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Rasmussen TS, Mao X, Forster S, Larsen SB, Von Münchow A, Tranæs KD, Brunse A, Larsen F, Mejia JLC, Adamberg S, Hansen AK, Adamberg K, Hansen CHF, Nielsen DS. Overcoming donor variability and risks associated with fecal microbiota transplants through bacteriophage-mediated treatments. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:119. [PMID: 38951925 PMCID: PMC11218093 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and fecal virome transplantation (FVT, sterile filtrated donor feces) have been effective in treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections, possibly through bacteriophage-mediated modulation of the gut microbiome. However, challenges like donor variability, costly screening, coupled with concerns over pathogen transfer (incl. eukaryotic viruses) with FMT or FVT hinder their wider clinical application in treating less acute diseases. METHODS To overcome these challenges, we developed methods to broaden FVT's clinical application while maintaining efficacy and increasing safety. Specifically, we employed the following approaches: (1) chemostat-fermentation to reproduce the bacteriophage FVT donor component and remove eukaryotic viruses (FVT-ChP), (2) solvent-detergent treatment to inactivate enveloped viruses (FVT-SDT), and (3) pyronin-Y treatment to inhibit RNA virus replication (FVT-PyT). We assessed the efficacy of these processed FVTs in a C. difficile infection mouse model and compared them with untreated FVT (FVT-UnT), FMT, and saline. RESULTS FVT-SDT, FVT-UnT, and FVT-ChP reduced the incidence of mice reaching the humane endpoint (0/8, 2/7, and 3/8, respectively) compared to FMT, FVT-PyT, and saline (5/8, 7/8, and 5/7, respectively) and significantly reduced the load of colonizing C. difficile cells and associated toxin A/B levels. There was a potential elimination of C. difficile colonization, with seven out of eight mice treated with FVT-SDT testing negative with qPCR. In contrast, all other treatments exhibited the continued presence of C. difficile. Moreover, the results were supported by changes in the gut microbiome profiles, cecal cytokine levels, and histopathological findings. Assessment of viral engraftment following FMT/FVT treatment and host-phage correlations analysis suggested that transfer of phages likely were an important contributing factor associated with treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS This proof-of-concept study shows that specific modifications of FVT hold promise in addressing challenges related to donor variability and infection risks. Two strategies lead to treatments significantly limiting C. difficile colonization in mice, with solvent/detergent treatment and chemostat propagation of donor phages emerging as promising approaches. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Sølbeck Rasmussen
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26 4, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Xiaotian Mao
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26 4, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Sarah Forster
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26 4, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Sabina Birgitte Larsen
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26 4, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Alexandra Von Münchow
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Department, of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9 1, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kaare Dyekær Tranæs
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26 4, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Anders Brunse
- Section of Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 68, 1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Frej Larsen
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26 4, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Josue Leonardo Castro Mejia
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26 4, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Signe Adamberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Axel Kornerup Hansen
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Department, of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9 1, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kaarel Adamberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Camilla Hartmann Friis Hansen
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Department, of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9 1, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Dennis Sandris Nielsen
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26 4, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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Mao X, Larsen SB, Zachariassen LSF, Brunse A, Adamberg S, Mejia JLC, Larsen F, Adamberg K, Nielsen DS, Hansen AK, Hansen CHF, Rasmussen TS. Transfer of modified gut viromes improves symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome in obese male mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4704. [PMID: 38830845 PMCID: PMC11148109 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49152-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome encompasses amongst other conditions like obesity and type-2 diabetes and is associated with gut microbiome (GM) dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been explored to treat metabolic syndrome by restoring the GM; however, concerns on accidentally transferring pathogenic microbes remain. As a safer alternative, fecal virome transplantation (FVT, sterile-filtrated feces) has the advantage over FMT in that mainly bacteriophages are transferred. FVT from lean male donors have shown promise in alleviating the metabolic effects of high-fat diet in a preclinical mouse study. However, FVT still carries the risk of eukaryotic viral infections. To address this, recently developed methods are applied for removing or inactivating eukaryotic viruses in the viral component of FVT. Modified FVTs are compared with unmodified FVT and saline in a diet-induced obesity model on male C57BL/6 N mice. Contrasted with obese control, mice administered a modified FVT (nearly depleted for eukaryotic viruses) exhibits enhanced blood glucose clearance but not weight loss. The unmodified FVT improves liver pathology and reduces the proportions of immune cells in the adipose tissue with a non-uniform response. GM analysis suggests that bacteriophage-mediated GM modulation influences outcomes. Optimizing these approaches could lead to the development of safe bacteriophage-based therapies targeting metabolic syndrome through GM restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Mao
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Sabina Birgitte Larsen
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Line Sidsel Fisker Zachariassen
- Section of Preclinical Disease Biology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Anders Brunse
- Section of Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Signe Adamberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Josue Leonardo Castro Mejia
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Frej Larsen
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kaarel Adamberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Dennis Sandris Nielsen
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Axel Kornerup Hansen
- Section of Preclinical Disease Biology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Camilla Hartmann Friis Hansen
- Section of Preclinical Disease Biology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Torben Sølbeck Rasmussen
- Section of Food Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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3
