Using Human Umbilical Cord Matrix Cells (HUCM) for Culturing Toxoplasma gondii for Serological and Molecular Assays

Introduction & Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite and one of the most common parasites between human and animals. Nowadays the molecular methods are being used for the diagnosis. Many molecular and drug assays have been performed on this parasite. Many serological and molecular methods are available for detection of this parasite. The aim of this study was to use human umbilical cord matrix cells for propagation of Toxoplasma gondii for serological and molecular assays. In this experimental study, performed in Kerman Medical University, RH strain of tachyzoite of Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from mice and cultured in HUMC, A549 and Hep2 media. The growth and generation conditions of cultured parasite in different times were studied. DMEM medium was used to compare the viability of parasite. The obtained data were analyzed by variance analysis using SPSS software. Parasite entry to cell line was observed in the fist 48 hours of culturing in all media. In day 3-6, propagation of parasites in HUMC cell line was better than other cultures. In the late 6th day volume of cultivated parasites in virulence was acceptable. Use of human umbilical cord matrix cells is a suitable and inexpensive method for proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii. Using these cell lines are useful in providing live parasite for research purposes, drug assays or making laboratory kits.