Effect of chlorhexidine on covid 19 virus

Abstract

High generation of aerosols, and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva have suggested oral cavity as a reservoir for COVID-19 transmission. COVID-19 can penetrate the human body. The transmission can occur during coughing, sneezing, talking and even during dental care. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus, characterized by an outer lipid membrane. It has been seen that preprocedural rinses with mouthwash reduces the viral load. Chlorhexidine gluconate has been used in the clinical practice since ages. It is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, causing distruction of cellular membranes. It acts against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, aerobes, facultative anaerobes and fungus. It is also seen to be effective against viruses. Therefore, this review focuses on the role of chlorhexidine in COVID-19.