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INACTIVATION OF POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS IN VITRO BY CRYSTALLINE VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)
1Department of Bacteriology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) inactivates poliovirus. This study demonstrates that small amounts of vitamin C render paralytic doses of poliovirus non-infectious in rhesus monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biochemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Poliomyelitis virus causes paralytic disease.
- Antiviral properties of vitamin C are under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if vitamin C can neutralize poliovirus infectivity.
Main Methods:
- Mixtures of poliovirus and vitamin C were prepared.
- Intracerebral injection into rhesus monkeys was used to assess infectivity.
Main Results:
- Poliomyelitis virus mixed with vitamin C showed no infectivity.
- Vitamin C effectively rendered multiple paralytic doses of the virus non-infectious.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin C demonstrates potent antiviral activity against poliovirus.
- Ascorbic acid shows potential as a therapeutic or preventative agent for poliomyelitis.
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