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01-04-2022 | SARS-CoV-2 | Original Article

Virucidal efficacy of chlorhexidine: a systematic review

Authors: Matheus dos Santos Fernandez, Maria Izabel Florindo Guedes, Gerson Pedro José Langa, Cassiano Kuchenbecker Rösing, Juliano Cavagni, Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes Muniz

Published in: Odontology | Issue 2/2022

Abstract

This study aimed to systematically review the literature about the virucidal efficacy of CHX in comparison to other substances used in the oral cavity. Electronic searches were performed in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science). Only studies that presented the following characteristics were included: (1) verified virucidal efficacy of CHX against Herpes Simplex Type-1 (HSV-1), any Influenza, or any human coronavirus (HcoV); and (2) compared the virucidal efficacy of CHX with essential oils (Listerine^®), quaternary ammonium compounds, povidone-iodine, hydrogen peroxide, negative control substance, and absence of therapy. Two researchers independently selected the studies, extracted data and evaluated the risk of bias. A narrative data synthesis was used. Twenty-five studies were included, of which 21 were in vitro and four were randomized clinical trials (RCT). Studies assessed the virucidal efficacy of CHX against Herpes Simplex Type-1 (HSV-1) (10 studies), Influenza A (InfluA) (4 studies), human coronavirus (HCoV) (4 studies) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) (11 studies). Most studies demonstrated that CHX has a positive virucidal efficacy against HSV-1 and InfluA strains. However, lower efficacy was shown to InfluA strain in comparison to povidone-iodine. Lower to none virucidal efficacy of CHX is expected for HCoV and SARS-CoV-2 strains for in vitro studies. Three RCT demonstrated that CHX was able to significantly reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 for a short period. CHX may present an interesting virucidal efficacy against HSV-1 and InfluA viruses. CHX also presents transient efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 when used as a mouthwash.

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Title: Virucidal efficacy of chlorhexidine: a systematic review
Authors: Matheus dos Santos Fernandez
Maria Izabel Florindo Guedes
Gerson Pedro José Langa
Cassiano Kuchenbecker Rösing
Juliano Cavagni
Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes Muniz
Publication date: 01-04-2022
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2
Influenza
Published in: Odontology / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 1618-1247
Electronic ISSN: 1618-1255
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-021-00660-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Virucidal efficacy of chlorhexidine: a systematic review

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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