Scientific Publications by FDA Staff

J Virol Methods 2004 Oct;121(1):85-91

Inactivation of the coronavirus that induces severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS-CoV.

Darnell ME, Subbarao K, Feinstone SM, Taylor DR

Taylor DR, US FDA, Ctr Biol Evaluat & Res, 8800 Rockville Pike,HFM448, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA US FDA, Ctr Biol Evaluat & Res, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA NIAID, Infect Dis Lab, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a life-threatening disease caused by a novel coronavirus termed SARS-CoV. Due to the severity of this disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that manipulation of active viral cultures of SARS-CoV be performed in containment laboratories at biosafety level 3 (BSL3). The virus was inactivated by ultraviolet light (UV) at 254nm, heat treatment of 65 degrees C or greater, alkaline (pH > 12) or acidic (pH < 3) conditions, formalin and glutaraldehyde treatments. We describe the kinetics of these efficient viral inactivation methods, which will allow research with SARS-CoV containing materials, that are rendered non-infectious, to be conducted at reduced safety levels.