Characterization and detection of Vero cells infected with Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 using Raman spectroscopy and advanced statistical methods

Using Raman spectroscopy followed by advanced statistical methods enabled us, with sensitivity approaching 100%, to differentiate between a control group of Vero cells and another group of Vero cells that had been infected with HSV-1. Cell sites that were “rich in membrane” gave the best results in the differentiation between the two categories. The major changes were observed in the 1195-1726 cm−1 range of the Raman spectrum. The features in this range are attributed mainly to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.