Validation of model virus removal and inactivation capacity of an erythropoietin purification process.

Human erythropoietin (hEpo) production requires mammalian cells able to make complex post-translational modifications to guaranty its biological activity. As mammalian cell can be reservoir of pathogenic viruses and several animal origin components are usually used in the cultivation of mammalian cells, hEpo contamination with viruses is something of great concern. As consequence, this study investigated the viral removal and inactivation capacity of a recombinant-hEpo (rec-hEpo) purification process.

High HIV-1 genetic diversity in Cuba.

Background: HIV-1 subtype B is largely predominant in the Caribbean, although other subtypes have been recently identified in Cuba.

Objectives: To examine HIV-1 genetic diversity in Cuba.

Methods: The study enrolled 105 HIV-1-infected individuals, 93 of whom had acquired the infection in Cuba.