Production of rabies vaccine using BHK - 21 with roller bottle cell culture technique

ABSTRACT

Compared to other methods of vaccine production, [e.g. culture flask and bioreactor system], the roller culture method for producing rabies vaccine is simpler, and the equipment easier to install and maintain, and also in the event of contamination of one roller, the entire batch need not be discarded. This system provides a much larger surface area than the culture flask, and also ensures a much higher surface area to volume ratio. Gas exchange is also made easier because the cells are alternately aerated and fed with medium every few minutes. Production of rabies vaccine using BHK-21 cultivated by roller bottle cell culture technique can be suitable for countries where rabies is an important health problem. For this project, the PV-PARIS/BHK-21 rabies virus strain was used. The vaccine thus obtained was tested on mice and a satisfactory immune response was observed, and also the potency of vaccine met the requirements of the World Health Organization [WHO]