Removal of human immunodeficiency virus by an 0.04-micron membrane filter

We tested the ability of a 0.04-micron nylon membrane filter to remove human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from tissue culture media containing 10% fetal calf serum. Endpoint titrations of infectious virus (ID50) were performed on lymphocyte cultures. The presence of virus in the cultures was determined using an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA) of the HIV-1 P24 core antigen. In repeated experiments, filtration of the virus suspension resulted in the removal of HIV below detectable limits. The titer reduction was estimated to be greater than 8.5 x 10(2). These results suggest that this filter is effective in removing HIV from fluids containing serum or serum products.