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Recovery and inactivation of infectious retroviruses from factor VIII concentration
Abstract:
The ability of infectious retroviruses to withstand the procedures used for factor VIII concentration was investigated. Mouse retroviruses added to human plasma survived these procedures and remained infectious in lyophilised samples of factor VIII. Lyophilised material had to be heated at 68 degrees C for several hours before substantial quantities of infectious virus became inactivated. These findings support the possible role of retroviruses in AIDS, and indicate that factor VIII concentrates must be heated to inactivate these infectious viruses.
Insights
Infectious retroviruses can survive factor VIII concentration procedures, remaining infectious in lyophilized samples. Heating factor VIII concentrates to 68°C for hours is necessary to inactivate these viruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hematology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Factor VIII concentrates are crucial for treating hemophilia.
- The potential role of retroviruses in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was a significant concern.
- Viral safety of blood products, including factor VIII, is paramount.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival of infectious retroviruses during factor VIII concentration.
- To determine the efficacy of standard procedures in inactivating retroviruses in factor VIII concentrates.
- To assess the heat stability of retroviruses in lyophilized factor VIII preparations.
Main Methods:
- Mouse retroviruses were intentionally added to human plasma.
- Plasma underwent standard factor VIII concentration procedures.
- Infectivity of retroviruses in resulting lyophilized factor VIII samples was tested.
- Lyophilized factor VIII was subjected to heat treatment at 68°C for varying durations.
Main Results:
- Mouse retroviruses consistently survived the factor VIII concentration process.
- Infectious retroviruses remained viable in lyophilized factor VIII concentrates.
- Substantial inactivation of infectious retroviruses required prolonged heating at 68°C.
- Standard concentration methods alone were insufficient for retroviral inactivation.
Conclusions:
- Factor VIII concentration procedures do not reliably inactivate infectious retroviruses.
- Lyophilized factor VIII concentrates may harbor infectious retroviruses.
- Heat treatment at 68°C for several hours is essential for inactivating retroviruses in factor VIII concentrates.
- These findings support the consideration of retroviruses in AIDS pathogenesis and highlight the need for heat inactivation in factor VIII concentrate production.