(word processor parameters LM=8, RM=75, TM=2, BM=2) Taken from KeelyNet BBS (214) 324-3501 Sponsored by Vangard Sciences PO BOX 1031 Mesquite, TX 75150 There are ABSOLUTELY NO RESTRICTIONS on duplicating, publishing or distributing the files on KeelyNet except where noted! February 23, 1992 AIDS2.ASC -------------------------------------------------------------------- This file shared with KeelyNet courtesy of Mike Peraaho. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Lancet - Resistance of AIDS Virus at Room Temperature - September 28, 1985 LAV/HTLV-III, the agent causing AIDS, has been isolated from body fluids (blood, semen, saliva, tears). Its isolation in saliva prompted us to investigate the possibility of TRANSMISSION BY SALIVA, and we have studied the sensitivity of LAV/HTLV-III at room temperature. The virus used for the infectivity assay was left at room temperature for 0, 2, 4, or 7 days in a sealed tube or ALLOWED TO DRY in a petri dish. After the times indicated in the figure the virus was used to infect stimulated T lymphocytes and viral production was determined in cell-free supernatant by testing for the reverse transcriptase activity twice a week. [The data] shows the UNUSUAL STABILITY of HTLV-III at room temperature. No significant difference was found between 0, 2, or 4 days. Only a slight decrease is noted with a delay in the virus production indicating a loss of few infectious particles after 7 days at room temperature. Two petri dishes containing 25,000 cpm equivalent reverse transcriptase of dry virus were kept at room temperature for 4 or 7 days and then resuspended in .220 ml water and used to measure the infectivity. As [the data show], significant numbers of viral particles are then inactivated, but some infectious virus is still present since release of virus was seen on day 10. This result indicates that the virus is RESISTANT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, either in DRY form OR LIQUID medium. This resistance of LAV at room temperature MAY EXPLAIN THE APPEARANCE OF SOME CASES of AIDS cases in NON-RISK GROUPS. To prevent possible contamination by viral particles in dry or liquid form hygiene should be increased in the general population. Moreover, some more safety precautions should be taken in Page 1 laboratories and in hospitals and by dentists who use a vacuum pump for saliva aspiration. Indeed, these data strongly support the use of disinfectants found to be effective against the AIDS agent. [F. Barre-Sinoussi et al., Resistance of AIDS Virus at Room Temperature, Lancet, 28 September 1985, pp. 721-722.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have comments or other information relating to such topics as this paper covers, please upload to KeelyNet or send to the Vangard Sciences address as listed on the first page. Thank you for your consideration, interest and support. Jerry W. Decker.........Ron Barker...........Chuck Henderson Vangard Sciences/KeelyNet -------------------------------------------------------------------- If we can be of service, you may contact Jerry at (214) 324-8741 or Ron at (214) 242-9346 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2