Transfusion-transmitted virus is not present in factor IX concentrates commonly used to treat haemophilia B.

Transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) is a potential cause of post-transfusion hepatitis in patients with haemophilia. Plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates currently undergo processes that are effective in removal and inactivation of viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C; however, their effectiveness with respect to TTV is unknown. To determine if TTV DNA is present in plasma-derived concentrates of factor IX, we tested 14 lots of Mononine and compared the results with BeneFix. Nucleic acid isolation, followed by a two-round polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel analysis indicated that all 17 lots were negative for TTV. Although TTV may be considered an emerging pathogen, no evidence of the virus was detected in the commercially available plasma-derived concentrate of FIX most commonly used to treat haemophilia B.