Physicochemical inactivation of zoonotic Viruses: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and lymphocytic choriomeningitis Viruses

Abstract

To seek the most effective and practical methods of disinfecting and for inactivating two zoonotic viruses, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome virus (HFRSV) and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), we analysed inactivation of the viruses by 8 commonly-used chemical disinfectants and physical treatments. The results demonstrated that alcohols (70% ethanol, 50% isopropanol), formaldehyde (2% formalin), quaternary ammonium chloride (0.05% benzalkonium chloride) and 1% saponated cresol were virucidal on more than 99.9% of the infectious virus particles. HFRSV was more resistant than LCMV on several treatments. No significant difference was observed in strains of HFRSV. Quaternary ammonium chloride and saponated cresol diluted with hot water (>60°C), are considered to be the reagents of choice for disinfecting the two zoonotic viruses because of their long-term effectiveness and mild corrosive action to metals. Spraying of alcohols has proven to be a suitable means for decontaminating instruments, and experiments tools in limited areas of animal laboratories