UVC radiation as an effective disinfectant method to inactivate human papillomaviruses

Abstract

Endocavitary ultrasound probes are part of a commonly used procedure in the clinical arena. The cavities examined, vaginal canal and cervix, anal canal, and oral cavity are all areas commonly infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), thus making them susceptible to contamination by HPV. It has been demonstrated that these probes can remain contaminated with high-risk HPV even when approved disinfection protocols have been performed. we have previously shown that HPV is resistant to some high-level disinfectant (HLD). In our present study we analyzed efficacy of using high-level ultra-violet C (UVC) radiation against HPV16 and HPV18 using a hard-surface carrier test. Stocks of infectious authentic HPV16 and HPV18 virions were dried onto carriers with a 5% (v/v) protein soil or 4ppm hard water. Efficacy testing were performed with the automated device, Antigermix S1 device (UVC radiation at 253.7nm) and 0.55% OPA in quadruplicate with matched input, neutralization, and cytotoxicity controls. Hypochlorite was included as a positive control for viral deactivation. Infectivity was determined by the abundance (qRT-PCR) of the spliced E1^E4 transcript in infected recipient cells. The automated Antigermix S1 device showed excellent efficacy against HPV16 and HPV18 whereas OPA showed minimal efficacy. While HPV is highly resistant to OPA, high-level UVC radiation offers an effective disinfection practice for ultrasound probes. Our results suggest that healthcare facilities using endocavitary ultrasound probes need to strongly consider disinfection methods that are effective against HPV.

Rapid Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Silicon Nitride, Copper, and Aluminum Nitride

“…Current viral inactivation methods include the surface application of chemicals, such as a combination of ethanol with hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite [2]. Irradiation of surfaces with ultraviolet light is another virus disinfection strategy [5]. These and other proposed antiviral methodologies are ultimately limited by their toxicity to human cells [6,7].…”

Reprocessing semicritical items: Outbreaks and current issues

“…In a conversation with CDC staff regarding this issue, it was determined hospitals should continue to use the FDA-cleared high-level disinfectants consistent with the manufacturers' instructions until the data can be corroborated. Data have demonstrated the activity of a hydrogen peroxide mist device 118 as well as a UV-C unit 120 to inactivate the HPV. To reduce the risk of transmission of HPV via transvaginal ultrasound, Combs and Fishman 121 recommended disinfection of the transvaginal probe with the hydrogen peroxide mist device and covering them with a condoms during examinations.…”

DEGUM Recommendations on Infection Prevention in Ultrasound and Endoscopic Ultrasound

“…FA ZIT: Für die Desinfektion von starren Endosonografiesonden kommen unterschiedliche Verfahren zur Anwendung: Behandlung mit viruziden Wischtüchern [117,118], Wischtücher plus Schaumanwendung [105], Tauchdesinfektionsverfahren [117,119], ein vollautomatisches Desinfektionssystem mit Wasserstoffperoxid-Aerosol [107,109,120,121] oder Verfahren, bei denen eine UV-C-Bestrahlung eingesetzt wird [122,123]. Während bei der alleinigen Anwendung von Wischtüchern zwar die meisten Bakterien, aber nicht immer auch alle Viren und keine bakteriellen Sporen abgetötet werden, werden mit den anderen Verfahren alle Mikroorganismen, z. T. inkl.…”

“…Zudem konnte gezeigt werden, dass verschiedene Desinfektionsflüssigkeiten, die bei Tauchverfahren zum Einsatz kamen, wie z. B. Glutaraldehyd, Orthophthalaldehyd, Ethanol, Isopropanol und Phenol, nicht in der Lage waren, das HPV-16 zu inaktivieren [117,119,121,123]. Tauchdesinfektionsverfahren nehmen die längste Behandlungszeit (mindestens 15 Minuten) in Anspruch, wobei in schlecht belüfteten Räumen unter Umständen die Gefahr einer inhalativen Gesundheitsgefährdung besteht [105,120].…”