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Blind JE, Ghosh S, Niese TD, Gardner JC, Stack-Simone S, Dean A, Washam M. A comprehensive literature scoping review of infection prevention and control methods for viral-mediated gene therapies. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2024; 4:e15. [PMID: 38415097 PMCID: PMC10897728 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Objective This comprehensive literature scoping review outlines available infection prevention and control (IPC) methods for viral-mediated gene therapies and provides one IPC strategy for the healthcare setting based on a single-center recommendation. Methods A team of experts in pharmacy, healthcare epidemiology, and biosafety with experience in viral-mediated gene therapy was assembled within a pediatric hospital to conduct a comprehensive literature scoping review. The comprehensive review included abstracts and full-text articles published since 2009 and utilized prespecified search terms of the five viral vectors of interest: adenovirus (AV), retrovirus (RV), adeno-associated virus (AAV), lentivirus (LV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Case reports, randomized controlled trials, and bench research studies were all included, while systematic reviews were excluded. Results A total of 4473 case reports, randomized control trials, and benchtop research studies were identified using the defined search criteria. Chlorine compounds were found to inactivate AAV and AV, while alcohol-based disinfectants were ineffective. There was a relative paucity of studies investigating surface-based disinfection for HSV, however, alcohol-based disinfectants were effective in one study. Ultraviolent irradiation was also found to inactivate HSV in numerous studies. No studies investigated disinfection for LV and RV vectors. Conclusions The need to define IPC methods is high due to the rapid emergence of viral-mediated gene therapies to treat rare diseases, but published clinical guidance remains scarce. In the absence of these data, our center recommends a 1:10 sodium hypochlorite solution in clinical and academic environments to ensure complete germicidal activity of viral-mediated gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E. Blind
- Department of Pharmacy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sumit Ghosh
- Department of Research Safety, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Taylor D. Niese
- Department of Pharmacy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Julia C. Gardner
- Department of Pharmacy, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie Stack-Simone
- Center for Clinical Excellence, Department of Epidemiology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Abigail Dean
- Department of Pharmacy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Washam
- Center for Clinical Excellence, Department of Epidemiology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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4
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Asashima H, Mohanty S, Comi M, Ruff WE, Hoehn KB, Wong P, Klein J, Lucas C, Cohen I, Coffey S, Lele N, Greta L, Raddassi K, Chaudhary O, Unterman A, Emu B, Kleinstein SH, Montgomery RR, Iwasaki A, Dela Cruz CS, Kaminski N, Shaw AC, Hafler DA, Sumida TS. PD-1 highCXCR5 -CD4 + peripheral helper T cells promote CXCR3 + plasmablasts in human acute viral infection. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111895. [PMID: 36596303 PMCID: PMC9806868 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-B cell interaction is the key immune response to protect the host from severe viral infection. However, how T cells support B cells to exert protective humoral immunity in humans is not well understood. Here, we use COVID-19 as a model of acute viral infections and analyze CD4+ T cell subsets associated with plasmablast expansion and clinical outcome. Peripheral helper T cells (Tph cells; denoted as PD-1highCXCR5-CD4+ T cells) are significantly increased, as are plasmablasts. Tph cells exhibit "B cell help" signatures and induce plasmablast differentiation in vitro. Interestingly, expanded plasmablasts show increased CXCR3 expression, which is positively correlated with higher frequency of activated Tph cells and better clinical outcome. Mechanistically, Tph cells help B cell differentiation and produce more interferon γ (IFNγ), which induces CXCR3 expression on plasmablasts. These results elucidate a role for Tph cells in regulating protective B cell response during acute viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Asashima
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Subhasis Mohanty
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michela Comi
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - William E Ruff
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kenneth B Hoehn
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Patrick Wong
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jon Klein
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carolina Lucas
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Inessa Cohen
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah Coffey
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nikhil Lele
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Leissa Greta
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Khadir Raddassi
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Omkar Chaudhary
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Avraham Unterman
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Section, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brinda Emu
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steven H Kleinstein
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ruth R Montgomery
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Charles S Dela Cruz
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Section, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Section, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Albert C Shaw
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David A Hafler
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tomokazu S Sumida
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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5
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Fessler SN, Liu L, Chang Y, Yip T, Johnston CS. Palmitoylethanolamide Reduces Proinflammatory Markers in Unvaccinated Adults Recently Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2022; 152:2218-2226. [PMID: 36084236 PMCID: PMC9494383 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is at the core of many chronic conditions and exacerbates infectious conditions, including the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the effects of a novel food supplement, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), specifically Levagen+, as compared with a placebo on proinflammatory biomarkers in adults recently diagnosed with COVID-19 who were unvaccinated and nonhospitalized. METHODS This study was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted October 2020-March 2021 (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04912921). Participants aged 19-53 y were unvaccinated and recently infected with COVID-19 as indicated by a positive test result per RT-PCR or antigen test, and they reported to the test site following diagnosis as allowed by the CDC's return-to-work policy. Participants were stratified by age, sex, and BMI and randomly assigned by coin toss to receive 600 mg Levagen+ twice daily (LEV) or placebo tablets twice daily (CON) for 4 wk. At baseline and week 4, participants completed health histories, 24-h dietary recalls, anthropometrics, and nonfasting blood sampling. The primary outcomes were the 4-wk change between groups for IL-6, C-reactive protein, ferritin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Multiple linear regression models were utilized to assess treatment effects on outcomes, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS A total of 60 participants completed the study (LEV: n = 30; CON: n = 30). After 4 wk of supplementation, sP-selectin (β = -11.5; 95% CI: -19.8, -3.15; P = 0.0078), IL-1β (β = -22.9; 95% CI: -42.4, -3.40; P = 0.0222), and IL-2 (β = -1.73; 95% CI: -3.45, -0.065; P = 0.0492) concentrations were significantly reduced in the LEV group compared with the CON group. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory mechanisms are crucial to optimal resolution of infectious conditions, yet unchecked secretion of inflammatory mediators can promote the dysregulated immune response implicated in COVID-19 complications. Overall, PEA supplementation produced anti-inflammatory effects in individuals recently diagnosed with COVID-19 who were nonhospitalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Fessler
