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Reduction of HTLV-I-infected cells in blood by leukocyte filtration
E J Al1, S C Visser, S M Broersen
1Department of Development Research, The Netherlands Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Amsterdam.
Abstract:
Leukocyte filtration was performed with HTLV-I-infected blood and with blood supplemented with cultured HTLV-I-transformed cells. Reduction of infectivity upon leukocyte filtration was determined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers indicative for the HTLV-I-pol and tax genes. Two different commercially available filters were used: a column-shaped cellulose acetate and a flat-bed polyester filter. Both filters yielded reduction of at least 3 10logs for cultured HTLV-I-infected cells. When blood from HTLV-I-infected individuals was used for filtration, the number of infected cells was reduced by 1-3 10logs. Although filtered blood as yet cannot be regarded as safe, it is concluded that leukocyte filtration of HTLV-I-infected blood potentially contributes to reducing the spread of HTLV-I by blood transfusion.
Insights
Leukocyte filtration significantly reduced Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infectivity in blood. This method shows potential for reducing HTLV-I transmission via blood transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Blood Transfusion Safety
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is a significant blood-borne pathogen.
- Current methods for preventing HTLV-I transmission through blood transfusions are not fully effective.
- Leukocyte reduction is a potential strategy to mitigate viral transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of leukocyte filtration in reducing HTLV-I infectivity in blood.
- To assess the impact of different filter types on HTLV-I reduction.
- To determine the potential of leukocyte filtration as a preventive measure against HTLV-I transfusion transmission.
Main Methods:
- Leukocyte filtration was performed on HTLV-I-infected blood and cultured HTLV-I-transformed cells using cellulose acetate and polyester filters.
- Infectivity reduction was quantified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting HTLV-I pol and tax genes.
Main Results:
- Both cellulose acetate and polyester filters achieved at least a 3-log reduction in cultured HTLV-I-infected cells.
- Filtration of blood from HTLV-I-infected individuals resulted in a 1-3 log reduction in infected cells.
Conclusions:
- Leukocyte filtration demonstrates a significant capacity to reduce HTLV-I levels in infected blood.
- While not rendering blood completely safe, this technique offers a promising approach to decrease HTLV-I transmission risk in blood transfusions.