ABSTRACT
Viruses are vulnerable as they transmit between hosts and we aimed to exploit this critical window. We found that the ubiquitous, safe, inexpensive and biodegradable small molecule propylene glycol (PG) has robust virucidal activity. Propylene glycol rapidly inactivates influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and a broad range of other enveloped viruses, and reduces disease burden in mice when administered intranasally at concentrations commonly found in nasal sprays. Most critically, aerosolized PG efficiently abolishes influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity within airborne droplets, potently preventing infection at levels significantly below those well-tolerated by mammals. We present PG vapor as a first-in-class non-toxic airborne virucide, to prevent transmission of existing and emergent viral pathogens, with clear and immediate implications for public health.
ABSTRACT
ObjectivesTo investigate whether the antimicrobial emollient Dermol 500 and its active components, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and chlorohexidine dihydrochloride (CD), exhibit virucidal activity thus informing whether Dermol 500 is a suitable soap substitute for use during the COVID19 pandemic, to combat the increased incidence of work-related contact dermatitis in clinical settings that we report here. MethodsInactivation of influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 by Dermol 500 and the independent and combined virucidal activity of the Dermol 500 components BAK and CD was assessed by influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity assays. Viruses were treated with concentrations of BAK and CD comparable to Dermol 500, and lower, and infectivity of the viruses assessed by titration. ResultsDermol 500 exhibits comparable virucidal activity to alcohol-based sanitisers against influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the Dermol 500 components BAK and CD exhibit independent and synergistic virucidal activity against influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID19. ConclusionsThe synergistic virucidal activity of the Dermol 500 components BAK and CD makes Dermol 500 suitable as a soap substitute to treat and prevent work-related contact dermatitis in healthcare settings. KEY MESSAGESO_LIWhat is already known about this subject? O_LIWork-related contact dermatitis is a prominent issue among healthcare workers, and likely exacerbated by the enhanced hand hygiene and personal protective equipment required to control infection during the COVID19 pandemic. C_LIO_LIThe antimicrobial lotion Dermol 500 is frequently prescribed as an emollient and soap substitute to help prevent and treat dermatitis, but its use during the COVID19 pandemic was not advised as its capacity to inactivate viruses was unknown. C_LI C_LIO_LIWhat are the new findings? O_LIIncreased incidence of irritant contact dermatitis was recorded amongst healthcare workers at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2020 compared to 2019. C_LIO_LIDermol 500 lotion and its antimicrobial components, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and chlorohexidine dihydrochloride (CD), exhibit virucidal activity against influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID19 pandemic. C_LI C_LIO_LIHow might this impact policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future? O_LIOur results demonstrate that Dermol 500 can be safely used as a soap substitute to treat work-related contact dermatitis in clinical care settings during the COVID19 pandemic. C_LIO_LIEmployers can meet their obligations under COSHH to eliminate workplace exposure to a harmful substance and substitute with an alternative product for hand hygiene. C_LI C_LI