DETERMINING SUFFICIENT CONTACT TIME AND EFFECTIVENESS FOR RISK GROUP 3 AND 4 VIRUSES USING VARIOUS VIRAL DISINFECTANTS

Abstract

The increased number of biocontainment facilities (BSL-3, BSL-4) throughout the world has led to an expansion of research conducted with dangerous viral pathogens that, if released into the environment, could cause serious illness or death in community members or livestock. As this work is specifically focused on the treatment and prevention of such diseases, special precautions are taken to avoid potential release of these pathogens, including enhanced facilities design, security measures and biosafety protocols. An example of an accepted prevention method is the use of chemical disinfectants to inactivate the viral pathogens. By using proven decontamination methods institutions are able to protect laboratory personnel, and the public, from potential infection. Although many commercially available products are marketed as disinfectants or decontaminants, there remains a lack of data addressing efficacy against specific pathogens used in laboratory research. Without having specific research validating the decontamination methods used to kill these dangerous pathogens, the containment facilities rely solely on legacy protocols. Results from this study with Risk Group 3 and 4 agents will determine efficacy of a chosen disinfectant, as well as ideal contact time, so that the community can be assured that valid methods are in place for inactivation of viral pathogens used in research.