Experiments on antiviral activity of hand disinfectants. Some theoretical and practical considerations.

Various members of the picornavirus family, adenovirus 2, papovavirus SV40, as well as rotaviruses were tested for inactivation of infectivity by hand disinfectants formulated on the basis of ethanol. The inactivating effect of povidine-iodine (Betaisodona) on enteroviruses and rotaviruses was also investigated. The degree of inactivation by these disinfectants on the various non-enveloped viruses studied, however, was found unpredictable. In fact, striking differences with the very same disinfectant existed even for members of one virus family. Isopropanol was inactive against enteroviruses. These findings are discussed from a theoretical point of view and practical implications are considered. Disinfection of poliovirus 1-contaminated hands by 80% (v/v) ethanol proved not very effective, despite encouraging results obtained in the suspension test. The load of rotavirus-contaminated hands, however, was substantially reduced by treatment with Desderman. A practical regimen can be proposed.