Studies on the survival and inactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 on coins.
Survival of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in saliva at room temperature (21-23 degrees C) on 1, 5, 10, and 25 cent coins was studied. There was little or no loss of infectious HSV-1 before 30 min. Between 30 and 60 min there was a 2- to 3-log drop in titre, and with the exception of the 1 cent coin, some infectious virus was still present after 2 h, the longest period studied. The most conspicuous drop in titre occurred with loss of moisture from the saliva. In addition to the drying process, the metals of the coins also contributed to the decline in titre of HSV-1.
Bardell
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Department of Biology, Kean College of New Jersey, Union 07083.
D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology; D003890:Desiccation; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009532:Nickel / Q000494:pharmacology; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology*; D010948:Viral Plaque Assay; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology
D008670:Metals; D003300:Copper; D009532:Nickel; D015032:Zinc