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Updated: May 19, 2026
High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
Virucidal activity of chemical biocides against mimivirus, a putative pneumonia agent
Rafael Kroon Campos1, Ketyllen Reis Andrade, Paulo Cesar Peregrino Ferreira
1Laboratório de Vírus, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Background:
Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV), the largest known virus, has been studied as a putative pneumonia agent, especially in hospital environments. Despite the repercussions of the discovery of APMV, there has been no study related to the control of APMV and the susceptibility of this virus to disinfectants.
Objectives:
This work investigated the virucidal activity against mimivirus of chemical biocides commonly used in clinical practice for the disinfection of hospital equipment and rooms.
Study Design:
APMV was dried on sterilized steel coupons, exposed to different concentrations of alcohols (ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol) and commercial disinfectants (active chlorine, glutaraldehyde and benzalkonium chloride) and titrated in amoebas using the TCID50 value. The stability of APMV on an inanimate surface was also tested in the presence and absence of organic matter for 30 days.
Results:
APMV showed a high level of resistance to chemical biocides, especially alcohols. Only active chlorine and glutaraldehyde were able to decrease the APMV titers to undetectable levels. Dried APMV showed long-lasting stability on an inanimate surface (30 days), even in the absence of organic matter.
Conclusions:
The data presented herein may help health and laboratory workers plan the best strategy to control this putative pneumonia agent from surfaces and devices.
Insights
Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV) is resistant to common disinfectants like alcohols. Only active chlorine and glutaraldehyde effectively inactivated this virus, which remains stable on surfaces for 30 days, impacting hospital infection control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV), the largest known virus, is a potential cause of pneumonia, particularly in healthcare settings.
- Previous studies have not addressed APMV control or its susceptibility to disinfectants, despite its clinical relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the virucidal efficacy of common clinical biocides against Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV).
- To assess the stability of APMV on inanimate surfaces under various conditions.
Main Methods:
- Dried APMV on steel coupons was exposed to varying concentrations of alcohols (ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol) and disinfectants (active chlorine, glutaraldehyde, benzalkonium chloride).
- Viral titers were determined using the TCID50 assay in amoebas.
- APMV stability on surfaces was monitored for 30 days with and without organic matter.
Main Results:
- APMV demonstrated significant resistance to chemical biocides, especially alcohols.
- Only active chlorine and glutaraldehyde effectively reduced APMV titers to undetectable levels.
- Dried APMV remained stable on inanimate surfaces for up to 30 days, irrespective of organic matter presence.
Conclusions:
- Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV) exhibits high resistance to commonly used disinfectants, posing a challenge for infection control.
- Active chlorine and glutaraldehyde are recommended for inactivating APMV on surfaces and equipment.
- Understanding APMV's environmental stability is crucial for developing effective decontamination protocols in healthcare settings.
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