Lipophilic viruses

Phenolic compounds disrupt cell walls and membranes, precipitate proteins, and inactivate enzymes. They are bactericidal (including mycobacteria) and fungicidal and they are capable of inactivating lipophilic viruses. They are not sporicidal. Dilution and time of exposure recommendations of the manufacturer must be followed. 

The activity of QACs against viruses may depend on both the affinity of the QAC for the proteinaceous coat and the lipid nature of the viral envelope. QACs are quite active against lipophilic viruses such as HIV, influenza, and herpes simplex 1 2. However, their activity is lower against nonlipophilic viruses such as adenovirus or parvovirus [21]. 

Corresponding to the mechanism of action, the microbicidal phenol derivatives are effective over a wide spectrum including bacteria, yeasts and fungi. However, there are different effectiveness peaks depending on the type and number of the substituents. Therefore the combined application of various phenol derivatives sometimes allows the application concentrations to be reduced this is to be aimed at for many reasons. Phenol derivatives are not effective against resistant bacterial spores, at least not at room temperature. However, they are very effective against lipophilic viruses but deficient in their activity against viruses with hydrophilic properties. 

Ethyl and isopropyl alcohols in concentrations of 50 to 70 percent by weight are often used. Alcohols are somewhat slow in their germicidal action, acting by denaturing proteins. However, they are effective disinfectants against lipophilic viruses. Adding 0.1 N HCl to the alcohol can increase virucidal activity. 

Formaldehyde for use as a disinfectant is usually marketed as formalin, a solution of about 37 percent concentration, or as paraformaldehyde, a solid polymerized compound. The substance can be utilized for decontamination of large areas (427) or surfaces (451). Formaldehyde in a concentration of 5 percent active ingredient is an effective liquid disinfectant. Formaldehyde at 0.2 to 4.7 percent is often used to inactivate viruses in the preparation of vaccines. Formaldehyde seems to be more effective as a disinfectant against hydrophilic viruses than against lipophilic viruses. Forty percent aqueous formalin (16 percent formaldehyde) is effective in inactivating hepatitis B virus, using a contact time of 12 hours. A 20 percent formalin solution in 70 percent... 

---