Inactivation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in tissue culture fluid and in genital secretions by the spermicide benzalkonium chloride.
We have shown that the spermicidal agent benzalkonium chloride can exert a direct inhibitory effect on the viral reverse transcriptase activity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) when utilized at concentrations of 0.05% and higher. Exposure of HIV-1 to this disinfectant at concentrations of more than 0.05% was able to completely destroy viral infectivity, as assessed on susceptible target cells. We have further shown that HIV-1, which is present in both seminal and genital secretions, can be inactivated in such fluids by direct exposure to benzalkonium chloride.
Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
M A
MA
Wainberg
B
B
Spira
G
G
Bleau
R
R
Thomas
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003470:Culture Media; D005260:Female; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D018894:Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014621:Vagina / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D003470:Culture Media; D018894:Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents