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Copper effective at inactivating H1N1

By Shan Juan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-07-21 14:17

Dr. Bill Keevil Professor, School of Biological Sciences University of Southampton

Copper has been found to be effective at inactivating Influenza A, including H1N1, according to new research led by Dr. C. William Keevil, professor at the University of Southampton, UK.

The study involved a series of experiments testing the incubation of Influenza A on copper and stainless steel surfaces and showed that after incubation for 24 hours on stainless steel, 500,000 virus particles were still infectious, while after only one hour of incubation on copper, 75% of the virus was eradicated. After six hours, just 500 particles remained active.

The findings add to earlier studies that already confirmed the efficacy of copper in killing pathogenic bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, and MRSA (superbugs) - one of the most virulent strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a common cause of hospital and community-acquired infections.

Special coverage: A（H1N1）Influenza Outbreak Related readings:  H1N1 flu continues to spread worldwide  WHO stops giving global A(H1N1) flu tally  HK reports 1st A(H1N1) flu death  US to spend another $1 billion on flu vaccine  Mainland A/H1N1 flu cases top 1,302

“With the ongoing threat of contamination by Influenza A viruses, such as the raging H1N1, there is a real and pressing need to utilize all appropriate and effective measures with proven antimicrobial qualities,” Keevil told China Daily on the sidelines of the BIT Life Sciences 2nd Annual World Summit on Antivirals over the weekend in Beijing.

Studies have repeatedly shown that the use of copper as a surface material in key public places such as hospitals and food preparation areas may substantially restrict and reduce the spread of harmful infection, experts say.

Keevil added: “These public health benefits, supported by extensive antimicrobial efficacy testing, are underpinned by the fact that copper, brass and bronze are capable of killing harmful and potentially deadly bacteria.”

In response to the study, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, together with the International Copper Association, will begin testing the use of copper in public transportation vehicles.