Objective To evaluate shell vials of MHV,a combination of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK),human epidermoid cancer cells (Hep-2) and African green monkey kidney cells (Vero),and conventional cell culture in detecting influenza viruses and enterovirus from fresh clinical specimens.Methods Specimens from patients with influenza-like illness and children with hand-foot-mouth disease were inoculated with both shell vials of MHV and MDCK/Vero.Then cytopathological effect (CPE) was examined daily.Influenza viruses and enteroviruses were detected by multiple reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR).Results CPE of MDCK/Vero cells were stronger than the shell vials of MHV.The isolation rate of influenza virus by MHV was 24.6％ (34/138) and that by MDCK was 28.3％ (39/138),which was not significantly different (x2 =1.92,P＞0.05).That of enterovirus by MHV was 28.1％ (9/32) and that by Vero was 37.5％ (12/32),which was not significantly different (x2 =3.00.P＞0.05).Conclusions CPE in MDCK/Vero cells are easier to be observed than the shell vials of MHV.However,the shell vials of MHV are appropriate in public health emergencies,which can be used for isolation of influenza viruses and enterovirus in patients with respiratory symptoms.