Inactivation of feline calicivirus by chlorine dioxide gas-generating gel

Abstract

Noroviruses are one of the most important causes of acute gastroenteritis throughout the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a chlorine dioxide gas-generating gel (ClO 2 gel, 60 g) against feline calicivirus (FCV), a norovirus surrogate, in the wet state on glass dishes in a test sink (43 cm long, 75 cm wide, and 29 cm deep). The ClO 2 gel permits sustained release of gaseous ClO 2 (1.7 mg/h at 25°C), and was placed in one corner of the test sink. The glass dishes containing FCV suspension were placed at three positions in the test sink. We demonstrated that FCV was inactivated within 5h (>2 or >3 log 10 reductions at three positions, n=20) in the test sink where the ClO 2 gel was placed. These small quantities of ClO 2 gel might be a useful tool for reducing the risk of infection by norovirus in wet environments such as kitchens and bathrooms under optimal condition. © The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.