Susceptibility of porcine circovirus type 2 to commercial and laboratory disinfectants

Objective: To evaluate the virucidal efficacy of 11 commercially available disinfectants against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) using an in vitro model. Methods: Disinfectants were prepared according to the manufacturers' label directions and mixed with virus stock. The disinfectant-virus solution was then passed through a detoxification column to remove compounds toxic to cell culture. The filtrate was collected, serially diluted, and inoculated onto porcine kidney cells (PK15). After a 48-hour incubation period, the cell cultures were fixed and an indirect immunofluorescence assay performed to determine remaining infectious virus titers. Virus titers after disinfection were compared to the negative control (no disinfectant), using Dunnett's test for statistical analysis. Results: Results demonstrated statistically significant reduction in PCV2 virus titer by several disinfectants, including Virkon S, sodium hydroxide, Roccal® D Plus, Clorox® Bleach, 1-Stroke Environ®, Fulsan®. and Tek-Trol®. No significant reduction in PCV2 titer was demonstrated using Nolvasan®, DC&R®, Weladol®, or ethanol. Implications: This study was performed in vitro under controlled laboratory conditions. Variation from these results may occur under field conditions. Nevertheless, these results may aid in the selection of more effective disinfectants to reduce exposure to PCV2 and the incidence of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome or other PCV2-associated diseases.