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Address correspondence to SNF (E-mail: )
| | - Li Liu
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Yung Chang
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Theresa Yip
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carol S Johnston
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Liew OW, Fanusi F, Ng JYX, Ahidjo BA, Ling SSM, Lilyanna S, Chong JPC, Lim AES, Lim WZ, Ravindran S, Chu JJH, Lim SL, Richards AM. Immunoassay-Compatible Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in Plasma Samples for Enhanced Handling Safety. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:25510-25520. [PMID: 35903176 PMCID: PMC9301769 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) inactivation is an important step toward enhanced biosafety in testing facilities and affords a reduction in the biocontainment level necessary for handling virus-positive biological specimens. Virus inactivation methods commonly employ heat, detergents, or combinations thereof. In this work, we address the dearth of information on the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation procedures in plasma and their downstream impact on immunoassays. We evaluated the effects of heat (56 °C for 30 min), detergent (1-5% Triton X-100), and solvent-detergent (SD) combinations [0.3-1% tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP) and 1-2% Triton X-100] on 19 immunoassays across different assay formats. Treatments are deemed immunoassay-compatible when the average and range of percentage recovery (treated concentration relative to untreated concentration) lie between 90-110 and 80-120%, respectively. We show that SD treatment (0.3% TNBP/1% Triton-X100) is compatible with more than half of the downstream immunoassays tested and is effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in plasma to below detectable levels in plaque assays. This facile method offers enhanced safety for laboratory workers handling biological specimens in clinical and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oi Wah Liew
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Felic Fanusi
- NUS
Medicine BSL3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National
University of Singapore, National University
Health System, 14 Medical
Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Jessica Yan Xia Ng
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Bintou Ahmadou Ahidjo
- NUS
Medicine BSL3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National
University of Singapore, National University
Health System, 14 Medical
Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Samantha Shi Min Ling
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Shera Lilyanna
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Jenny Pek Ching Chong
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Angeline Eng Siew Lim
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Wei Zheng Lim
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Sindhu Ravindran
- NUS
Medicine BSL3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National
University of Singapore, National University
Health System, 14 Medical
Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- NUS
Medicine BSL3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National
University of Singapore, National University
Health System, 14 Medical
Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious
Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Shir Lynn Lim
- Yong
Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Cardiology, National University Heart
Centre Singapore, 1E
Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Arthur Mark Richards
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Christchurch
Heart Institute, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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7
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Weidner L, Laner-Plamberger S, Horner D, Pistorius C, Jurkin J, Karbiener M, Schistal E, Kreil TR, Jungbauer C. Sample Buffer Containing Guanidine-Hydrochloride Combines Biological Safety and RNA Preservation for SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Diagnostics. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:1186. [PMID: 35626342 PMCID: PMC9139951 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has elicited the need to analyse and store large amounts of infectious samples for laboratory diagnostics. Therefore, there has been a demand for sample storage buffers that effectively inactivate infectious viral particles while simultaneously preserving the viral RNA. Here, we present a storage buffer containing guanidine-hydrochloride that fulfils both requirements. Its ability to preserve RNA stability was confirmed by RT-qPCR, and virus-inactivating properties were tested by tissue culture infectious dose assay. Our data revealed that RNA from samples diluted in this storage buffer was efficiently preserved. Spiking samples with RNase A resulted in RNAse concentrations up to 100 ng/mL being efficiently inhibited, whereas spiking samples with infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles demonstrated rapid virus inactivation. In addition, our buffer demonstrated good compatibility with several commercially available RNA extraction platforms. The presented guanidine-hydrochloride-based storage buffer efficiently inactivates infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles and supports viral RNA stability, leading to a reduced infection risk during sample analysis and an increased period for follow-up analysis, such as sequencing for virus variants. Because the presented buffer is uncomplicated to manufacture and compatible with a variety of commercially available test systems, its application can support and improve SARS-CoV-2 laboratory diagnostics worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Weidner
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Wiedner Hauptstraße 32, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (L.W.); (D.H.); (C.P.); (J.J.); (E.S.)
| | - Sandra Laner-Plamberger
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Centre Salzburg, PMU Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - David Horner
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Wiedner Hauptstraße 32, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (L.W.); (D.H.); (C.P.); (J.J.); (E.S.)
| | - Charlotte Pistorius
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Wiedner Hauptstraße 32, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (L.W.); (D.H.); (C.P.); (J.J.); (E.S.)
| | - Jennifer Jurkin
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Wiedner Hauptstraße 32, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (L.W.); (D.H.); (C.P.); (J.J.); (E.S.)
| | - Michael Karbiener
- Global Pathogen Safety, Takeda Manufacturing Austria AG, Benatzkygasse 2-6, 1221 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (T.R.K.)
| | - Elisabeth Schistal
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Wiedner Hauptstraße 32, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (L.W.); (D.H.); (C.P.); (J.J.); (E.S.)
| | - Thomas R. Kreil
- Global Pathogen Safety, Takeda Manufacturing Austria AG, Benatzkygasse 2-6, 1221 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (T.R.K.)
| | - Christof Jungbauer
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Wiedner Hauptstraße 32, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (L.W.); (D.H.); (C.P.); (J.J.); (E.S.)
