[Effect of virucidal components on highly pathogenic viral agents]

Highly pathogenic viruses for human, such as Ebolavirus, Lassa virus, variola virus and Coronavirus, can persist several days on inert surfaces. Although their transmission via contaminated surfaces is not clearly demonstrated, it cannot be excluded. Thus, decontamination of these surfaces is necessary to reduce the risk of infection and limit the spread of these viruses. This review summarizes the published data regarding the effectiveness of frequently used virucides on viruses highly pathogenic for human. The data available are rather heterogeneous and therefore difficult to compare. Biocides based on alcohol, aldehyde, iodine, chlorine, peroxide and quaternary ammonium, which are frequently used for directed and zonal decontaminations, are effective. However, their effectiveness depends on many parameters such as formulation of the biocide, the virus concentration, the matrix in which the viral particles are present, the viral strain and the type of contaminated surface. Thus, a biocide should be chosen based on its final use, rather than on its effectiveness compared to other biocides.