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Inactivation of Lassa, Marburg, and Ebola viruses by gamma irradiation

Journal Article · · J. Clin. Microbiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5978560

Because of the cumbersome conditions experienced in a maximum containment laboratory, methods for inactivating highly pathogenic viruses were investigated. The infectivity of Lassa, Marburg, and Ebola viruses was inactivated without altering the immunological activity after radiation with /sup 60/CO gamma rays. At 4 degrees C, Lassa virus was the most difficult to inactivate with a rate of 5.3 X 10(-6) log 50% tissue culture infective dose per rad of /sup 60/CO radiation, as compared with 6.8 X 10(-6) log 50% tissue culture infective dose per rad for Ebola virus and 8.4 X 10(-6) log 50% tissue culture infective dose per rad for Marburg virus. Experimental inactivation curves, as well as curves giving the total radiation needed to inactivate a given concentration of any of the three viruses, are presented. The authors found this method of inactivation to be superior to UV light or beta-propiolactone inactivation and now routinely use it for preparation of material for protein-chemistry studies or for preparation of immunological reagents.

Research Organization:
Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA
OSTI ID:
5978560
Journal Information:
J. Clin. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Clin. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 16:4; ISSN JCMID
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English