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8
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Huang Y, Xiao S, Song D, Yuan Z. Efficacy of disinfectants for inactivation of Ebola virus in suspension by integrated cell culture coupled with real-time RT-PCR. J Hosp Infect 2022; 125:67-74. [PMID: 35483643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ebola virus can be transmitted by contact with environmental surfaces (fomites) contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected individuals. Due to their potential to cause a public health emergency and the absence of efficacious drugs and vaccines, a crucial intervention may involve the use of an effective virucidal agent for disinfecting contaminated surfaces. METHODS In this study, the virucidal efficacy of three disinfectants against Ebola virus, Micro-Chem Plus detergent disinfectant cleaner (MCP), FWD and ethanol, was evaluated in suspension tests according to the Technical Standard for Disinfection of China. All products at different concentrations were tested with application times ranging from 15 s to 8 min by using a quantitative suspension test, and a comparative inactivation analysis was performed. A reduction in the virus titre of ≥4 log10 was regarded as evidence of virucidal activity. RESULTS MCP and FWD, which contain dual quaternary ammonium compounds, are highly effective at inactivating the Ebola virus within 15 s of contact time, despite a slight difference between them at lower concentrations. Similar to the results in the literature, our results confirmed the excellent virucidal activity of medical ethanol for Ebola virus, which can reduce viral titres to background levels within 15 s at a concentration of 38% (v/v). CONCLUSION These three disinfectants display sufficient inactivation efficacy for the Ebola virus at reasonably short contact times, which may be practically achieved in the field. The use of these disinfectants for decontamination in health care settings and laboratories could mitigate the risk of Ebola virus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- National Biosafety Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Wuhan, People's Republic of China, 430020.
| | - Shuqi Xiao
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China, 430071
| | - Donglin Song
- National Biosafety Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Wuhan, People's Republic of China, 430020
| | - Zhiming Yuan
- National Biosafety Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Wuhan, People's Republic of China, 430020.
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9
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Experimental Evaluation of an Interferometric Light Microscopy Particle Counter for Titering and Characterization of Virus Preparations. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050939. [PMID: 34069520 PMCID: PMC8160961 DOI: 10.3390/v13050939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus particle concentration is a critical piece of information for virology, viral vaccines and gene therapy research. We tested a novel nanoparticle counting device, “Videodrop”, for its efficacy in titering and characterization of virus particles. The Videodrop nanoparticle counter is based on interferometric light microscopy (ILM). The method allows the detection of particles under the diffraction limit capabilities of conventional light microscopy. We analyzed lenti-, adeno-, and baculovirus samples in different concentrations and compared the readings against traditional titering and characterization methods. The tested Videodrop particle counter is especially useful when measuring high-concentration purified virus preparations. Certain non-purified sample types or small viruses may be impossible to characterize or may require the use of standard curve or background subtraction methods, which increases the duration of the analysis. Together, our testing shows that Videodrop is a reasonable option for virus particle counting in situations where a moderate number of samples need to be analyzed quickly.
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10
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Bailey AL, Farnsworth C. Inactivation of Blood-Borne Enveloped Viruses with the Nonionic Detergent 2-[4-(2,4,4-Trimethylpentan-2-yl)Phenoxy]Ethanol Does Not Bias Clinical Chemistry Results. J Appl Lab Med 2021; 6:1123-1132. [PMID: 33993264 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients infected with virulent pathogens require the sophisticated diagnostic capabilities of a core laboratory for optimal care. This is especially true in outbreaks that strain healthcare system capacity. However, samples from such patients pose an infection risk for laboratory workers. We evaluated a strategy for mitigating this risk by preincubating specimens with 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol, a non-ionic detergent commonly calledTriton X-100. METHODS Lithium-heparinized plasma was mixed with the detergent Triton X-100 at 1%. Inactivation of Ebola virus (EBOV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was assessed using a virus-outgrowth assay. The impact of 1% Triton X-100 dilution on the components of a complete metabolic panel (CMP) was assessed on a Roche Cobas analyzer with 15 specimens that spanned a large portion of the analytical measurement range. RESULTS Incubation with 1% Triton X-100 for 5 min was sufficient to completely inactivate EBOV and YFV spiked into plasma but did not completely inactivate CHIKV infectivity even after 60 min of incubation. This was true only for CHIKV when spiked into plasma; CHIKV was completely inactivated in cell culture medium. A bias of -0.78 mmol/L (95% CI, -2.41 to 0.85) was observed for CO2 and 5.79 U/L (95% CI, -0.05 to 11.63) was observed for aspartate aminotransferase after addition of Triton X-100. No other components of the CMP were affected by the addition of Triton X-100. CONCLUSIONS Detergent-based inactivation of plasma specimens may be a viable approach to mitigating the risk that certain blood-borne pathogens pose to laboratory workers in an outbreak setting. However, the effectiveness of this method for inactivation may depend on the specimen type and pathogen in question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Christopher Farnsworth
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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11
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Swank Z, Michielin G, Yip HM, Cohen P, Andrey DO, Vuilleumier N, Kaiser L, Eckerle I, Meyer B, Maerkl SJ. A high-throughput microfluidic nanoimmunoassay for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum or ultralow-volume blood samples. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2025289118. [PMID: 33945500 PMCID: PMC8106336 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025289118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel technologies are needed to facilitate large-scale detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) specific antibodies in human blood samples. Such technologies are essential to support seroprevalence studies and vaccine clinical trials, and to monitor quality and duration of immunity. We developed a microfluidic nanoimmunoassay (NIA) for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in 1,024 samples per device. The method achieved a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 98% based on the analysis of 289 human serum samples. To eliminate the need for venipuncture, we developed low-cost, ultralow-volume whole blood sampling methods based on two commercial devices and repurposed a blood glucose test strip. The glucose test strip permits the collection, shipment, and analysis of 0.6 μL of whole blood easily obtainable from a simple finger prick. The NIA platform achieves high throughput, high sensitivity, and specificity based on the analysis of 289 human serum samples, and negligible reagent consumption. We furthermore demonstrate the possibility to combine NIA with decentralized and simple approaches to blood sample collection. We expect this technology to be applicable to current and future SARS-CoV-2 related serological studies and to protein biomarker analysis in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Swank
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Michielin
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hon Ming Yip
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Cohen
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Diego O Andrey
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Vuilleumier
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Kaiser
