Cell Fusion, using Sendai virus, to Effect Inter-Species Transfer of a Cell-Associated Parasite (Theileria Parva).

Abstract

The production of interspecific heterokaryons by virus-induced cell fusion was first performed by Harris & Watkins (1965). Since that time the technique has been widely used in a variety of fields but its application in the field of parasitology has not so far been exploited. We have used the technique to effect inter-species, transfer of an intra-cellular host specific parasite (Theileria parva) the causative organism of East Coast fever of cattle.