Efficient inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by WHO-recommended hand rub formulations and alcohols

  1. Annika Kratzel
  2. Daniel Todt
  3. Philip V’kovski
  4. Silvio Steiner
  5. Mitra L. Gultom
  6. Tran Thi Nhu Thao
  7. Nadine Ebert
  8. Melle Holwerda
  9. Jörg Steinmann
  10. Daniela Niemeyer
  11. Ronald Dijkman
  12. Günter Kampf
  13. Christian Drosten
  14. Eike Steinmann
  15. Volker Thiel
  16. Stephanie Pfaender
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Abstract

The recent emergence of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 is a major burden for health care systems worldwide. It is important to address if the current infection control instructions based on active ingredients are sufficient. We therefore determined the virucidal activity of two alcohol-based hand rub solutions for hand disinfection recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as commercially available alcohols. Efficient SARS-CoV-2 inactivation was demonstrated for all tested alcohol-based disinfectants. These findings show the successful inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 for the first time and provide confidence in its use for the control of COVID-19.

Importance

The current COVID-19 outbreak puts a huge burden on the world’s health care systems. Without effective therapeutics or vaccines being available, effective hygiene measure are of utmost importance to prevent viral spreading. It is therefore crucial to evaluate current infection control strategies against SARS-CoV-2. We show the inactivation of the novel coronavirus for the first time and endorse the importance of disinfectant-based hand hygiene to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

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