The use of bacteriophages of Bacteroides fragilis as indicators of the efficiency of virucidal products.
The potential use of bacteriophage B40-8 of Bacteroides fragilis for the evaluation of the virucidal activity of antiseptics or disinfectants was investigated. The antiviral activity of two antiseptics and two disinfectants was evaluated according to a standard guideline. The effect of the virucidal agents was assessed on (i) viruses usually spread by direct contact with surfaces with contaminated secretions, i.e. herpes virus 1 and 2, and vaccinia virus, and (ii) viruses transmitted by the fecal-oral route, i.e. hepatitis A virus, poliovirus, adenovirus and rotavirus. The survival of B40-8 always equalled or exceeded that of the animal viruses tested. Our data suggest the use of bacteriophage B40-8 to complement the information furnished by some standardized methods in ascertaining the antiviral activity of virucidal preparations.
Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Spain.
R M
RM
Pintó
F X
FX
Abad
R M
RM
Roca
J M
JM
Riera
A
A
Bosch
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000187:drug effects*; D001441:Bacteroides fragilis; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004202:Disinfectants