Rabies virus production (LP 2061/Vero strain) by Vero cells was also investigated. We analysed in spinner flasks, the effects on virus multiplication of multiplicity of infection (MOI), regulation of glucose level to 1 g/l and type of medium. The highest virus titer was reached when cells were infected at an MOI of 0.3 in M199 medium supplemented with 0.2 % of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and without regulating glucose level. In these conditions, virus titer was equal to 1.5 × 106 fluorescent focus units (FFU)/ml.
We then evaluated rabies virus production by Vero cells grown on 3 g/l of Cytodex 1 using recirculation culture mode during the growth phase. Cells were infected at the optimal conditions previously determined. The maximal virus titer was equal to 2 × 107 FFU/ml. The activity of the experimental vaccine prepared showed a protective activity that meets WHO requirements.