New research by Mundipharma, a network of independent associated companies, has revealed that oral disinfection with Povidone Iodine can prevent viral respiratory infections by more than 99.99 per cent.

Mundipharma announced the successful results of a research study to investigate the efficacy of three Betadine povidone iodine (PVPI) formulations against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) virus.

With approximately 1,188 Mers cases reported in 2012 by the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia, the potential of the virus spreading in September increases, with more than 2.8 million pilgrims expected to travel to Makkah for the annual Haj pilgrimage.

The South Korea outbreak which was contained in July 2015, where 185 people were infected, 36 killed and more than 16,000 quarantined, has demonstrated the need for effective preventative measures to reduce the spread of the virus.

Most Mers patients developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath and 3-4 out of every 10 patients reported with Mers have died.

A recent in-vitro research study, conducted at Marburg University, Germany, on Betadine range of products including 4 per cent PVP-I (Betadine Skin Cleanser), 7.5 per cent PVP-I (Betadine Surgical Scrub), 1 per cent PVP-I (Betadine mouthwash and gargle) scientifically proves the efficacy against the Mers virus and the modified vaccinia virus type Ankara (considered to be one of the toughest enveloped viruses).  

The study was conducted based on the latest EU test standard for virus testing. The three PVPI products tested in this study demonstrated virucidal activity against Mers with a rapid kill rate of more than 99.99 per cent within only 15 seconds of exposure.

Proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette coupled with PVPI antiviral efficacy will help in limiting the transmission of the virus and protect against the spread of infection among healthcare workers and the public during future Mers outbreaks.

“This study not only highlights exciting new findings about the broad spectrum virucidal efficacy of PVPI against a wide range of viruses including MERs, it also reminds us that prevention through proper hygiene is still required to protect the health of both healthcare professionals and the public in the global fight against viral diseases," said Prof Maren Eggers, head of Experimental Virology and Department of Disinfectant Testing at the Laboratory Prof. G Enders, MVZ Stuttgart.

"We must continue to be vigilant and employ all of the weapons including proven PVPI products in our arsenal to fight this unseen enemy."

“To combat today’s health threats; we have turned to Betadine, which over the past 50 years, has repeatedly demonstrated proven effectiveness against a diverse range of pathogens including the Mers virus, and has kept generations of families protected from infections,” said Ashraf Allam, Dr Ashraf Allam, regional vice president, Mundipharma Middle East and Africa region.

“By coupling our commitment to innovation and accessibility, we are working closely with the health authorities in the Region to educate the people on how to minimize the spread of the infection.” – TradeArabia News Service