Ethanol is known to have the effect of sterilizing the surface of the body, but the research team came up with the idea of ​​using ethanol vapor to treat respiratory infections, based on the idea that ethanol could exert a similar effect inside the body. devised.

　Therefore, it was confirmed that when a humidifier generates low-concentration ethanol vapor and inhales it into mice infected with influenza A virus, the virus is inactivated and infection with influenza A virus is suppressed.

　At this time, the concentration of ethanol is said to be an important key. Influenza A virus collects in a thin layer of protective fluid that covers and protects the respiratory tract, including lung cells, and the administration of ethanol vapor renders the virus ineffective if the concentration of ethanol in this fluid reaches 20%. It can be activated.In an experiment using artificial lung cells, treatment with 20% ethanol at body temperature inactivated the influenza A virus outside the cells in 1 minute, and stopped the increase of virus inside the cells.We also confirmed that ethanol at 20% concentration is not toxic to artificial lung cells.

　This ethanol vapor inhalation therapy has the potential to be a versatile and cost-effective new treatment for a variety of respiratory infections.For example, type A influenza virus has a coat called an 'envelope', and is one of the enveloped viruses such as the avian influenza virus that has caused pandemics so far and the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).The research team expects that ethanol vapor inhalation therapy will also be effective against other enveloped viruses and mutated viruses.

　Efficacy and safety need to be carefully evaluated, but ethanol inhalation therapy may prevent serious respiratory infections without adverse side effects, which could prevent future pandemics. I think I can contribute.

Paper information:[The Journal of Infectious Diseases] Effect of Ethanol Vapor Inhalation Treatment on Lethal Respiratory Viral Infection With Influenza A