Characterization of an oncolytic herpes simplex virus drug candidate.

The structural integrity and conformational stability of a genetically modified live, oncolytic herpes simplex virus (o-HSV) were investigated across a wide pH (5.5-8.0) and temperature (10°C-87.

Cation exchange chromatography provides effective retrovirus clearance for antibody purification processes.

One measure taken to ensure safety of biotherapeutics produced in mammalian cells is to demonstrate the clearance of potential viral contaminants by downstream purification processes. This paper provides evidence that cation exchange chromatography (CEX), a widely used polishing step for monoclonal antibody (mAb) production, can effectively and reproducibly remove xMuLV, a retrovirus used as a model of non-infectious retrovirus-like particles found in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The dominant mechanism for xMuLV clearance by the strong cation exchanger, Fractogel SO ₃⁻, is by retention of the virus via adsorption instead of inactivation.

Cross comparison of rapid mycoplasma detection platforms.

The use of animal and plant derived raw materials in mammalian cell culture processes may provide a possible route of entry for adventitious contaminants such as mycoplasma. Mycoplasma contaminations of cell culture represent a serious challenge to the production of biotechnology derived therapeutics. The slow growing nature of mycoplasma can disguise their infection of cultures since cells may continue to proliferate, though at reduced levels and with lesser output of engineered protein.

Susceptibility of mouse minute virus to inactivation by heat in two cell culture media types.

Viral contaminations of biopharmaceutical manufacturing cell culture facilities are a significant threat and one for which having a risk mitigation strategy is highly desirable. High temperature, short time (HTST) mammalian cell media treatment may potentially safeguard manufacturing facilities from such contaminations. HTST is thought to inactivate virions by denaturing proteins of the viral capsid, and there is evidence that HTST provides ample virucidal efficacy against nonenveloped or naked viruses such as mouse minute virus (MMV), a parvovirus.

Relapse of secondary syphilis after benzathine penicillin G: molecular analysis.

Background And Objectives: It is difficult to distinguish between relapse and reinfection in patients who develop a second episode of syphilis after treatment.

Goal: The goal of this study was to use molecular methods to distinguish between relapse and reinfection in a patient with recurrent secondary syphilis.

Study Design: Treponema pallidum tprK sequences were amplified from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), skin, and blood from the initial presentation and from blood from the second presentation.