In vitro cytotoxic effects of benzalkonium chloride on adenovirus.

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.