Ethanol susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped viruses

Abstract

Ethanol is an effective disinfectant against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. However, its effective concentration has not been shown, and we therefore analyzed the effects of different concentrations of ethanol on SARS-CoV-2. When SARS-CoV-2 was treated with varying ethanol concentrations and examined for changes in infectivity, the ethanol concentration at which 99% of the infectious titers were reduced was 24.3%(w/w) [30.0%(v/v)]. For reference, ethanol susceptibility was also examined with other envelope viruses, including influenza virus, vesicular stomatitis virus in the family Rhabdoviridae, and Newcastle disease virus in the family Paramyxoviridae, and the 99% inhibitory concentrations were found to be 28.8%(w/w) [34.8%(v/v)], 24.0%(w/w) [29.2%(v/v)], and 13.4%(w/w) [16.5%(v/v)], respectively. Some differences from SARS-CoV-2 were observed, but the differences were not significant. It was concluded that ethanol at a concentration of 30%(w/w) [36.2%(v/v)] almost completely inactivates SARS-CoV-2.

Disinfection and decontamination in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific data

“…49,72,75,77,[158][159][160][161][162][163][164][165][166][167][168] Exposure in vitro to 70% ethanol results in rapid reduction of virus as early as 15-30 s. 154 Concentrations less than 30%, although having some effect, are limited for the rapidity of virucidal effects. 158,162 Isopropanol has generally been assessed at 70% vol/vol unless in combinations with ethanol. 158,160,161 Time-dependent efficacy is evident.…”

“…Ethanol and propanol have been studied the most and likely due to the need for developing safe and effective hand disinfectants. Concentrations of ethanol ranging from 40% to 80% show strong antiviral properties whether for surfaces or for skin 49,72,75,77,158–168 . Exposure in vitro to 70% ethanol results in rapid reduction of virus as early as 15–30 s 154 .…”