Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 towards Alcohols: Potential for Alcohol-Related Toxicity in Humans

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative organism that is highly contagious and has been responsible for more than 240 million cases and 5 million deaths worldwide. Using masks, soap-based hand washing, and maintaining social distancing are some of the common methods to prevent the spread of the virus. In the absence of any preventive medications, from the outset of pandemic, alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) have been one of the first-line measures to control transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate the sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 towards ABHS and understand their potential adverse effects on humans. Ethanol and isopropanol have been the most commonly used alcohols in ABHS (e.g., gel, solution, spray, wipes, or foam) with alcohol in the range of 70–85% v/v in World Health Organization or Food and Drug Administration-approved ABHS. The denaturation of proteins around the envelope of SARS-CoV-2 positive sense single-stranded RNA virus is the major mechanism of action of ABHS. Due to frequent use of high-percentage alcohol-containing ABHS over an extended period of time, the oral, dermal, or pulmonary absorption is a possibility. In addition to the systemic toxicity, topical adverse effects such as contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis are plausible and have been reported during COVID-19. ABHS appear to be effective in controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 with the concern of oral, dermal, or pulmonary absorption.

Antiseptic Polymer–Surfactant Complexes with Long-Lasting Activity against SARS-CoV-2

“…Moreover, the virus was found on various surfaces in the cabins of the Diamond Princess cruise ship 17 days after infected passengers vacated [9]. Commonly used disinfectants, including alcohols and quaternary ammonium compounds, can efficiently inactivate the virus [10][11][12][13][14][15], but their action does not last long because they are easily washed away [16]. To provide Polymers 2022, 14, 2444 2 of 17 continuous action, they should be reused frequently, which can cause undesirable toxicological effects [2,17,18].…”

Substantial decrease in SARS-CoV-2 RNA after fixation of cadavers intended for anatomical dissection

“…SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus that contains a lipid layer on its surface, which is important for its infectivity (Palacios-Rapalo et al 2021 ). Ethanol as non-polar solvent dissolve the lipid surfaces of enveloped viruses including coronaviruses (Basak and Deb 2021 ).…”

Antiseptic drugs and disinfectants with experience of the second year of COVID-19 pandemic-related side effects

“…Alcohols have been shown to be effective antimicrobials with rapid broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against vegetative bacteria (including mycobacteria), and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 ( Basak & Deb, 2021 ) [R]. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol, alcohol), isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol, propan-2-ol) and n-propanol (propan-1-ol, in particular in Europe) are the most widely used agents ( Lachenmeier, 2021 ) [R].…”