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Simian immunodeficiency virus (human HIV-II) transmission in allograft bone procedures

S D Cook1, S L Salkeld, A B Prewett

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Spine
|June 15, 1995
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) can transmit through bone allografts. Chemical decontamination is essential to ensure SIV-free bone grafts, as freeze-thaw cycles alone are insufficient for safe allograft procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Transplantation Immunology

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission via bone allografts, though rare, has occurred, primarily with frozen grafts.
  • Donor screening and serologic testing reduce transmission risk but do not eliminate it due to the seroconversion window.
  • Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in rhesus monkeys serves as an ideal model for studying acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential for simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) transmission through allograft bone.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of different bone processing techniques in eliminating SIV transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were infected with SIV to model disease transmission.
  • Aseptic corticocancellous bone cylinders were obtained from infected monkeys.
  • Grafts underwent four processing methods: fresh, fresh frozen, double freeze-thaw, and double freeze-thaw with chemical decontamination.
  • Processed grafts were implanted into non-infected monkeys, and SIV antibody presence was monitored via serologic testing and histology.

Main Results:

  • All animals receiving fresh or freeze-thawed allografts became infected with SIV.
  • Animals receiving grafts treated with double freeze-thaw cycles and chemical decontamination remained disease-free.
  • Histological examination confirmed the absence of SIV in the disease-free group.

Conclusions:

  • Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is transmissible via bone allograft procedures.
  • While freeze-thaw cycles and blood element removal reduce infectivity, they are insufficient to guarantee graft safety.
  • Chemical decontamination is crucial for ensuring a high level of confidence in the safety of bone allografts.

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