Abstract
Mouthwashes are used to decrease oral cavity microbial load due to their antiseptic properties. Hexetidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic used for minor infections of mucous membranes, and in particular as a 0.1% mouthwash for local infections and oral hygiene. This study determined the anti-viral activity of the mouthwash hexetidine (Bactidol), specifically in reducing viral concentration of Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV OC43; ATCC VR-1558) and Influenza A virus (IAV H1N1; clinical strain) in Vero 6 and MDCK cell cultures respectively, using in-vitro suspension assay (ASTM E-1052-11) designed to evaluate virucidal property of microbicides like hexetidine. Study results indicated that hexetidine was able to reduce infectivity of HCoV OC43 and IAV H1N1 at 25%, 50% and 100% concentrations by more than 80% at 15- and 30-seconds exposure times. One hundred percent (100%) concentration of hexetidine was found to be cytotoxic to MDCK cell line used for IAV H1N1 propagation. Hexetidine-treated cell lines achieved >80% survival rate for MDCK and Vero E6 at a contact time of 15 seconds and 30 seconds (which are the approximate times of gargling with hexetidine mouthwash). The anti-viral activity of hexetidine mouthwash against other more virulent or pathogenic coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 can be explored further.
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Competing Interest Statement
This in-vitro study initiative has been funded by Johnson and Johnson (Philippines), Incorporated through a research grant to Asian Hospital, Inc.
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