Sensitivity of human adenoviruses to different groups of chemical biocides

A Sauerbrei1, K Sehr, A Brandstädt

  • 1Institute of Virology and Antiviral Therapy, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany. andreas.sauerbrei@med.uni-jena.de

Insights

Adenoviruses are proposed as replacements for polioviruses in disinfectant testing. Certain adenovirus strains, like types 5 and 44, show resistance making them ideal models for broad-spectrum virucidal activity assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Microbiology
  • Disinfectant Efficacy Testing

Background:

  • Polioviruses are no longer readily propagated for virucidal testing.
  • Adenoviruses are emerging as potential replacements for poliovirus in disinfectant efficacy studies.
  • Broad-spectrum disinfectant testing requires robust viral models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the sensitivity of different adenovirus serotypes to common disinfectants.
  • To identify adenovirus strains suitable as model viruses for broad-spectrum disinfectant testing.
  • To compare adenovirus resistance profiles with poliovirus resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Suspension tests were conducted according to German guidelines for virucidal assays.
  • Prototype strains of adenovirus subgenera C and D were tested.
  • Sensitivity to liposomal povidone-iodine (PVP-I), peracetic acid (PAA), and formaldehyde was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Adenovirus serotype sensitivity to disinfectants varied significantly.
  • Adenovirus types 5 and 44 demonstrated the highest resistance to PVP-I, PAA, and formaldehyde.
  • These resistant strains could serve as effective model viruses, potentially replacing poliovirus type 1.

Conclusions:

  • Adenovirus serotypes exhibit differential sensitivity to chemical disinfectants.
  • Adenovirus types 5 and 44 are promising candidates for modeling broad-spectrum virucidal activity.
  • Variations in viral capsid protein composition may explain differences in disinfectant sensitivity.