Evaluation of potassium peroxymonosulfate (MPS) efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 virus using RT-qPCR-based method

W, Tulalamba; A, Assawamakin; A, Thayananuphat; V, Viprakasit

OBJECTIVE: : The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads mostly through the respiratory droplet and contaminated fomites has been proposed as possible viral transmission. Several disinfectants were previously recommended for SARS-CoV-2 decontamination including alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite with some limitations. Potassium peroxymonosulfate (MPS) is a broadspectrum disinfectants and acts on bacterial and viral protein capsids by oxidation. It is widely used as multipurpose virucidal disinfection in livestock industry. However, there is no direct evidence shows MPS is effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. DESIGN AND METHOD: : SARS-CoV-2 virus positive samples from Thai patients in vital transport medium were treated with MPS at different dilutions (1:100, 1:200, 1:400) with various contact times (1, 5, 10 minutes).Sodium hypochlorite was included as a reference disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Subsequently, viral genomic RNA samples were then extracted and performed SARS-CoV-2 Real-time, PCR by targeting viral ORF1ab and N genes to detected SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA integrity. RESULTS: : Using triplicate experiments, the results indicated that all 3 MPS dilutions (1:100/1:200/1:400) statistically reduced the SARS-CoV-2 genome integrity resulting in reduction of SARS-CoV-2 detection by 93.7%, 88.7%, and 83.2%, respectively based on the ORF1ab gene compared to negative control. Sodium hypochlorite (1%) induced > 99.9% loss in the SARS-CoV-2 detection. Similar results were observed by the N gene amplification. The internal control of all RT-qPCR reactions was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: : Our results provide the first evidence that MPS has a disinfected efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and could be used as an environmental decontaminant in the household, hospital facilities and food industry with an acceptable safety profile.