Complexes of Zinc with Picolinic and Aspartic Acids Inactivate Free Varicella-Zoster Virions
1996
Zinc Complexes Inactivate Varicella-Zoster Virus
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): S. Shishkov, T. Varadinova, P. Bontchev, C. Nachev, E. Michailova
Primary Institution: University of Sofia
Hypothesis
The study investigates the effect of zinc complexes on the replication and infectivity of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV).
Conclusion
Zinc complexes significantly inhibit the replication of VZV and inactivate free virions.
Supporting Evidence
- Zn(pic) and Zn(asp) inhibit VZV replication by 90-98%.
- The virucidal effect of zinc complexes is observed within 2 hours of contact.
- Infectivity of VZV is completely restored after zinc removal.
- Zn(asp) inactivates VZV more quickly than Zn(pic).
Takeaway
Zinc can help stop the chickenpox virus from making more copies of itself and can kill the virus outside the body.
Methodology
The study used BHK-21 cells and a clinical isolate of VZV to test the effects of zinc complexes on viral replication and infectivity.
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