Replication of Nosema Algerae In Three Insect Cell Lines

SYNOPSIS Nosema algerae, a microsporidan parasite of anopheline mosquitoes, was successfully replicated in 3 insect cell culture lines: Trichoplusia ni (TN‐368); Heliothis zea (IPLB‐1075); and Mamestra brassicae (IZD‐Mb‐0503). Infectious spores were produced in vitro. Spores were observed at 48 h postinfection, and some cells were filled with sproes by 72 h. The number of parasites per cell increased with time. At 72 h postinfection, the infection rates for the 3 cell lines ranged from 23 to 32%. Infected cell lines were subcultured, and by the 6th passage spore production had ceased.