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Polyhexamethylene biguanide exposure leads to viral aggregation
F Pinto1, J-Y Maillard, S P Denyer
1Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|November 10, 2009
Summary
Two polyhexamethylene biguanides (PHMB) showed limited efficacy against MS2 bacteriophage. Viral aggregation induced by PHMB likely explains this reduced virucidal activity, impacting disinfectant effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nonenveloped viruses pose significant public health challenges.
- Biguanides are widely used biocides, but their efficacy against viruses can vary.
- MS2 bacteriophage serves as a relevant model for nonenveloped human viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiviral activity of two polyhexamethylene biguanides (PHMB) against MS2 bacteriophage.
- To elucidate the mechanism behind the observed limited efficacy of PHMB against MS2.
- To investigate the role of viral aggregation in PHMB's virucidal activity.
Main Methods:
- Standard suspension tests were employed to assess PHMB's effect on MS2 viability.
- Inactivation kinetics and virus hydrophobicity changes were analyzed.
- Dynamic light scattering was used to detect and quantify viral aggregates.
Main Results:
- PHMB exhibited modest reduction (1-2 log(10) PFU ml(-1)) in MS2 viability.
- Increased viral aggregate size (up to 500 nm) was observed in a concentration-dependent manner.
- PHMB demonstrated strong interaction with MS2 viral proteins.
Conclusions:
- PHMB induces viral aggregation in MS2 bacteriophage.
- Viral aggregation is a key factor limiting the virucidal efficacy of PHMB.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering aggregation in antiviral biocide development.
