In vitro cytotoxic effects of benzalkonium chloride on adenovirus.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the in vitro effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) at various concentrations and dosing schedules on adenoviral infection.


METHODS
Adenovirus was placed in Refeed media and at 30 min after infection, various concentrations and doses of BAK were placed into the 1 mL solution. All assays were incubated at 37 degrees C. Dosing of BAK was performed for 3 days and qualitative viral immunofluorescence was compared with that of controls.


RESULTS
BAK at multiple concentrations lysed the epithelial cell lines to varying degrees as did viral infection. Further, adenoviral infection was halted with many concentrations as well.


CONCLUSIONS
Adenoviral infection was inhibited in vitro by different concentrations of BAK.


CONCLUSIONS
Zymar solution which contains BAK could potentially have a role in the treatment of adenoviral ocular infection in humans.
Lazzaro
Douglas R
DR
Departments of Ophthalmology, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. drleyedoc@aol.com
Abulawi
Khaled
K
Hajee
Mohammedyusuf E
ME
D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000187:drug effects*; D000257:Adenoviridae Infections / Q000821:virology; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D002460:Cell Line; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000821:virology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*
D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical