Thermal inactivation of human immunodeficiency virus in lyophilised blood products evaluated by ID50 titrations.

Inactivation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in lyophilised small pool cryoprecipitate, factor VIII concentrate, prothrombin complex and C1-esterase inhibitor concentrate by prolonged heat treatment (72 h, 60 degrees C) was studied. Plasma products, inoculated prior to lyophilisation, had infectious titres ranging from 10(7) to 10(10.5). Residual infectivity (TCID50) was assessed by multiple titrations on H9 cells in a macro system and subsequent detection of virus replication by determining reverse transcriptase activity. Kinetics of inactivation showed a biphasic pattern: during the first 8 h a variable TCID50 reduction up to 10(4.3) was observed, followed by an additional loss of 10(1)-10(2.7) during the next 64 h. Heat treatment for 72 h resulted in a mean TCID50 reduction of 10(5). It is concluded that prolonged heat treatment may lead to the adequate prevention of HIV transmission by lyophilised plasma products.