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Eckerle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Meyer
- Centre for Vaccinology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian J Maerkl
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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12
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Makatsa MS, Tincho MB, Wendoh JM, Ismail SD, Nesamari R, Pera F, de Beer S, David A, Jugwanth S, Gededzha MP, Mampeule N, Sanne I, Stevens W, Scott L, Blackburn J, Mayne ES, Keeton RS, Burgers WA. SARS-CoV-2 Antigens Expressed in Plants Detect Antibody Responses in COVID-19 Patients. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:589940. [PMID: 33868324 PMCID: PMC8044419 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.589940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has swept the world and poses a significant global threat to lives and livelihoods, with 115 million confirmed cases and at least 2.5 million deaths from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the first year of the pandemic. Developing tools to measure seroprevalence and understand protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is a priority. We aimed to develop a serological assay using plant-derived recombinant viral proteins, which represent important tools in less-resourced settings. Methods: We established an indirect ELISA using the S1 and receptor-binding domain (RBD) portions of the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2, expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. We measured antibody responses in sera from South African patients (n = 77) who had tested positive by PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Samples were taken a median of 6 weeks after the diagnosis, and the majority of participants had mild and moderate COVID-19 disease. In addition, we tested the reactivity of pre-pandemic plasma (n = 58) and compared the performance of our in-house ELISA with a commercial assay. We also determined whether our assay could detect SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgA in saliva. Results: We demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulins are readily detectable using recombinant plant-derived viral proteins, in patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR. Reactivity to S1 and RBD was detected in 51 (66%) and 48 (62%) of participants, respectively. Notably, we detected 100% of samples identified as having S1-specific antibodies by a validated, high sensitivity commercial ELISA, and optical density (OD) values were strongly and significantly correlated between the two assays. For the pre-pandemic plasma, 1/58 (1.7%) of samples were positive, indicating a high specificity for SARS-CoV-2 in our ELISA. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG correlated significantly with IgA and IgM responses. Endpoint titers of S1- and RBD-specific immunoglobulins ranged from 1:50 to 1:3,200. S1-specific IgG and IgA were found in saliva samples from convalescent volunteers. Conclusion: We demonstrate that recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins produced in plants enable robust detection of SARS-CoV-2 humoral responses. This assay can be used for seroepidemiological studies and to measure the strength and durability of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in infected patients in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohau S. Makatsa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marius B. Tincho
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jerome M. Wendoh
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sherazaan D. Ismail
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rofhiwa Nesamari
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Anura David
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sarika Jugwanth
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maemu P. Gededzha
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nakampe Mampeule
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ian Sanne
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wendy Stevens
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lesley Scott
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Blackburn
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth S. Mayne
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Roanne S. Keeton
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wendy A. Burgers
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Makatsa MS, Tincho MB, Wendoh JM, Ismail SD, Nesamari R, Pera F, de Beer S, David A, Jugwanth S, Gededzha MP, Mampeule N, Sanne I, Stevens W, Scott L, Blackburn J, Mayne ES, Keeton RS, Burgers WA. SARS-CoV-2 Antigens Expressed in Plants Detect Antibody Responses in COVID-19 Patients. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:589940. [PMID: 33868324 DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.04.20167940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has swept the world and poses a significant global threat to lives and livelihoods, with 115 million confirmed cases and at least 2.5 million deaths from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the first year of the pandemic. Developing tools to measure seroprevalence and understand protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is a priority. We aimed to develop a serological assay using plant-derived recombinant viral proteins, which represent important tools in less-resourced settings. Methods: We established an indirect ELISA using the S1 and receptor-binding domain (RBD) portions of the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2, expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. We measured antibody responses in sera from South African patients (n = 77) who had tested positive by PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Samples were taken a median of 6 weeks after the diagnosis, and the majority of participants had mild and moderate COVID-19 disease. In addition, we tested the reactivity of pre-pandemic plasma (n = 58) and compared the performance of our in-house ELISA with a commercial assay. We also determined whether our assay could detect SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgA in saliva. Results: We demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulins are readily detectable using recombinant plant-derived viral proteins, in patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR. Reactivity to S1 and RBD was detected in 51 (66%) and 48 (62%) of participants, respectively. Notably, we detected 100% of samples identified as having S1-specific antibodies by a validated, high sensitivity commercial ELISA, and optical density (OD) values were strongly and significantly correlated between the two assays. For the pre-pandemic plasma, 1/58 (1.7%) of samples were positive, indicating a high specificity for SARS-CoV-2 in our ELISA. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG correlated significantly with IgA and IgM responses. Endpoint titers of S1- and RBD-specific immunoglobulins ranged from 1:50 to 1:3,200. S1-specific IgG and IgA were found in saliva samples from convalescent volunteers. Conclusion: We demonstrate that recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins produced in plants enable robust detection of SARS-CoV-2 humoral responses. This assay can be used for seroepidemiological studies and to measure the strength and durability of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in infected patients in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohau S Makatsa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marius B Tincho
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jerome M Wendoh
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sherazaan D Ismail
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rofhiwa Nesamari
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Anura David
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sarika Jugwanth
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maemu P Gededzha
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nakampe Mampeule
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ian Sanne
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wendy Stevens
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lesley Scott
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Blackburn
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth S Mayne
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Roanne S Keeton
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wendy A Burgers
