Abstract
It is thought by some that the vitamin B complex content of a tissue may have some bearing on the resistance or submission of a tissue to virus infection. The relationship of this vitamin group to virus growth has not been determined i.e., whether a normal high content or an altered ratio of the members inhibits or promotes the growth of viruses. This determination was undertaken by Dr. J. M. Severens. | Embryonated eggs are the favored culture medium for many viruses and the period between 6 to 13 days the period of choice for inoculation and harvest. Acting on the suggestion of Dr. Severens, the author undertook one part of the larger problem, the assay of embryonated eggs during the period of choice for all members of the vitamin B group. By knowing the absolute value of the vitamins in this tissue, alterations could be made by addition of members and inhibition or enhancement of growth of an inoculated virus determined. For such work the content of vitamin per day was thought necessary because daily inoculations of vitamin and virus were intended. In this way it was hoped that the relationship between the B vitamins and viruses might be established. Unfortunately, the media for assay, purchased from the Difco Corporation was faulty and in that essential growth factors were absent, and the results of assay unreliable in all but one instance, riboflavin, which is reported herein.