Inactivation of influenza A virus by gentian violet (GV) and GV-dyed cotton cloth, and bactericidal activities of these agents.
Recently we have heard warnings of an outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1). Although, to prevent such infections we must prepare anti-viral drugs and type-specific vaccines against influenza, we need various simple and effective protection methods, such as the use of face masks for public health. Also, in any consideration of bacterial infections, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP) also pose serious concerns which must be addressed. I examined the antiviral activity of gentian violet (GV) and GV-dyed cloth against the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Time-kill studies were carried out, and the virus titer was determined based on the 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of GV against bacteria were also determined, and the killing activities of the GV-dyed cloth were judged from viable cell counts. GV immediately killed the influenza A virus and this was confirmed by electron microscopy. Moreover, cloth dyed with a combination of GV and copper showed not only excellent antiviral activity but also prominent bactericidal activities.
Nagayama
Ariaki
A
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan. nagayama@fukuoka-u.ac.jp
D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002645:Chickens; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D004285:Dogs; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D016984:Enterococcus faecium / Q000187:drug effects*; D005840:Gentian Violet / Q000494:pharmacology*; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000187:drug effects*; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D020713:Vancomycin Resistance; D038301:Virus Inactivation / Q000187:drug effects
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005840:Gentian Violet