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Figueiredo‐Campos P, Blankenhaus B, Mota C, Gomes A, Serrano M, Ariotti S, Costa C, Nunes‐Cabaço H, Mendes AM, Gaspar P, Pereira‐Santos MC, Rodrigues F, Condeço J, Escoval MA, Santos M, Ramirez M, Melo‐Cristino J, Simas JP, Vasconcelos E, Afonso Â, Veldhoen M. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in COVID-19 patients and healthy volunteers up to 6 months post disease onset. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:2025-2040. [PMID: 33084029 PMCID: PMC7756220 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a human pathogen, causing clinical signs, from fever to pneumonia-COVID-19-but may remain mild or asymptomatic. To understand the continuing spread of the virus, to detect those who are and were infected, and to follow the immune response longitudinally, reliable and robust assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection and immunological monitoring are needed. We quantified IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) or the Spike (S) protein over a period of 6 months following COVID-19 onset. We report the detailed setup to monitor the humoral immune response from over 300 COVID-19 hospital patients and healthcare workers, 2500 University staff, and 198 post-COVID-19 volunteers. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses follow a classic pattern with a rapid increase within the first three weeks after symptoms. Although titres reduce subsequently, the ability to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies remained robust with confirmed neutralization activity for up to 6 months in a large proportion of previously virus-positive screened subjects. Our work provides detailed information for the assays used, facilitating further and longitudinal analysis of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, it highlights a continued level of circulating neutralising antibodies in most people with confirmed SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Figueiredo‐Campos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Birte Blankenhaus
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Catarina Mota
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa NorteLisbonPortugal
| | - Andreia Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Marta Serrano
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Silvia Ariotti
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Catarina Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Helena Nunes‐Cabaço
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - António M. Mendes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Pedro Gaspar
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa NorteLisbonPortugal
| | - M. Conceição Pereira‐Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Fabiana Rodrigues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Jorge Condeço
- Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação (IPST)LisbonPortugal
| | | | - Matilde Santos
- Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação (IPST)LisbonPortugal
| | - Mario Ramirez
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - José Melo‐Cristino
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - J. Pedro Simas
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Instituto de Ciências de SaúdeUniversidade Católica PortuguesaLisboaPortugal
| | | | - Ângela Afonso
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Marc Veldhoen
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
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15
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Analysis of Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Specimen Transport Media, Nucleic Acid Extraction Reagents, Detergents, and Fixatives. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01713-20. [PMID: 32839250 PMCID: PMC7587104 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01713-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a multifaceted rapid response by the scientific community, bringing researchers, health officials, and industry together to address the ongoing public health emergency. To meet this challenge, participants need an informed approach for working safely with the etiological agent, the novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Work with infectious SARS-CoV-2 is currently restricted to high-containment laboratories, but material can be handled at a lower containment level after inactivation. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a multifaceted rapid response by the scientific community, bringing researchers, health officials, and industry together to address the ongoing public health emergency. To meet this challenge, participants need an informed approach for working safely with the etiological agent, the novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Work with infectious SARS-CoV-2 is currently restricted to high-containment laboratories, but material can be handled at a lower containment level after inactivation. Given the wide array of inactivation reagents that are being used in laboratories during this pandemic, it is vital that their effectiveness is thoroughly investigated. Here, we evaluated a total of 23 commercial reagents designed for clinical sample transportation, nucleic acid extraction, and virus inactivation for their ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, as well as seven other common chemicals, including detergents and fixatives. As part of this study, we have also tested five filtration matrices for their effectiveness at removing the cytotoxic elements of each reagent, permitting accurate determination of levels of infectious virus remaining following treatment. In addition to providing critical data informing inactivation methods and risk assessments for diagnostic and research laboratories working with SARS-CoV-2, these data provide a framework for other laboratories to validate their inactivation processes and to guide similar studies for other pathogens.
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16
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Andersson MI, Arancibia-Carcamo CV, Auckland K, Baillie JK, Barnes E, Beneke T, Bibi S, Brooks T, Carroll M, Crook D, Dingle K, Dold C, Downs LO, Dunn L, Eyre DW, Gilbert Jaramillo J, Harvala H, Hoosdally S, Ijaz S, James T, James W, Jeffery K, Justice A, Klenerman P, Knight JC, Knight M, Liu X, Lumley SF, Matthews PC, McNaughton AL, Mentzer AJ, Mongkolsapaya J, Oakley S, Oliveira MS, Peto T, Ploeg RJ, Ratcliff J, Robbins MJ, Roberts DJ, Rudkin J, Russell RA, Screaton G, Semple MG, Skelly D, Simmonds P, Stoesser N, Turtle L, Wareing S, Zambon M. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in blood products from patients with COVID-19 is not associated with infectious virus. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:181. [PMID: 33283055 PMCID: PMC7689603 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16002.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (the cause of COVID-19) uses PCR to detect viral RNA (vRNA) in respiratory samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has also been detected in other sample types, but there is limited understanding of the clinical or laboratory significance of its detection in blood. Methods: We undertook a systematic literature review to assimilate the evidence for the frequency of vRNA in blood, and to identify associated clinical characteristics. We performed RT-PCR in serum samples from a UK clinical cohort of acute and convalescent COVID-19 cases (n=212), together with convalescent plasma samples collected by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) (n=462 additional samples). To determine whether PCR-positive blood samples could pose an infection risk, we attempted virus isolation from a subset of RNA-positive samples. Results: We identified 28 relevant studies, reporting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 0-76% of blood samples; pooled estimate 10% (95%CI 5-18%). Among serum samples from our clinical cohort, 27/212 (12.7%) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCR. RNA detection occurred in samples up to day 20 post symptom onset, and was associated with more severe disease (multivariable odds ratio 7.5). Across all samples collected ≥28 days post symptom onset, 0/494 (0%, 95%CI 0-0.7%) had vRNA detected. Among our PCR-positive samples, cycle threshold (ct) values were high (range 33.5-44.8), suggesting low vRNA copy numbers. PCR-positive sera inoculated into cell culture did not produce any cytopathic effect or yield an increase in detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA. There was a relationship between RT-PCR negativity and the presence of total SARS-CoV-2 antibody (p=0.02). Conclusions: vRNA was detectable at low viral loads in a minority of serum samples collected in acute infection, but was not associated with infectious SARS-CoV-2 (within the limitations of the assays used). This work helps to inform biosafety precautions for handling blood products from patients with current or previous COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique I. Andersson
