Cytopathic effect

Cytopathic effect (CPE) refers to degenerative changes in cells (especially in tissue culture) associated with the multiplication of certain viruses. When in tissue culture, the spread of virus is restricted by an overlay of agar (or other suitable substance) and thus the cytopathic effect may lead to formation of plaque. Thus identification of a viral infection can be made by examining the characteristic cytopathic effect produced on different cell sheets. This method however is relativley slow and not all viruses will grow on cell sheets.