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Antiviral activity of alcohol for surface disinfection
Author(s) -
Moorer WR
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
international journal of dental hygiene
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.674
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1601-5037
pISSN - 1601-5029
DOI - 10.1034/j.1601-5037.2003.00032.x
Subject(s) - disinfectant , medicine , alcohol , dentistry , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , biology , pathology , organic chemistry
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.