LAR Standard Operating Procedures

Working With Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) and Adeno Virus (Ad5) in an Animal Model

Last updated: March 21, 2012

Introduction

This study involves the use of wild type Adeno-associated virus (AAV) in combination with Adeno virus (Ad5) in an animal model.  This combination will result in the replication of AAV and Ad5.  The combined virus will be injected into the guinea pig cochlea of the inner ear which is a privileged site and in our experience we have not observed spread of the virus from this injection site.  In addition, there has not been any evidence published suggesting that AAV or Ad5 delivered to the cochlea results in systemic dissemination or shedding in bodily fluids.  Therefore, we believe the virus is contained within the cochlea.      

Signage

A biohazard sign will be placed on the surgery room door when the virus is in use.  LAR personnel will be notified before the experiments begin.  All animal cages will be properly labeled with signage indicating the presence of animals injected with AAV/Ad5.

PPE for Research Staff

Research personnel working with AAV/Ad5 and injected guinea pigs should wear gloves, a lab coat and a surgical mask.

PPE for LAR Staff

LAR personnel working with the injected guinea pigs should wear gloves, a lab coat and a surgical mask while handling the animals or while changing and disposing of bedding.

In the Event of Accidental Contact

In the event of contact with the skin, washing with soap and water for 15 minutes is sufficient.  Approximately 80% of the world population is exposed to wild type AAV by age 10.  However, the virus has never been associated with any disease or pathology. 

There are no vaccines for these viruses. AAV has not been associated with disease; however, Adenovirus can cause cold symptoms and immunocompromised individuals may be at greater risk. Training for laboratory personnel propagating the virus and inoculating animals and training for LAR staff handling animals and bedding will include these risks associated with working with the virus.

Clean Up Procedures

Any spills involving either virus will be treated with 10% bleach and recovered with absorbent towels. The towels will then be autoclaved. At the end of the work session with AAV/Ad5, all work surfaces will be wiped down with 10% bleach.

Waste Disposal

Any unused virus or materials that come into direct contact with the virus will be autoclaved.  The normal dump station has a HEPA filter and will be sufficient for disposal of bedding. Autoclaving or washing cages in the cage washer under normal conditions will kill all viable virus.