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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Preliminary study of test methods to assess the virucidal activity of skin disinfectants using poliovirus and
J G Davies1, J R Babb, C R Bradley
1Hospital Infection Research Laboratory, Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Abstract:
Two tests for assessing the virucidal activity of antiseptics are proposed. These involve applying either poliovirus (vaccine strain Sabin 1 an) or Escherichia coli bacteriophage (MS2 or K1-5) to the fingertips. Both test viruses are considered safe although poliovirus may be unacceptably tolerant to antiseptics. The use of bacteriophages as test organisms precludes the need for sophisticated recovery systems and can be undertaken readily by any bacteriology laboratory. The virucidal activity of 70%, 80% and 90% ethanol, 7.5% povidone-iodine, and soap and water was assessed using these tests. Thorough cleansing, followed by disinfection with 90% ethanol, was the most effective treatment. Removal of viruses from the gloved hand was also assessed and this was found to be more easily achieved than cleaning and disinfecting the ungloved hand. Wearing gloves protects the hands from viral contamination but changing them after each patient or contact is expensive.
Insights
The study proposes two safe and accessible tests for evaluating antiseptic virucidal activity using poliovirus or bacteriophages. Thorough hand cleansing followed by 90% ethanol disinfection proved most effective against viruses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Antiseptic efficacy is crucial for infection control.
- Assessing virucidal activity requires reliable and accessible testing methods.
- Current methods may be complex or use potentially tolerant viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate two novel, accessible tests for assessing antiseptic virucidal activity.
- To compare the effectiveness of different antiseptics and hand hygiene practices.
- To investigate virus removal from gloved versus ungloved hands.
Main Methods:
- Two test systems were developed using poliovirus (Sabin 1) or bacteriophages (MS2, K1-5) applied to fingertips.
- Virucidal activity of 70%, 80%, 90% ethanol, 7.5% povidone-iodine, and soap/water was assessed.
- Virus removal from gloved and ungloved hands was compared.
Main Results:
- Bacteriophage-based tests offer a practical alternative to poliovirus, avoiding complex recovery systems.
- Thorough cleansing followed by 90% ethanol disinfection demonstrated the highest virucidal efficacy.
- Virus removal from gloved hands was more efficient than cleaning ungloved hands.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophages provide a safe and practical model for assessing antiseptic virucidal activity.
- Optimal hand hygiene involves thorough cleansing and disinfection, with 90% ethanol being highly effective.
- Gloved hands offer better protection and easier decontamination, though cost-effective protocols are needed.
