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Efficient medium for impingement and storage of enveloped viruses
Abstract:
Airborne infections with pathogenic viruses play an important role in the transmission of diseases amongst men and animals. We compared several media intended for impingement of viruses from virus-contaminated air and for their preserving effect for two enveloped viruses. Sindbis (SINV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), members of the families Toga- and Rhabdoviridae, respectively, were chosen as indicator agents. Amongst the media tested, a sampling fluid consisting of phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.2, 0.5% bovine serum albumin, 0.5% gelatine (PBSplus) was most efficient to minimize the sampling stress during impingement and to preserve the infectivity SINV and VSV under stringent conditions at 37 degrees C. About 50% of virus infectivity was recovered 15.7 or 30 hours, respectively, after the beginning of storage. Thus the recommended medium is also suitable for shipment and storage of diagnostic virus samples.
Insights
A new sampling fluid, PBSplus, effectively preserves airborne virus infectivity during air sampling and storage. This phosphate-buffered saline solution with albumin and gelatine is crucial for accurate virus detection and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Airborne viruses are significant agents of disease transmission in humans and animals.
- Effective methods for capturing and preserving airborne viruses are essential for epidemiological studies and diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare different media for their efficiency in collecting airborne viruses.
- To evaluate the preserving effect of these media on enveloped viruses like Sindbis virus (SINV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV).
Main Methods:
- Tested various sampling media for virus impingement from contaminated air.
- Assessed the preservation of infectivity for SINV and VSV under stringent conditions (37°C).
- Utilized a phosphate-buffered saline solution with bovine serum albumin and gelatine (PBSplus) as a key medium.
Main Results:
- PBSplus minimized sampling stress and preserved virus infectivity most effectively.
- Approximately 50% of SINV and VSV infectivity was recovered after 15.7 and 30 hours of storage, respectively.
- The medium demonstrated suitability for virus sample shipment and storage.
Conclusions:
- PBSplus is a highly efficient medium for sampling and preserving airborne enveloped viruses.
- This finding supports its use in diagnostic virology for sample transport and long-term storage.
- The study provides a valuable tool for improving the detection and study of airborne viral pathogens.