Optimal conditions are described for the recovery of cell culture-derived varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Of the cells tested, human embryonic lung fibroblasts were the most sensitive. Storage and handling procedures were examined to determine the stability of VZV in viral transport medium. When the initial VZV titer was high (2 x 104 PFU/ml) 40% of the VZV survived room temperature for 24 h and 75% of the VZV remained viable for this long at 4°C. Recovery was 5to 10-fold less at lower initial

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... titers (<2 x 103 PFU/ml). Other factors which influenced VZV recovery included freezing at -20°C, the use of cotton or * Corresponding author. 880 Monolayer cultures were prepared in six-well plastic dishes (35-mm-diameter well; Costar) by seeding with 3 x lo, J. Med. 307:971-975.