Detection of rubella-virus-induced apoptosis in Vero cell cultures with hematoxylin and eosin staining

ABSTRACT

In order to facilitate the detection of apoptotic cells (Apo C) in Rubella virus (RV) infected cultures in settings of low resources, we compared hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) with the conventional TUNEL technique, and confirmed our findings with DNA electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy. H&E allowed to distinguish Apo C from non-apoptotic cells. The proportion of Apo C in infected cultures was proportional to the multiplicity of infection (MOI). At a MOI of 10, the percent of Apo C at 3, 4 and 5 days post infection (pi) were 26, 45 and 47