Comparison of filtration properties of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and simian virus 40 using a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane filter.

Background And Objectives: We examined the ability of a modified polyvinylidene fluoride membrane filter to remove blood-borne and surrogate viruses.

Materials And Methods: Phages PR772 and PP7, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus and simian virus 40 (SV40) were spiked in minimum essential media with 10% fetal calf serum and the concentration of these viruses compared before and after filtration by either plaque assay or polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Viruses >50 nm were removed to below detection limits (>10(6) logs) for all filters tested. A 5-log reduction of HBV (42 nm) and 2- to 3-log reduction of HCV (30-65 nm) was observed.

Conclusion: A predictable size-based removal of viral agents was observed. The results also suggest the possible utility of SV40 as a surrogate to HBV for membrane filter challenge studies.