Investigative study into whether an insect repellent has virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2

J Gen Virol. 2021 Apr;102(4):001585. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.001585.

Abstract

A small-scale study with Mosi-guard Natural spray, an insect repellent containing Citriodiol, was performed to determine if it has virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. A liquid test examined the activity of the insect repellent and the individual components for virucidal activity. A surface contact test looked at the activity of the insect repellent when impregnated on a latex surface as a synthetic skin for potential topical prophylactic application. Both Mosi-guard Natural spray and Citriodiol, as well as other components of the repellent, had virucidal activity in the liquid contact test. On a latex surface used to simulate treated skin, the titre of SARS-CoV-2 was less over time on the Mosi-guard Natural-treated surface but virus was still recovered.

Keywords: Citriodiol; SARS-CoV-2; anti-viral activity; insect repellent; skin.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Humans
  • Insect Repellents / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Insect Repellents
  • Plant Extracts
  • citriodiol