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Dr Patrick McClure, Dr Alex Tarr and Prof Will Irving were privileged to undertake a collaborative project principally with Prof. Peter Simmonds from the University of Oxford, investigating viruses present in a unique archive of unused lyophilised factor XIII and IX blood products generated in the 1970s through to the 90s for therapeutic treatment of haemophilia.
The presence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in these therapeutics, and their transmission to people with haemophilia, has been described as the worst scandal in the history of the NHS. The 30 year-long inquiry into this tragedy has recently culminating in a final report and compensation for the victims and their families. The human impact of these terrible events can be explored elsewhere: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/c6gz70808ext
Prior to our study, there was little known about the precise amounts and types of HCV and HIV present in the therapeutic preparations, or of other blood-borne viruses that were discovered after HIV (1983) and HCV (1989). The study of these time capsules, demonstrated the presence of not only HIV and HCV, but also hepatitis A & B, parvoviruses B19 & PARV4 and human pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1). HCV, B19 and HPgV-1 were detected in most samples over a similarly wide range of titres. Additional deep sequencing of HCV showed the presence of subtypes 1a & b, 2a & b and 3a.
The pictures below give an idea of the starting materials for the study – I am sure some of these vials are from before many of you were even born!!
The presence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in these therapeutics, and their transmission to people with haemophilia, has been described as the worst scandal in the history of the NHS. The 30 year-long inquiry into this tragedy has recently culminating in a final report and compensation for the victims and their families. The human impact of these terrible events can be explored elsewhere: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/c6gz70808ext
Prior to our study, there was little known about the precise amounts and types of HCV and HIV present in the therapeutic preparations, or of other blood-borne viruses that were discovered after HIV (1983) and HCV (1989). The study of these time capsules, demonstrated the presence of not only HIV and HCV, but also hepatitis A & B, parvoviruses B19 & PARV4 and human pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1). HCV, B19 and HPgV-1 were detected in most samples over a similarly wide range of titres. Additional deep sequencing of HCV showed the presence of subtypes 1a & b, 2a & b and 3a.
The pictures below give an idea of the starting materials for the study – I am sure some of these vials are from before many of you were even born!!
Other recent papers from the group include:
Role of pseudotyped viruses in understanding epidemiology, pathogenesis and immunity of viral diseases affecting both horses and humans.
Sedgwick RL, ElBohy O, Daly JM. Virology. 2024 Jun 28;597:110164.
The Potential of Plant-Produced Virus-like Particle Vaccines for African Horse Sickness and Other Equine Orbiviruses.
Pitchers KG, Boakye OD, Campeotto I, Daly JM.
Pathogens. 2024 May 28;13(6):458.
Role of pseudotyped viruses in understanding epidemiology, pathogenesis and immunity of viral diseases affecting both horses and humans.
Sedgwick RL, ElBohy O, Daly JM. Virology. 2024 Jun 28;597:110164.
The Potential of Plant-Produced Virus-like Particle Vaccines for African Horse Sickness and Other Equine Orbiviruses.
Pitchers KG, Boakye OD, Campeotto I, Daly JM.
Pathogens. 2024 May 28;13(6):458.