OBJECTIVETo establish a culture system of HBV positive serum infected Hep G2 cells in vitro.

METHODSHep G2 cells were seeded into six-well cluster dishes, at 1 x 10(-6) cells per well and incubated with 3 ml 10% fetal calf serum/ Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (10% FCS/DMEM) at 37 degrees in 5% CO2 air. At 24 h after plating, infection group Hep G2 cells were cultured with 0.5 ml HBV positive serum, in control group HBV negative serum was used, 24 h later the inoculums was removed. The cells were then extensively washed with 0.01 mol/L phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). After washing with PBS, 4 ml 2% FCS/DMEM were added to each well and the medium was collected every 12 h. ELISA method was used to detect HBsAg in culture medium. HBV DNA in cells and culture medium was detected by PCR.

RESULTSIn infection group, HBsAg could be detected from cell culture medium from 12 h (after PBS washed) to 84 h. HBV DNA could be detected by PCR in culture medium and cells.

CONCLUSIONInfection of Hep G2 cells by HBV positive serum is feasible.