In vitro anti-viral activity of hexetidine (Bactidol®) oral mouthwash against human coronavirus OC43 and influenza A (H1N1) virus

Abstract

Background: 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, as a 0.1% mouthwash for local infections and oral hygiene.

Objectives: 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) cultured in cell lines.

Methodology: In-vitro suspension assay (ASTM E-1052-11) was used to evaluate the virucidal property of
hexetidine. Tissue Culture Infective Dose or TCID50/ml in 25%, 50%, and 100% hexetidine concentration at
15- and 30-seconds were determined. Vero E6 and MDCK cell lines were utilized for HCoV OC43 and IAV H1N1, respectively.

Results: Hexetidine-treated cell lines achieved >80% survival rate for MDCK and Vero E6. Hexetidine reduced the infectivity of HCoV-OC43 and IAV H1N1 at 25%, 50%, and 100% concentrations by more than 80% at 15- and 30-seconds exposure times.

Conclusion and Recommendation: This in vitro study showed that hexetidine, even at diluted concentrations, reduced the infectivity of HCoV-OC43 and Influenza A virus H1N1 when used for 15 and 30 seconds. The antiviral activity of hexetidine mouthwash against the other virulent members of the Coronavirus Family, SARSCoV- 2 can be explored using the methods used in this in vitro study.

Published online: November 5, 2021