Transmission of Experimental Rhinovirus Colds in Volunteer Married Couples

Abstract

Communicability of rhinovirus type 16 or type 55 was studied in 24 childless couples; on partner (the donor) was infected with laboratory-grown virus. Initially, both partners lacked antibody to the challenge agent. Rates of transmission between partners were 41% and 33% for type 16 and type 55, respectively. These rates are similar to those determined in epidemiologic studies of natural rhinovirus infection. Although the mucosa of the anterior nares was shown to be highly susceptible to infection (less than one 50% tissue culture infective dose [TCID50]), transmission rarely occurred unless (1) at least 1,000 TCID50 of virus was recovered from the donor's nasal washing, (2) the donor had virus on his hands and anterior nares, (3) he was at least moderately symptomatic, and (4) he spent many hours with his spouse. Since person-to-person transfer of rhinovirus was so dependent upon time spent together and shedding of large amounts of virus by the donor, it seems possible that the chain of infection could be interrupted by environmental manipulation.

Efficacy of Organic Acids in Hand Cleansers for Prevention of Rhinovirus Infections

“…A small study of married couples found transmission from one housemate to the other in only about one-third of the cases (1). Similarly, studies in an experimental model suggested that approximately 200 h of contact with infected and symptomatic "donors" was required for transmission of infection to 50% of susceptible "recipients" (15).…”

Rhinovirus upper respiratory infection increases airway hyperreactivity and late asthmatic reactions.

“…The technique for rhinovirus inoculation followed previously described methods (24,25). Briefly, no patients had neutralizing antibody in their sera (< 1:1) against a 20-25 tissue culture infective dose 50% (TCID50) challenge of RV 16.…”

“…Nasal washes were taken by instilling 5 ml of HBSS with 0.5% gelatin into each nostril, holding for 5 s, and then expelling into a sterile petri dish. Nasal washes were inoculated into WI-38, primary rhesus monkey, and HEp-2 cell cultures, and post-experimental washings into WI-38 cells only (24,25). Etiology was established by at least one identified isolate and/or by a fourfold or greater increase in neutralizing antibody in the convalescent serum specimens (24).…”

“…Nasal washes were inoculated into WI-38, primary rhesus monkey, and HEp-2 cell cultures, and post-experimental washings into WI-38 cells only (24,25). Etiology was established by at least one identified isolate and/or by a fourfold or greater increase in neutralizing antibody in the convalescent serum specimens (24). Antibody titers were expressed as initial serum dilutions in which 1:1 = undiluted serum, 1:2 = one part serum and one part diluent, etc.…”

Inactivation of rhinovirus on human fingers by virucidal activity of glutaric acid

“…persons with symptomatic colds (3,7,9), and viral transmission may occur via hand-to-hand contact followed by autoinoculation of the nasal or conjunctival mucosa (4). This route of transmission could potentially be blocked by killing virus either on the hands of ill persons before they touch susceptible contacts or on the hands of susceptible contacts before they can in turn touch their own noses and eyes.…”