Human immunodeficiency virus activity in rib allografts

Purpose: The use of bone allografts involves the risk of transmitting infectious agents from the donor to the recipient as shown by historical surveys. A study was therefore undertaken to test the hypothesis that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity can still be present after the freezing and thawing of ribs taken from an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient at autopsy. Materials and Methods: Rib samples were harvested under sterile conditions and frozen at −80 °C. After different freezing periods, the samples were cultured with activated lymphocytes. P24 antigen determination in the supernatant fluid was used to test for viral activity. Results: Confirmation of viral activity was obtained after freezing periods ranging from 1 to 12 weeks. Conclusions: HIV activity can be found in ribs of AIDS patients, and this outlives the cryoprotection of bone banking. Donor selection remains the main security in the use of frozen bone allografts.