Inactivation of hepatitis B virus by intermediate-to-high-level disinfectant chemicals

Abstract

In 5 separate tests, hepatitis B virus in dried human plasma was exposed for 10 min at 20.degree. C to disinfectant chemicals having activity levels ranging from intermediate (e.g., 70% isopropyl alcohol) to high (e.g., 2% aqueous glutaraldehyde at pH 8.6). Five chimpanzees (1 animals/disinfectant chemical) received treated material i.v.; none showed signs of infection after post-inoculation periods of 9 mo. Two animals were rechallenged with inoculum treated in the same manner, except that saline was used instead of a disinfectant chemical; both were infected within 4 wk. Thus, hepatitis B virus is not as resistant to disinfectant chemicals as once thought; chemicals with similar activity levels (intermediate to high) might be useful to eliminate hepatitis B virus contamination.