Comparison of the in-vitro efficacy of different mouthwash solutions targeting SARS-CoV-2 based on the European Standard EN 14476

J Hosp Infect. 2021 May:111:180-183. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.01.031. Epub 2021 Feb 11.

Abstract

The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is triggering a global health emergency alert. Until vaccination becomes available, a bundle of effective preventive measures is desperately needed. Recent research is indicating the relevance of aerosols in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, in this study commercially available antiseptic mouthwashes based on the active ingredients chlorhexidine digluconate and octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) were investigated regarding their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 using the European Standard 14476. Based on the requirement of EN 14476 in which reduction of at least four decimal logarithms (≥4 log10) of viral titre is requested to state efficacy, the OCT-based formulation was found to be effective within a contact time of only 15 s against SARS-CoV-2. Based on this in-vitro data the OCT mouthwash thus constitutes an interesting candidate for future clinical studies to prove its effectiveness in a potential prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by aerosols.

Keywords: Antiviral; Coronavirus; Mouthwash; Octenidine dihydrochloride; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / standards*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / standards*
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • Chlorhexidine / pharmacology*
  • Chlorhexidine / standards*
  • Humans
  • Mouthwashes / standards*
  • Pandemics
  • Reference Standards
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Mouthwashes
  • Chlorhexidine