Efficacy of three ethanol-based handrubs against feline calicivirus, a surrogate for norovirus.

In an earlier study Gehrke et al showed that 70% alcohol was the most effective agent against FCV in vivo with a log reduction factor (RF) of 3.78 compared with 70% 1-propanol (RF 3.58) and 70% 2-propanol (RF 2.15) (exposure time 30s) (Gehrke, C. Steinman, J. Goroncy-Bermes, P., J Hosp Infect, 2004, 56: 49-55). These values however were not obtained in this repeat study by these workers In this study the log reduction after 30secs was 2.66.and 1.53 for 70% ethanol and 70% 1-propanol respectively. Activity against calicivirus has also been determined by Kampf et al 2005 J Hosp. Infection 2005, 60: 144-149. Journal of Hospital Infection 2005; 60: 144-149.