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Acid stability of hepatitis A virus
E Scholz1, U Heinricy, B Flehmig
1Abteilung für Medizinische Virologie und Epidemiologie der Viruskrankheiten, Hygiene-Institut der Universität Tübingen, F.R.G.
The Journal of General Virology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) exhibits remarkable acid stability, remaining infectious for up to 5 hours at pH 1. This virus-specific characteristic is independent of protective cellular material.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding viral stability is crucial for disinfection and transmission control.
- Comparative analysis of viral acid resistance is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the acid stability of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) with other enteroviruses.
- To determine if HAV's acid resistance is a virus-specific trait.
Main Methods:
- Comparative infectivity assays of purified and unpurified HAV, poliovirus type 1, coxsackievirus types A9 and B1, and echovirus type 9.
- Exposure to acidic conditions (pH 1) at room temperature and 38°C.
- Detection of viral infectivity and antigenicity.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) demonstrated superior acid stability, retaining infectivity for up to 5 hours at pH 1 and room temperature, significantly longer than other tested enteroviruses.
- Highly purified HAV remained infectious for 8 hours, indicating intrinsic viral stability.
- HAV antigens were detectable for extended periods under acidic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis A virus possesses a unique, virus-specific acid stability.
- This intrinsic stability is a key characteristic of HAV, not attributable to external protective factors.
- Findings have implications for understanding HAV persistence and developing effective inactivation strategies.