No abstract

An infectious parvovirus B19 (B19V) genotype 2 variant was identified as a high-titer contaminant in a human plasma donation. Genome analysis revealed a 138-bp insertion within the p6 promoter. The inserted sequence was represented by an additional 30 bp from the end of the inverted terminal repeat adjacent to a 108-bp element found also, in inverted orientation, at the extreme right end of the unique sequence of the genome. However, despite the profound variations in the promoter region, the pattern of gene expression and DNA replication did not differ between genotype 1 and genotype 2 in permissive erythroid KU812Ep6 cells. Capsid proteins of both genotypes differ in their amino acid sequences. However, equivalent kinetics of virus inactivation at 56°C or pH 4 indicated a comparable physicochemical stability of virus capsids. Sera from six individuals infected by B19V genotype 1 were investigated on cross-neutralization of B19V genotype 2 in vitro. Similar neutralization of both B19V genotypes was observed in sera from three individuals, while the sera from three other individuals showed weaker cross-neutralization for genotype 2. In conclusion, the in vitro replication characteristics and physical stability of B19V capsids are very similar between human parvovirus B19 genotypes 1 and 2, and cross-neutralization indicates a close antigenic relation of genotypes 1 and 2.

The human parvovirus B19 is now divided into three genotypes: type 1 (prototype), type 2 (A6-and LaLi-like), and type 3 (V9-like). In overall DNA sequence, the three virus types differ by ϳ10%. The most striking DNA dissimilarity, of >20%, is observed within the p6 promoter region. Because of the scarcity of data on the biological activities and pathogenetic potentials of virus types 2 and 3, we examined the functional characteristics of these virus types. We found the activities of the three p6 promoters to be of equal strength and to be most active in B19-permissive cells. Virus type 2 capsid protein VP2, alone or together with VP1, was expressed with the baculovirus system and was shown to assemble into icosahedral parvovirus-like particles, which were reactive in the hemagglutination assay. Furthermore, sera containing DNA of any of the three B19 types were shown to hemagglutinate. The infectivities of these sera were examined in two B19-permissive cell lines. Reverse transcription-PCR revealed synthesis of spliced B19 mRNAs, and immunofluorescence verified the production of NS and VP proteins in the infected cells. All three genotypes showed similar functional characteristics in all experiments performed, showing that the three virus types indeed belong to the same species, i.e., human parvovirus B19. Additionally, the antibody activity in sera from B19 type 1-or type 2-infected subjects (long-term immunity) was examined with homo-and heterologous virus-like particles. Cross-reactivity of 100% was observed, indicating that the two B19 genotypes comprise a single serotype.Human parvovirus B19, a member of the genus Erythrovirus within the subfamily Parvovirinae, has long been considered the only human pathogen of its family, in which the adeno-associated viruses of the genus Dependovirus conceivably are apathogenic. However, new parvoviruses distinct from the genus Erythrovirus were recently detected in plasma (PARV4 and PARV5) (20, 28) and in nasopharyngeal aspirates (human bocavirus) (1), the last of which is supposedly associated with severe respiratory illness in small children.Although infection with parvovirus B19 typically results in erythema infectiosum or fifth disease (4), more severe or even lethal manifestations can occur among predisposed individuals. The virus replicates in erythroid progenitor cells of bone marrow (49, 64), causing aplastic crisis in patients with hemolytic anemia of various etiologies (2, 53, 56). During pregnancy, B19 can be transmitted from the infected mother to the fetus and cause fetal hydrops and death (9). In the immunocompromised, B19 infection may remain persistently productive, leading to chronic anemia (31).The B19 virus is small and nonenveloped and encapsidates a linear single-stranded DNA genome of ϳ5.6 kb. The two genomic ends contain identical inverted terminal repeats of ϳ380 nucleotides that are imperfect palindromes and form hairpin loops (13). The genome contains only one functional promoter, p6, located in the 3Ј palindrome (15). The p6 promoter regulates...

Material 96/798 was established as the 2nd HCV International Standard and assigned the same unitage as the 1st International Standard, i.e. 10(5) IU/ml (50,000 IU/vial).

BACKGROUND:Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a highly prevalent pathogen, and plasma pools for manufacturing of plasma-derived products have been shown to contain antibodies against B19V (B19V immunoglobulin G [IgG]). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:The megakaryoblastic cell line UT7/Epo-S1 can be infected with B19V Genotype 1 and as demonstrated here by immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of B19V-specific mRNA, also with the more recently discovered Genotype 2. Based on B19V RT-PCR analysis of infected UT7/Epo-S1 cells, an infectivity assay was established and implemented for a B19V neutralization assay. To investigate the role of B19V neutralization in relation to B19V IgG titers, more than 1000 manufacturing plasma pools were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Plasma pools were found to contain a mean B19V IgG titer of 33 Ϯ 9 IU per mL, with the lowest titer at 11 IU per mL. These 11 IU per mL B19V IgG neutralized 4.6 log B19V Genotype 1 and greater than 3.9 log Genotype 2 infectivity. Accordingly, a 10 percent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) product prepared from such pools was found to contain an even higher B19V neutralization capacity. CONCLUSION: A high capacity of B19V Genotypes 1 and 2 neutralization was demonstrated in plasma pools for fractionation, an inherent feature based on the constantly high titer of B19V IgG in these pools. The neutralizing activity of B19V IgG was shown to be maintained in the 10 percent IVIG product tested.