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Carolina V. Arancibia-Carcamo
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kathryn Auckland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - J. Kenneth Baillie
- Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Tom Beneke
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Sagida Bibi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Tim Brooks
- Porton Down, Public Health England, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Miles Carroll
- Porton Down, Public Health England, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Derrick Crook
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kate Dingle
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Christina Dold
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Louise O. Downs
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Laura Dunn
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - David W. Eyre
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Big Data Institute, Roosevelt Drive, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Javier Gilbert Jaramillo
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Heli Harvala
- NHS Blood and Transfusion, 26 Margaret St, Marylebone, London, W1W 8NB, UK
- University College London, Gower St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sarah Hoosdally
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Ave, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Tim James
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - William James
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Katie Jeffery
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Anita Justice
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Julian C. Knight
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michael Knight
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Xu Liu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Sheila F. Lumley
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Philippa C. Matthews
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Anna L. McNaughton
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Alexander J. Mentzer
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | - Sarah Oakley
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Marta S. Oliveira
- NHS Blood and Transplant, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Timothy Peto
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Rutger J. Ploeg
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jeremy Ratcliff
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Melanie J. Robbins
- Component Development Laboratory, NHS Blood and Transplant, Cambridge Donor Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0PT, UK
| | - David J. Roberts
- NHS Blood and Transplant, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Justine Rudkin
- Big Data Institute, Roosevelt Drive, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University Oxford Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Rebecca A. Russell
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Gavin Screaton
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Malcolm G. Semple
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Donal Skelly
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Nicole Stoesser
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Lance Turtle
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Susan Wareing
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Maria Zambon
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Ave, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
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Automated application of low energy electron irradiation enables inactivation of pathogen- and cell-containing liquids in biomedical research and production facilities. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12786. [PMID: 32732876 PMCID: PMC7393095 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation is widely used to inactivate pathogens. It mainly acts by destroying nucleic acids but causes less damage to structural components like proteins. It is therefore highly suited for the sterilization of biological samples or the generation of inactivated vaccines. However, inactivation of viruses or bacteria requires relatively high doses and substantial amounts of radiation energy. Consequently, irradiation is restricted to shielded facilities—protecting personnel and the environment. We have previously shown that low energy electron irradiation (LEEI) has the same capacity to inactivate pathogens in liquids as current irradiation methods, but generates much less secondary X-ray radiation, which enables the use in normal laboratories by self-shielded irradiation equipment. Here, we present concepts for automated LEEI of liquids, in disposable bags or as a continuous process. As the electrons have a limited penetration depth, the liquid is transformed into a thin film. High concentrations of viruses (Influenza, Zika virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus), bacteria (E. coli, B. cereus) and eukaryotic cells (NK-92 cell line) are efficiently inactivated by LEEI in a throughput suitable for various applications such as sterilization, vaccine manufacturing or cell therapy. Our results validate the premise that for pathogen and cell inactivation in liquids, LEEI represents a suitable and versatile irradiation method for standard biological research and production laboratories.
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18
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Andersson MI, Arancibia-Carcamo CV, Auckland K, Baillie JK, Barnes E, Beneke T, Bibi S, Brooks T, Carroll M, Crook D, Dingle K, Dold C, Downs LO, Dunn L, Eyre DW, Gilbert Jaramillo J, Harvala H, Hoosdally S, Ijaz S, James T, James W, Jeffery K, Justice A, Klenerman P, Knight JC, Knight M, Liu X, Lumley SF, Matthews PC, McNaughton AL, Mentzer AJ, Mongkolsapaya J, Oakley S, Oliveira MS, Peto T, Ploeg RJ, Ratcliff J, Robbins MJ, Roberts DJ, Rudkin J, Russell RA, Screaton G, Semple MG, Skelly D, Simmonds P, Stoesser N, Turtle L, Wareing S, Zambon M. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in blood products from patients with COVID-19 is not associated with infectious virus. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:181. [PMID: 33283055 PMCID: PMC7689603 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16002.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (the cause of COVID-19) uses PCR to detect viral RNA (vRNA) in respiratory samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has also been detected in other sample types, but there is limited understanding of the clinical or laboratory significance of its detection in blood. Methods: We undertook a systematic literature review to assimilate the evidence for the frequency of vRNA in blood, and to identify associated clinical characteristics. We performed RT-PCR in serum samples from a UK clinical cohort of acute and convalescent COVID-19 cases (n=212), together with convalescent plasma samples collected by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) (n=462 additional samples). To determine whether PCR-positive blood samples could pose an infection risk, we attempted virus isolation from a subset of RNA-positive samples. Results: We identified 28 relevant studies, reporting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 0-76% of blood samples; pooled estimate 10% (95%CI 5-18%). Among serum samples from our clinical cohort, 27/212 (12.7%) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCR. RNA detection occurred in samples up to day 20 post symptom onset, and was associated with more severe disease (multivariable odds ratio 7.5). Across all samples collected ≥28 days post symptom onset, 0/494 (0%, 95%CI 0-0.7%) had vRNA detected. Among our PCR-positive samples, cycle threshold (ct) values were high (range 33.5-44.8), suggesting low vRNA copy numbers. PCR-positive sera inoculated into cell culture did not produce any cytopathic effect or yield an increase in detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusions: vRNA was detectable at low viral loads in a minority of serum samples collected in acute infection, but was not associated with infectious SARS-CoV-2 (within the limitations of the assays used). This work helps to inform biosafety precautions for handling blood products from patients with current or previous COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique I. Andersson
