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DISINFECTION OF CLOUDS OF MENINGOPNEUMONITIS AND PSITTACOSIS VIRUSES WITH TRIETHYLENE GLYCOL VAPOR
T Rosebury1, G Meiklejohn, L C Kingsland
1Laboratories of Camp Detrick, Maryland.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Triethylene glycol vapor effectively reduced airborne concentrations of meningopneumonitis and psittacosis viruses in controlled experiments. This antiviral aerosol significantly lowered virus levels, demonstrating its potential for air disinfection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Aerosol Science
Background:
- Airborne viruses like meningopneumonitis and psittacosis pose significant health risks.
- Effective methods for reducing virus concentration in indoor environments are crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of triethylene glycol vapor in reducing airborne virus concentrations.
- To assess the impact of triethylene glycol on the infectivity of specific viruses.
Main Methods:
- A dynamic cloud chamber was used to generate aerosols of meningopneumonitis or psittacosis virus.
- Triethylene glycol vapor was introduced into the chamber, with relative humidity controlled between 35-60%.
- Virus concentration was measured using capillary impingers and by exposing mice to the aerosolized virus.
Main Results:
- Triethylene glycol vapor significantly reduced virus concentration in samplers, with an average reduction of 62% compared to controls.
- Infective response in mice, indicated by lung lesions, showed an average reduction of 73% in glycol-treated groups.
Conclusions:
- Triethylene glycol vapor demonstrates potent antiviral properties against airborne meningopneumonitis and psittacosis viruses.
- The findings support the potential use of triethylene glycol as an air disinfectant to mitigate the spread of certain viral infections.
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