Inactivation of malaria and West Nile virus using a photosensitizing agent

摘要

Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of parasites (Pl. falciparum) or virus (West Nile Virus) in fluids. Preferably the fluids contain blood or blood products and comprise biologically active proteins. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of a photosensitizer (riboflavin) to a fluid and exposing the fluid to photoradiation sufficient to activate the photosensitizer whereby microorganisms are inactivated.