Disinfection measures with adeno-associated viruses (AAV) from primates

According to a general ZKBS statement from 2005 (ref. 6790-10-73), genetic engineering work with various recombinant AAV serotypes is classified as safety level 1 (for AAV-1 to -3, AAV-3b, AAV-5, AAV-6, AAV-8, AAV-9, and AAV-rh10) or safety level 2 (AAV-4, AAV-7, AAV-10 to -13). This statement was already expanded in April 2021 to include a recommendation for the handling of AAV-infected animals and the subsequent inactivation of AAV-contaminated carcasses. The further update of the statement from October 2021 in the "Notes" section now refers to disinfection measures in point 6. Parvoviruses, which include AAV, have been shown to be very resistant to alcohol-based disinfectants. However, due to their better tolerability and lower toxicity, only hand disinfectants based on alcohols are available. When performing genetic engineering work with AAV or AAV-derived vectors in risk group 2, disposable protective gloves must be worn and changed regularly. In addition, hands must be washed frequently during this genetic engineering work. When selecting surface disinfectants, it is important to consider that the products' effectiveness against parvoviruses must also be tested and proven. This is the case for disinfectants from the list of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) or the German Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH) with the "virucidal" scope of action.

The updated ZKBS statement can be found at File number 6790-10-73 can be retrieved.