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

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 log(10)) 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. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Healthcare Infection Society.

Automated summary

The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to a global health emergency alert, requiring urgent effective preventive measures. Recent research has emphasized the relevance of aerosols in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. An investigation of commercially available antiseptic mouthwashes based on OCT has shown effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, making it a potential candidate for future clinical studies on prevention of transmission.