Improvement of Effectiveness of New Alcohol-based Hand Rubs Against Nonenveloped Viruses

Abstract

Alcohol-based disinfectants are now widely used, including in some key roles for hand hygiene, but have not yet satisfied clinical needs. For example, the spread of nonenveloped viruses such as norovirus sometimes causes social problems, but alcohol-based disinfectants do not have sufficient effect against nonenveloped viruses. This study investigated inactivation of noneveloped viruses (in vitro) and skin irritation (in vivo) by a series of new alcohol-based disinfectants containing organic acids and zinc compounds. Addition of organic acids showed efficacy against the human norovirus surrogate feline calicivirus (FCV) by inactivation of 4 log reduction or more within 30 seconds of exposure time and almost the same efficacy against adenovirus as ethanol for disinfection. On the other hand, addition of organic acid and zinc compound showed efficacy for inactivation of the virus of more than 4 log reduction against FCV and adenovirus within 30 seconds. Alcohol-based formulations combined with some organic acids and zinc compound reduced skin irritation of the rabbit. We conclude that new alcohol-based disinfectants containing organic acids and zinc compounds have improved effectiveness against nonenveloped viruses and better skin care. © 2010, Japanese Society for Infection Prevention and Control. All rights reserved.