Virological methodology

Viral burden is quantified using distinct virological and molecular methodologies:

• Cytopathic Effect (CPE) Assay: Evaluates virus-induced morphological degeneration, lysis, and cell death within the host cell monolayer.

• Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose (TCID 50) Assay: Quantifies the viral concentration required to induce infection or cytopathology in 50% of inoculated cell culture replicates.
• Plaque Assay: Measures the formation of discrete, localized areas of cellular lysis (plaques) in the host monolayer, serving as the gold-standard benchmark for infectious titer determination.

• Quantitative PCR / Reverse Transcription-PCR (qPCR/RT-qPCR): Quantifies viral genomic copy numbers based on DNA or RNA templates, offering high-throughput molecular sensitivity.