Gargling with mouthwash may prevent infected patients spreading the coronavirus, scientists have claimed. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Scientists from Cardiff University are calling for research into whether high-street mouthwashes could reduce the spread of the coronavirus.<\/p>\n
The virus is surrounded by a fatty membrane. The scientists have argued the membranes of similar pathogens were disrupted when exposed to ingredients commonly found in mouthwashes, like ethanol, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium.<\/p>\n
Gargling with mouthwash could inactivate the coronavirus in the throat, helping to prevent it spreading via coughs and sneezes, they added.<\/p>\n
Although it is unclear whether this would be the case, the team argued there has been no discussion on the potential role of mouthwash in combatting the outbreak.<\/p>\n
Early research suggests the coronavirus is mild in four out of five cases, however, it can trigger a respiratory disease called COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Safe use of mouthwash as in gargling has so far not been considered by public health bodies in the UK, said Professor Valerie ODonnell, lead author of a paper on the subject.<\/p>\n
In test tube experiments and limited clinical studies, some mouthwashes contain enough of known virucidal ingredients to effectively target lipids in similar viruses.<\/p>\n
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What we dont know yet is whether existing mouthwashes are active against the lipid membrane of [the coronavirus].<\/p>\n
Ourreview of the literature suggests research is needed as a matter of urgency to determine its potential for use against this new virus.<\/p>\n
This is an under-researched area of major clinical need and we hope research projects will be quickly mobilised to further evaluate this.<\/p>\n
Studies have suggested the coronavirus replicates in the salivary glands and throat, the scientists wrote in the journal Function.<\/p>\n
Story continues<\/p>\n
They argued the pathogen is highly sensitive to agents that disrupt lipid bio-membranes.<\/p>\n
The circulating coronavirus is one of seven strains of a virus class that are known to infect humans.<\/p>\n
Other strains cause everything from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), which killed 774 people during its 2002\/3 outbreak.<\/p>\n
The scientists argued past research has demonstrated inactivation of coronaviruses by biocidal agents.<\/p>\n
Mouthwashes vary widely in composition, with an ethanol content that typically ranges from 14% to 27%.<\/p>\n
Ethanol the chemical compound in alcohol has been shown to kill fellow coronaviruses severa acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) at concentrations of 60% or higher, like in hand sanitisers.<\/p>\n
The scientists set out to uncover the effectiveness of oral-based ethanol solutions at dampening or reducing viral load.<\/p>\n
They concluded there is a paucity of data on whether lower, and therefore less toxic, ethanol concentrations inactivate viruses with a fatty membrane.<\/p>\n
Most studies simply reiterate the use of higher concentrations.<\/p>\n
One 2007 paper found 20% ethanol completely inactivated three viruses in the laboratory.<\/p>\n
In 2017, scientists found exposing a coronavirus to 34% ethanol completely prevented subsequent viral replication.<\/p>\n
Research has also suggested low-concentration ethanol can kill off viruses like herpes and flu when combined with anti-viral essential oils.<\/p>\n
These studies indicate that relatively dilute ethanol will be highly effective against enveloped viruses, wrote the Cardiff scientists.<\/p>\n
However, there is an urgent need to determine how coronaviruses are impacted by dilute alcohol under biologically-relevant conditions (mucosa, mouth etc), and whether in combination with non-toxic, membrane-disrupting agents, oral inactivation of [the coronavirus] could be achieved.<\/p>\n
They argued existing mouthwashes and those specifically-tailored to combat the infection could be tested in the laboratory, clinical trials and at-home settings.<\/p>\n
We highlight that already published research on other enveloped viruses, including [other strains of] coronaviruses, directly supports the idea that further research is needed on whether oral rinsing could be considered as a potential way to reduce transmission of [the coronavirus], wrote the scientists.<\/p>\n
The team stressed, however, it is unclear whether mouthwashes would have any effect. Safety and length of exposure also need to be investigated.<\/p>\n
While we await potential studies, they insisted the public continue to adhere to official guidance on how to ward off infection.<\/p>\n
People should continue to follow the preventive measures issued by the UK government, including washing hands frequently and maintaining social distance, said Prof ODonnell.<\/p>\n
Since the coronavirus outbreak was identified, more than 4.3 million cases have been confirmed worldwide,according to Johns Hopkins University.<\/p>\n
Of these cases, over 1.5 million are known to have recovered.<\/p>\n
Globally, the death toll has exceeded 297,400.<\/p>\n
The coronavirus mainly spreads face to face via infected droplets expelled in a cough or sneeze.<\/p>\n
There is also evidenceit is transmitted in faecesand cansurvive on surfaces.<\/p>\n
Symptoms include fever, cough and slight breathlessness.<\/p>\n
The coronavirus has no set treatment, with most patients naturally fighting off the infection.<\/p>\n
Those requiring hospitalisation are given supportive care, like ventilation, while their immune system gets to work.<\/p>\n
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Coronavirus: Scientists want to investigate if mouthwash kills the infection - Yahoo Lifestyle<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Gargling with mouthwash may prevent infected patients spreading the coronavirus, scientists have claimed. Continue reading