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Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents

G Kampf1, D Todt2, S Pfaender2

  • 1University Medicine Greifswald, Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|February 10, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can persist on surfaces for up to 9 days. Effective inactivation is achieved within one minute using disinfectants like ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, poses a significant global health threat due to its rapid human-to-human transmission.
  • Understanding virus persistence on surfaces and effective disinfection is crucial for controlling outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on the persistence of human and veterinary coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of various biocidal agents in inactivating coronaviruses.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of 22 studies on coronavirus persistence and inactivation.
  • Analysis of data on viral survival times on surfaces like metal, glass, and plastic.
  • Assessment of disinfection strategies using chemical agents such as ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite.

Main Results:

  • Human coronaviruses can remain viable on inanimate surfaces for up to 9 days.
  • Surface disinfection with 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite inactivated viruses within 1 minute.
  • Less effective agents included benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine digluconate.

Conclusions:

  • Effective surface disinfection is critical for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Rapid inactivation of coronaviruses on surfaces can be achieved with specific chemical agents.
  • Early containment strategies focusing on environmental hygiene are essential to control the outbreak.
Keywords:
Biocidal agentsChemical inactivationCoronavirusDisinfectionInanimate surfacesPersistence

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