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Published on: February 20, 2021
Stability and Inactivation of Monkeypox Virus on Inanimate Surfaces
Toni Luise Meister1, Yannick Brüggemann1, Daniel Todt1,2
1Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum.
Abstract:
The spread of nonzoonotic monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections necessitates the reevaluation of hygiene measures. To date, only limited data are available on MPXV surface stability. Here, we evaluate the stability of infectious MPXV on stainless steel stored at different temperatures, while using different interfering substances to mimic environmental contamination. MPXV persistence increased with decreasing temperature. Additionally, we were able to show that MPXV could efficiently be inactivated by alcohol- and aldehyde-based surface disinfectants. These findings underline the stability of MPXV on inanimate surfaces and support the recommendations to use alcohol-based disinfectants as prevention measures or in outbreak situations.
Insights
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) remains stable on surfaces, especially at lower temperatures. Alcohol-based disinfectants effectively inactivate MPXV, supporting their use for hygiene and outbreak control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Non-zoonotic monkeypox virus (MPXV) spread highlights the need for updated hygiene protocols.
- Limited data exist on MPXV's stability on environmental surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the stability of infectious MPXV on stainless steel under various conditions.
- To determine the efficacy of common disinfectants against MPXV on surfaces.
Main Methods:
- MPXV stability was tested on stainless steel at different temperatures.
- Interfering substances were used to simulate environmental contamination.
- Inactivation efficacy of alcohol- and aldehyde-based disinfectants was evaluated.
Main Results:
- MPXV persistence on surfaces increased as temperature decreased.
- MPXV was efficiently inactivated by alcohol- and aldehyde-based disinfectants.
- The virus demonstrated significant stability on inanimate surfaces.
Conclusions:
- MPXV exhibits notable stability on inanimate surfaces, particularly at lower temperatures.
- Alcohol-based disinfectants are effective for MPXV inactivation.
- Findings support the use of alcohol-based disinfectants for prevention and outbreak management.
