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Transmission of serum parvovirus-like virus by clotting-factor concentrates
Abstract:
The serum parvovirus-like virus (SPLV) is a ubiquitous human virus that suppresses the growth of bone-marrow stem cells in vitro. Antibody to it (anti-SPLV) was found in 28 (97%) of 29 children and young adults with haemophilia treated with clotting-factor concentrates but in only 36% of those who had received multiple blood transfusions and in 20% of age-matched controls. The increased anti-SPLV prevalence in haemophiliacs was significant and was not due to passive acquisition of antibody. Haemophiliacs in a residential school showed seroconversion and rises in anti-SPLV titre following the introduction of concentrate treatment. 10 days after receiving his first dose of factor-VIII concentrate a patient had viraemia and then an anti-SPLV IgM response. These observations show that SPLV is often transmitted in clotting-factor concentrates but not in transfused blood. Whether this transmission has any harmful effect is uncertain.
Insights
Serum parvovirus-like virus (SPLV) is often transmitted through clotting-factor concentrates in hemophilia patients. This study found a significantly higher prevalence of anti-SPLV antibodies in hemophiliacs receiving these treatments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Serum parvovirus-like virus (SPLV) is a common human virus known to inhibit bone-marrow stem cell growth in vitro.
- Hemophilia patients often receive clotting-factor concentrates and blood transfusions, potentially exposing them to viral agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of antibodies to SPLV (anti-SPLV) in individuals with hemophilia.
- To determine the transmission routes of SPLV, specifically comparing clotting-factor concentrates and blood transfusions.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for anti-SPLV antibodies in hemophiliacs treated with clotting-factor concentrates, those receiving multiple blood transfusions, and age-matched controls.
- Monitoring of seroconversion and antibody titers in hemophiliacs following the introduction of concentrate treatment.
- Detection of viremia and specific IgM responses after factor-VIII concentrate administration.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of anti-SPLV antibodies was observed in hemophiliacs treated with clotting-factor concentrates (97%) compared to those receiving multiple blood transfusions (36%) and controls (20%).
- Evidence of SPLV transmission via clotting-factor concentrates was demonstrated through seroconversion and rising antibody titers in patients.
- A patient exhibited viremia and an anti-SPLV IgM response after receiving factor-VIII concentrate, confirming transmission.
Conclusions:
- Clotting-factor concentrates are a significant source of SPLV transmission in hemophilia patients.
- Blood transfusions do not appear to be a common route for SPLV transmission.
- The potential health implications of SPLV transmission through clotting-factor concentrates remain uncertain and require further investigation.