In Vitro Cytotoxic Effects of Benzalkonium Chloride on Adenovirus.
Lazzaro, Douglas R. M.D.; Abulawi, Khaled Ph.D.; Hajee, Mohammedyusuf E. M.D.
[Article] Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice. 35(6):329-332, November 2009.

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Objective: To investigate the in vitro effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) at various concentrations and dosing schedules on adenoviral infection.

Methods: Adenovirus was placed in Refeed media and at 30 min after infection, various concentrations and doses of BAK were placed into the 1 mL solution. All assays were incubated at 37[degrees]C. Dosing of BAK was performed for 3 days and qualitative viral immunofluorescence was compared with that of controls.

Results: BAK at multiple concentrations lysed the epithelial cell lines to varying degrees as did viral infection. Further, adenoviral infection was halted with many concentrations as well.

Conclusions: Adenoviral infection was inhibited in vitro by different concentrations of BAK.

Clinical Relevance: Zymar solution which contains BAK could potentially have a role in the treatment of adenoviral ocular infection in humans.

(C) 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.