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Carolina V. Arancibia-Carcamo
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kathryn Auckland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - J. Kenneth Baillie
- Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Tom Beneke
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Sagida Bibi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Tim Brooks
- Porton Down, Public Health England, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Miles Carroll
- Porton Down, Public Health England, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Derrick Crook
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kate Dingle
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Christina Dold
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Louise O. Downs
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Laura Dunn
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - David W. Eyre
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Big Data Institute, Roosevelt Drive, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Javier Gilbert Jaramillo
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Heli Harvala
- NHS Blood and Transfusion, 26 Margaret St, Marylebone, London, W1W 8NB, UK
- University College London, Gower St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sarah Hoosdally
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Ave, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Tim James
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - William James
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Katie Jeffery
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Anita Justice
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Julian C. Knight
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michael Knight
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Xu Liu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Sheila F. Lumley
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Philippa C. Matthews
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Anna L. McNaughton
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Alexander J. Mentzer
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | - Sarah Oakley
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Marta S. Oliveira
- NHS Blood and Transplant, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Timothy Peto
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Rutger J. Ploeg
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jeremy Ratcliff
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Melanie J. Robbins
- Component Development Laboratory, NHS Blood and Transplant, Cambridge Donor Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0PT, UK
| | - David J. Roberts
- NHS Blood and Transplant, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Justine Rudkin
- Big Data Institute, Roosevelt Drive, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University Oxford Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Rebecca A. Russell
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Gavin Screaton
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Malcolm G. Semple
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Donal Skelly
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Nicole Stoesser
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Lance Turtle
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Susan Wareing
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Maria Zambon
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Ave, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
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19
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Pförringer D, Braun KF, Mühlhofer H, Schneider J, Stemberger A, Seifried E, Pohlscheidt E, Seidel M, Edenharter G, Duscher D, Burgkart R, Obermeier A. Novel method for reduction of virus load in blood plasma by sonication. Eur J Med Res 2020; 25:12. [PMID: 32264953 PMCID: PMC7137245 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-020-00410-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aim of the present study is the evaluation of ultrasound as a physical method for virus inactivation in human plasma products prior to transfusion. Our study is focused on achieving a high level of virus inactivation simultaneously leaving blood products unaltered, measured by the level of degradation of coagulation factors, especially in third world countries where virus contamination of blood products poses a major problem. Virus inactivation plays an important role, especially in the light of newly discovered or unknown viruses, which cannot be safely excluded via prior testing. METHODS Taking into account the necessary protection of the relevant coagulation activity for plasma, the basis for a sterile virus inactivation under shielding gas insufflation was developed for future practical use. Influence of frequency and power density in the range of soft and hard cavitation on the inactivation of transfusion-relevant model viruses for Hepatitis-(BVDV = bovine diarrhea virus), for Herpes-(SFV = Semliki Forest virus, PRV = pseudorabies virus) and Parvovirus B19 (PPV = porcine parvovirus) were examined. Coagulation activity was examined via standard time parameters to minimize reduction of functionality of coagulation proteins. A fragmentation of coagulation proteins via ultrasound was ruled out via gel electrophoresis. The resulting virus titer was examined using end point titration. RESULTS Through CO2 shielding gas insufflation-to avoid radical emergence effects-the coagulation activity was less affected and the time window for virus inactivation substantially widened. In case of the non-lipidated model virus (AdV-luc = luciferase expressing adenoviral vector), the complete destruction of the virus capsid through hard cavitation was proven via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This can be traced back to microjets and shockwaves occurring in hard cavitation. The degree of inactivation seems to depend on size and compactness of the type of viruses. Using our pre-tested and subsequently chosen process parameters with the exception of the small PPV, all model viruses were successfully inactivated and reduced by up to log 3 factor. For a broad clinical usage, protection of the coagulation activities may require further optimization. CONCLUSIONS Building upon the information gained, an optimum inactivation can be reached via raising of power density up to 1200 W and simultaneous lowering of frequency down to 27 kHz. In addition, the combination of the two physical methods UV treatment and ultrasound may yield optimum results without the need of substance removal after the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pförringer
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - K F Braun
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Unfallchirurgie, Zentrum für Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Berlin, Germany
| | - H Mühlhofer
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik für Orthopädie und Sportorthopädie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - J Schneider
- II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - A Stemberger
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik für Orthopädie und Sportorthopädie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - E Seifried
- DRK-Blutspendedienst, Institut für Transfusionsmedizin und Immunhämatologie, Sandhofstrasse 1, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - E Pohlscheidt
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik für Orthopädie und Sportorthopädie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - M Seidel
- Institut für Wasserchemie & Chemische Balneologie, Lehrstuhl für Analytische Chemie und Wasserchemie, Technische Universität München, Marchioninistr. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - G Edenharter
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik für Anästhesie, Munich, Germany
| | - D Duscher
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik für Plastische Chirurgie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - R Burgkart
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik für Orthopädie und Sportorthopädie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - A Obermeier
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik für Orthopädie und Sportorthopädie, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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