Investigating the Efficacy of Various Handwashing Methods against Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses.

ABSTRACT: Respiratory and diarrheal diseases are leading causes of death worldwide. Handwashing may reduce disease; however, recommended methods (soap and water for 20 seconds) are not always possible, particularly in low-resource settings. The aim of this study is to evaluate handwashing when recommended methods are not feasible, including washing with water only, washing with soapy water, washing for a short duration, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS), and cleaning hands with towels. To evaluate laboratory efficacy, we seeded MS2 (a non-enveloped virus) and Phi6 (an enveloped virus) onto the hands of volunteers who then washed their hands. Viruses remaining were recovered and quantified using culture-based and molecular methods to determine the log reduction value (LRV) after washing. Resu

SUBMITTER: E Anderson C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10076994 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature