Validating the inactivation of viral pathogens with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 to safely transfer samples from high-containment laboratories

Bibliographic Details
Title: Validating the inactivation of viral pathogens with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 to safely transfer samples from high-containment laboratories
Authors: Sankar Prasad Chaki, Melissa M. Kahl-McDonagh, Benjamin W. Neuman, Kurt A. Zuelke
Source: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Vol 14 (2024)
Publisher Information: Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.
Publication Year: 2024
Collection: LCC:Microbiology
Subject Terms: biosecurity, high-containment, SARS-CoV-2, pathogen inactivation, validation, sample transportation, Microbiology, QR1-502
More Details: IntroductionPathogen leak from a high-containment laboratory seriously threatens human safety, animal welfare, and environmental security. Transportation of pathogens from a higher (BSL4 or BSL3) to a lower (BSL2) containment laboratory for downstream experimentation requires complete pathogen inactivation. Validation of pathogen inactivation is necessary to ensure safety during transportation. This study established a validation strategy for virus inactivation. MethodsSARS-CoV-2 wild type, delta, and omicron variants underwent heat treatment at 95°C for 10 minutes using either a hot water bath or a thermocycler. To validate the inactivation process, heat-treated viruses, and untreated control samples were incubated with A549-hACE2 and Vero E6-TMPRSS2-T2A-ACE2 cells. The cells were monitored for up to 72 hours for any cytopathic effects, visually and under a microscope, and for virus genome replication via RT-qPCR. The quality of post-treated samples was assessed for suitability in downstream molecular testing applications. ResultsHeat treatment at 95°C for 10 minutes effectively inactivated SARS-CoV-2 variants. The absence of cytopathic effects, coupled with the inability of virus genome replication, validated the efficacy of the inactivation process. Furthermore, the heat-treated samples proved to be qualified for COVID-19 antigen testing, RT-qPCR, and whole-genome sequencing. DiscussionBy ensuring the safety of sample transportation for downstream experimentation, this validation approach enhances biosecurity measures. Considerations for potential limitations, comparisons with existing inactivation methods, and broader implications of the findings are discussed.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2235-2988
Relation: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1292467/full; https://doaj.org/toc/2235-2988
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1292467
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/28032dcacbfa43e4be811bc503c2f69e
Accession Number: edsdoj.28032dcacbfa43e4be811bc503c2f69e
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:22352988
DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2024.1292467
Published in:Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Language:English