Antiviral activity of alcohol for surface disinfection.
Bacteria and viruses from the patient's mouth travel with dental splatter and spills. A surface disinfectant should possess antiviral activity as well as antibacterial action. Because of frequent and 'open' application in the dental office, such a disinfectant should be non-toxic, non-allergenic and safe for the hygienist. It now appears that high-concentration alcohol mixtures (i.e. 80% ethanol + 5% isopropanol) are not only excellent antibacterials, but quickly inactivate HIV as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. Compared to alternative surface disinfectants, use of high-concentration alcohol for the spray-wipe-spray method of surface disinfection in dentistry appears safe and efficient. However, dried matter should be wiped and hydrated first.
Moorer
W R
WR
Department of Cariology, Endodontology, Pedodontology, Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. w.moorer@acta.nl
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019551:Dental Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006678:HIV / Q000187:drug effects; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D038301:Virus Inactivation
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D019551:Dental Disinfectants; D000431:Ethanol