Povidone-Iodine Shows Rapid In Vitro Virucidal Activity Against SARS-CoV-2

August 8, 2020

• Danielle E. Anderson,
• Velraj Sivalingam,
• Adrian Eng Zheng Kang,
• Abhishek Ananthanarayanan,
• Harsha Arumugam,
• Timothy M. Jenkins,
• Yacine Hadjiat &
• Maren Eggers

Infectious Diseases and Therapy (2020)

PDF: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40121-020-00316-3.pdf

Abstract

Introduction

As of 22 June 2020, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV)-2 has infected more than 8.95 million people worldwide, causing > 468,000 deaths. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and physical contact from contaminated surfaces to the mucosa. Hand hygiene and oral decontamination among other measures are key to preventing the spread of the virus. We report the in vitro virucidal activity of topical and oral povidone-iodine (PVP-I) products against SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Suspension assays were used to assess the virucidal activity of PVP-I against SARS-CoV-2. Products were tested at a contact time of 30 s for virucidal activity. Viral titres were calculated using the Spearman–Kärber method and reported as median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID₅₀)/mL.

Results

All four products [antiseptic solution (PVP-I 10%), skin cleanser (PVP-I 7.5%), gargle and mouth wash (PVP-I 1%) and throat spray (PVP-I 0.45%)] achieved ≥ 99.99% virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2, corresponding to ≥ 4 log₁₀ reduction of virus titre, within 30 s of contact.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of rapid and effective virucidal activity of PVP-I against SARS-CoV-2. PVP-I-based products are widely available for medical and personal use for hand hygiene and oral decontamination, and could be readily integrated into coronavirus disease, COVID-19, infection control measures in hospital and community settings.

Key Summary Points

Why carry out this study?

To generate evidence of PVP-I virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease.

With no definitive treatment or vaccine available as yet for COVID-19, effective infection control measures are needed to limit virus spread.

Previous studies showed the efficacy of PVP-I products against similar viruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV) and a range of other viruses, but PVP-I has not yet been directly tested against SARS-CoV-2.

What was learned from the study?

All four tested PVP-I products demonstrated ≥4 log10 reduction of SARS-CoV-2 titres, corresponding to a ≥ 99.99% kill rate, with a contact time of 30 s. This shows the rapid virucidal activity of the PVP-I products against SARS-CoV-2.

PVP-I-based disinfectants are already widely available and could be readily integrated into existing infection control protocols in both hospital and community settings.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40121-020-00316-3