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Virucidal effect of povidone-iodine against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro
Ying Wang1, Yutong Wu2, Qingjing Wang2
1Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Centre of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
Objective:
To evaluate the antiviral activity of the oral disinfectant povidone-iodine (PVP-I) against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) in vitro.
Methods:
The cytotoxic effects of PVP-I were determined in Vero and Calu-3 cell lines using that by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Viral load in the cell culture medium above infected cells was quantitated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cytopathic effect (CPE) and viral infective rate were observed by immunofluorescence microscopy.
Results:
PVP-I at a concentration >0.5 mg/ml in contact with SARS-CoV-2 for 30 s, 1 min, 2 min and 5 min showed up to 99% viral inhibition. For in vitro testing, upon exposure for 1 min, PVP-I showed a virucidal effect. PVP-I had no cytotoxic effects at the range of concentrations tested (0.125-1 mg/ml; CC50 > 2.75 mM) in Vero and Calu-3 cells.
Conclusion:
These results demonstrate that the ideal contact time was 1 min and the optimal concentration was 1 mg/ml, which provides an experimental basis for the use of oral disinfectants in dental hospitals.
Insights
Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) oral disinfectant effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2, showing up to 99% viral inhibition with a 1-minute contact time. PVP-I demonstrated a virucidal effect without causing cytotoxicity in tested cell lines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a significant global health concern.
- Oral hygiene practices are crucial in preventing pathogen transmission, including respiratory viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) against SARS-CoV-2.
- To determine the optimal concentration and contact time for PVP-I efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity of PVP-I was assessed in Vero and Calu-3 cell lines using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay.
- Viral load reduction was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction.
- Viral infectivity and cytopathic effects were visualized via immunofluorescence microscopy.
Main Results:
- PVP-I at concentrations >0.5 mg/ml demonstrated up to 99% SARS-CoV-2 inhibition after 30 seconds to 5 minutes of contact.
- A 1-minute exposure to PVP-I resulted in a virucidal effect in vitro.
- PVP-I exhibited no cytotoxic effects on Vero and Calu-3 cells within the tested concentration range (0.125-1 mg/ml).
Conclusions:
- An optimal contact time of 1 minute and a concentration of 1 mg/ml are recommended for PVP-I efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.
- These findings support the use of PVP-I as an oral disinfectant in dental settings to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
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