additionally, each cell line was tested at two temperatures of incubation (35 degrees C and 37 degrees C). Based on yield, viability, and plaque forming efficiency, vero cells and BT cells supported growth of S. falcatula better than ED cells and Hep-2 cells. During an 18-day culture period, vero cells produced a mean total of 1.3x10(7) S. falcatula merozoites/T25 flask, BT cells 1.1x10(7), ED cells 0.9x10(7), and Hep-2 cells 0.7x10(7) merozoites/T25 flask. All experimental cell lines grew equally well at 35 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The type of host cells but not the temperature of incubation had a profound effect on the in vitro growth and proliferation of S. falcatula.