Disinfection methods against SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review

Abstract

Background The novel SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the most recent pandemic faced by humanity, has become a global crisis causing millions of deaths. The virus is transmitted by inhalation of infectious particles suspended in the air, direct deposition on mucous membranes and indirect contact via contaminated surfaces. Therefore, disinfection methods that can halt such transmission are important in this pandemic and in future viral infections. Aim Highlight the efficacy of several disinfection methods against SARS-CoV-2, based on up-to-date evidence found in literature. Methods A research was conducted through two databases to assess the disinfection methods used against SARS-CoV-2. From a total of 1229 studies found, 60 were included. Quality assessment was evaluated by the OHAT risk of bias tool. Findings Disinfection methods on environmental surfaces were approached by 28 studies; 16 articles addressed disinfection methods used on biological surfaces; 4 articles presented disinfection methods for airborne coronavirus and 16 studies demonstrated methods used to recondition PPEs. Conclusions Several household and hospital disinfection agents and UV-C irradiation were effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces. Formulations containing povidone-iodine can provide virucidal action on the skin and mucous membranes. In the case of hand hygiene, typical soap bars and alcohols can inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Air filtration systems incorporated with materials that possess catalytic properties, UV-C devices and heating systems can effectively reduce airborne viral particles. The decontamination of PPEs can be conducted safely by heat and ozone treatment.

Effect of ultraviolet C emitted from KrCl excimer lamp with or without bandpass filter to mouse epidermis

“…The coronavirus disease-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made people attend to means and tools to inactivate airborne viruses [ 1 , 2 ]. Ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation is getting a lot of attention as a means to disinfect pathogens in public spaces [ 3 – 5 ].…”

Inactivation of aerosolized SARS‐CoV ‐2 by 254 nm UV‐C irradiation

“…Although early on, the consensus pointed to direct contact and large droplets as the main source of infection, there is now growing evidence that the virus is transmitted by aerosols, 1 which might be even the main route of transmission 2 . Aerosols, as the major transmission route, better explains the superspreading events and the large proportion of infections generated from asymptomatic people 3 . Small aerosol particles can be suspended and travel through the air.…”

“… 2 Aerosols, as the major transmission route, better explains the superspreading events and the large proportion of infections generated from asymptomatic people. 3 Small aerosol particles can be suspended and travel through the air. In the case of SARS‐CoV‐2, it was shown that they can remain viable for 3 h and float for several hours.…”

Rapid and Highly Sensitive Method for Evaluating Surface Coatings against an Enveloped RNA Virus

“…Next, we examined an iodine and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) composite system as surface coating material. Iodine is a well-known as a potential oxidant to inactivate microbes and viruses. , For long-term inhibition of virus transmission, surface coatings should remain stable, and the coating layer should be water-resistant. While most oxidizing reagents are highly soluble in water, iodine has relatively poor water solubility.…”