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Viral Shedding in Mice following Intravenous Adenovirus Injection: Impact on Biosafety Classification
Christopher J LaRocca1,2, Kari L Jacobsen1, Kazuho Inoko1
1Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Viruses
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Adenovirus shedding in mice is minimal after 72 hours. This study suggests downgrading animals from Biosafety Level 2 to Biosafety Level 1 on day 4 post-injection, ensuring lab safety.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gene Therapy
- Biosafety
Background:
- Advances in gene therapy and oncolytic virotherapy necessitate robust biosafety protocols.
- Understanding viral vector shedding in animal models is crucial for safe research practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the timeline for downgrading adenovirus-injected mice from Biosafety Level (BSL) 2 to BSL 1.
- To assess biosafety risks associated with viral shedding in murine models.
Main Methods:
- Adenovirus-based viral shedding studies were conducted in murine models.
- Viral shedding was analyzed using buccal and dermal swabs, urine, and stool samples.
- Adenovirus hexon copy number was quantified by qPCR, and plaque assays assessed viral biologic activity.
Main Results:
- Biologically active adenovirus shedding was not significant 72 hours post-inoculation.
- qPCR and plaque assays confirmed the absence of infectious viral particles after this period.
Conclusions:
- Mice injected with replication-competent adenovirus can be safely downgraded to BSL 1 on day 4.
- This allows for reduced containment measures without posing a hazardous exposure risk to laboratory personnel.
