What really helps against adeno-associated viruses (AAV)?

Already in the AGCT-Genetic Engineering. Report from the 30.04.2021 and from October 29, 2021 We discussed the handling and disinfection measures for AAV.

According to the Central Commission for Biological Safety (ZKBS), Hand disinfection exclusively alcohol-based agents approved, and there are no effective hand disinfectants against parvoviruses, including those belonging to the Parvoviridae AAVs are very resistant to alcohol-based disinfectants, which are nevertheless used due to their better tolerability and low toxicity to humans. Therefore, according to the ZKBS, genetic engineering work with AAV or AAV vectors belonging to risk group 2 (AAV-4, AAV-7, AAV-10 to AAV-13) requires Disposable gloves to wear, which must be changed regularly and which hands are often wash (ZKBS Ref. No. 6790-10-73).

In May 2024, an article was published in Laboratory journal by Matusch, Matusch, and Weiskirchen, which examines this issue in more detail (Laborjournal. 5/2024, pp. 54-55). The original publications cited therein on the inactivation of AAV constructs by Korte et al. (Hum. Gene Ther. 32(13-14): 771-81), Tomono et al. (Hum. Gene Ther. Methods 28(1):39-48), and Howard et al. (Hum. Gene Ther. Methods 28(1):39-48) show that 70% ethanol , 1.5% H2O2 and 0.25% peracetic acid (PAA) ineffective against AAV2 and AAV-5.

But which remedies actually work against AAV? According to these studies, 0.5% denatures Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) degrades the capsid and subunits of the virus after just one minute. As little as 0.06% NaOCl reduces the infectivity of AAV1, AAV2, AAV8, and AAV9. After 5 minutes of 0.7% NaOCl, AAV-1 was no longer capable of transfection. However, the decontamination of hands after test soiling with AAV itself has not yet been systematically investigated. Since 0.5% NaOCl is too alkaline for the skin, it can be buffered with (sodium bicarbonate) NaHCO3 x 2 H2O, producing the so-called "Dakin's Solution ." "Dakin Cooper Stabilisé 0.5%" is available as a ready-to-use skin disinfectant from Belgium or France. Of course, decontamination or disinfection with Dakin cannot and should not replace thorough handwashing, but it does represent an additional safety measure. Especially when using AAV constructs with oncogenic potential, this could provide employees with somewhat greater protection than recommended by the ZKBS.