NR AXMH
AU Fichet,G.; Comoy,E.; Antloga,K.; Deslys,J.P.; McDonnell,G.
TI Prion Inactivation using a New Generation of Gaseous Hydrogen Peroxide Low-Temperature Sterilization Process
QU International Conference - Prion 2007 (26.-28.9.2007) Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Book of Abstracts: Epidemiology, Risk Assessment and Transmission P04.32
IA http://www.prion2007.com/pdf/Prion Book of Abstracts.pdf
PT Konferenz-Poster
AB
Background: Prions are unique infectious agents which have been shown to be transmitted iatrogenically through contaminated surfaces. Specific decontamination methods have been recommended due to the unique resistant nature of prions, but they are harsh and corrosive. There is an urgent need to propose alternative methods compatible with fragile devices. A previous study has shown that cleaning followed by treatment with vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) under atmospheric conditions was an effective prion decontamination method.
Objective: This report investigated the effectiveness of a new generation gaseous hydrogen peroxide sterilization process under vacuum conditions for prion inactivation, as an alternative rapid low-temperature method for the reprocessing of reusable medical devices.
Methods: In vitro and in vivo test methods have been used. For in vitro studies, glass slides were contaminated with infected homogenates including scrapie, BSE, vCJD, sCJD and analysed by a standard Western blot method. For in vivo studies, stainless steel wires were artificially contaminated with scrapie or BSE material, dried, exposed and evaluated in animal models. The process was designed to sterilize devices under vacuum in a dedicated chamber. Surfaces were exposed to the vacuum process at 30° for 3 pulses or 6 pulses.
Results: Sterilization under vacuum with VHP was effective in a short time, even in the absence of cleaning. Reduction of infectivity was >5.6 logs both on the 263K and 6PB1 strains similar to the reduction induced by classical recommended procedures (Fichet et al., Lancet 2004). The mechanism of action of gaseous peroxide suggested protein unfolding, some protein fragmentation and higher sensitivity to proteolytic digestion in contrast to the hydrogen peroxide liquid showing a degree of protein clumping and full resistance to protease degradation.
Conclusions: The use of gaseous peroxide in a standard low temperature sterilization vacuum process presents a useful method for prion inactivation. It is rapid (less than 1 hour), efficient as the WHO recommended procedures, validated on scrapie and BSE models and compatible with fragile devices. With the development of new processes that are effective at removing and inactivating prions, in addition to more conventional microbial pathogens, it would seem likely that such precautions will be practical and widely used in the future.
AD G. Fichet, K. Antloga, G. McDonnell, STERIS/CEA/iMETI/SEPIA, France; E. Comoy, J.-P. Deslys, CEA/iMETI/SEPIA, France
SP englisch
PO Schottland