Influenza virus culture is done on –
**Core Concept**
Influenza virus culture is a laboratory technique used to isolate and identify the influenza virus from clinical specimens. This method relies on the ability of the virus to infect specific cell lines that support viral replication.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **MDCK cells**. MDCK cells (Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells) are a type of epithelial cell line that is commonly used for the isolation and cultivation of influenza viruses. The virus infects these cells and replicates, producing a cytopathic effect that can be visually observed under a microscope. This allows for the identification of influenza virus in clinical specimens.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Chicken embryo cells are sometimes used for influenza virus isolation, but they are not the primary cell line of choice.
* Chicken embryo cells can support the growth of influenza virus, but they are less sensitive and more time-consuming than MDCK cells.
**Option B:** Vero cells are a type of monkey kidney cell line that can be used for viral isolation, but they are not the preferred choice for influenza viruses.
* Vero cells can support the growth of a wide range of viruses, including influenza, but they are not as sensitive as MDCK cells for this specific virus.
**Option C:** Human embryonic fibroblast cells are not typically used for influenza virus culture.
* These cells are not typically used for influenza virus isolation due to their limited sensitivity and the availability of more suitable cell lines like MDCK cells.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that influenza virus culture is not the primary method used for diagnosis in clinical settings. Rapid antigen detection tests and molecular PCR-based assays are more commonly used due to their faster turnaround times and higher sensitivity.
**Correct Answer:** C. MDCK cells