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Hepatitis G virus in clotting factor concentrates.
E Alonso-Rubiano1, M Gerber, P Friedman
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Summary
Hepatitis G (GB virus C) is prevalent in hemophilia patients. Some clotting factor concentrates showed GBV-C presence, especially those lacking specific viral inactivation steps. Pasteurization and extended dry heat effectively removed the virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Blood-borne hepatitis is a known risk for patients with bleeding disorders.
- Hepatitis G virus (GB virus C) is increasingly found in hemophilia patients.
- Current viral inactivation methods for clotting factors may not eliminate newly discovered viruses like GBV-C.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of viral inactivation techniques on clotting factor concentrates against Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C).
- To determine the prevalence of GBV-C in clotting factor concentrates manufactured between 1981 and 1995.
Main Methods:
- Testing of 37 vials of US-manufactured clotting factor concentrates (1981-1995) for GBV-C presence.
- Analysis of viral inactivation methods including vapour heat, dry heat, pasteurization, and solvent detergent treatments.
Main Results:
- Samples lacking specific viral inactivation steps were positive for GBV-C.
- Vapour heat and short dry heat treatments (<144 h) did not uniformly remove GBV-C.
- Pasteurization, solvent detergent, and prolonged dry heat (≥144 h) treatments rendered samples GBV-C negative.
Conclusions:
- Current viral inactivation techniques vary in their efficacy against GBV-C.
- Specific methods like pasteurization and extended dry heat are effective in eliminating GBV-C from clotting factor concentrates.
- Ensuring adequate viral inactivation is crucial for patient safety, particularly for newly identified viruses.