Virucidal efficacy of the newer quaternary ammonium compounds

The virucidal activity of several disinfectants containing newer generation quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) as their active ingredients was evaluated. Disinfectants were used at the manufacturers' recommended dilutions with isolates of feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and canine parvovirus, and a contact time of 10 minutes at room temperature. Detoxification of virus/disinfectant solutions was done by dialysis prior to virus assay in cell cultures. Two of four disinfectants completely inactivated feline herpesvirus, and two significantly reduced the titer of this virus. None of the disinfectants that were tested completely inactivated feline calicivirus. Canine parvovirus was not inactivated significantly by any of the QAC disinfectants. Sodium hypochlorite completely inactivated all viruses.