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Since the end of 2019 a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, first identified in Wuhan, China, is spreading around the world partially associated with a high death toll. Besides hygienic measurements to reduce the spread of the virus vaccines have been confected, partially based on the experiences with Ebola virus vaccine, based on recombinant human or chimpanzee adenovirus carrying the spike protein and its ACE2 receptor binding domain (RBD). Further vaccines are constructed by spike protein coding mRNA incorporated in lipid nano vesicles that after entry in human cells produce spike protein. Both vaccine types induce a strong immune response that lasts for months possibly for T-cell immunity a few years. Due to mutations in the coronavirus genome in several parts of the world variants selected, that were partially more pathogenic and partially easier transmissible - variants of concern (VOC). Until now vaccinees are protected against the VOC, even when protection might be reduced compared to the Wuhan wild virus.An open field is still how long the vaccine induced immunity will be sufficient to prevent infection and/or disease; and how long the time period will last until revaccination will be required for life saving protection, whether a third vaccination is needed, and whether revaccination with an adenovirus-based vaccine will be tolerated.

Sera obtained from 927 drug addicts in 1983 to 1985 were tested for antibodies against LAV/HTLV-III. There was a steadily rising proportion of positive results: 10.1% in 1983, 17.6% in 1984 and 23.9% in 1985. In each year the prevalence of anti-LAV/HTLV-III was higher among female than male addicts. No increased proportion of positive results was demonstrable in relation to age. Among 152 sera from 1983/84, hepatitis-B markers were found in 72 (43.7%), of whom 10 (14%) were also anti-LAV/HTLV-III positive. Among hepatitis-B marker-negative sera there were 8 (6%) which were also anti-LAV/HTLV-III positive. The prevalence of anti-LAV/HTLV-III in drug addicts in prisons, rehabilitation centres, hospitals and medical practices was similar. There is a danger that prostitution by addicts for obtaining drugs will cause a penetration of LAV/HTLV-III in the rest of the population.

BACKGROUND Because of the limited availability of autologous tissue, stored allograft is commonly used. Before grafting, bank tissue is subjected to chemical preservation procedures. This procedure is important to diminish antigenicity and to inactivate possible inherent viruses. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different chemical preservation procedures like Cialit, Merthiolate, and formaldehyde on the presence of HIV DNA. METHODS HIV-infected tissues were obtained from eight HIV-positive patients and examined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS After chemical treatment, we could observe the presence of HIV DNA in all examined tissues. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate the importance of the mandatory serological screening and selection in donor patients.

With the increasing prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the possibility of a transmission of HIV via allogenic transplants has increased. To assess the risk of transferring HIV with allogenic cartilage grafts we investigated the susceptibility of chondrocytes to the virus. Our results indicate the absence of the HIV receptor (CD-4-molecule) on chondrocytes by immunohistochemistry and FACS analyses. Furthermore cultures from chondrocytes and high doses of HIV-1 did not show an active replication. Hence, we conclude that normal cartilage cells cannot be infected by HIV. This means that the risk of HIV transmission by cartilage allografts is very low if no contaminating tissues like blood, perichondrium and calcifications etc. are present.