Disinfectants Remain Effective Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants: Here's What You Need to Know

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns about the effectiveness of vaccines and disinfectants. While vaccines rely on recognizing specific viral proteins, disinfectants work differently by targeting the virus's physical structure. This means that disinfectants effective against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain remain effective against its variants, despite mutations in the spike protein.

How Vaccines Work
Vaccines work by exposing the body to a harmless version of the virus or its components, triggering an immune response. Our immune system responds by producing antibodies, proteins that circulate in the blood and throughout the body. They quickly label viral cells and capture the viral antigen released. Immune cells will then be awakened to fight off the viruses attacking our body. Afterwards, our immune system memorizes the threat it has defeated, such that it can recognize and respond more efficiently if it encounters the same threat again.

In the case of SARS-CoV-2, mRNA vaccines incorporate the genetic code of the viral spike proteins, which the body uses to produce antibodies and activate immune cells. Our immune cells use the incoming code to produce the harmless spike proteins that are identical to those produced originally by the viruses. Our immune system then produces complementary-shaped antibodies and activates other immune cells to fight against the virus after being triggered. These viral cells we encounter after vaccination are recognized and labelled with the lock and key model for destruction. Like a “trial run,” this prepares our immune system to recognize and fight the virus if encountered in the future, minimizing our chances of experiencing disease symptoms and hospitalization.

SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Vaccine Efficacy
As SARS-CoV-2 replicates, it undergoes mutations that can lead to the emergence of new variants. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed five Variants of Concern - Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529) - due to their increased transmissibility, virulence/ change in clinical disease presentation, or resistance to public health measures and vaccines. Some variants, like Omicron, have multiple spike protein mutations that enhance infectivity and stability.

Disinfectants and Their Mechanism of Action
Unlike vaccines, disinfectants do not rely on recognizing specific antigens or genetic material. Instead, they work by destroying the virus's protective lipid bilayer envelope, preventing it from infecting healthy cells. For instance, coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped RNA virus protected by a lipid bilayer envelope formed by fatty molecules called phospholipids. The membrane protects and holds the genetic material of the virus. These enveloped viruses can be killed or inactivated by destroying the integrity of the protective membrane, thereby, preventing them from infecting our healthy body cells. Since most common disinfectants work via structural denaturation, oxidation or clumping/coagulating of the pathogens, as long as the mutant (i.e. the change of spike proteins’ genetic code) of SARS-CoV-2 has not changed the general physical features of the virus (e.g. the easy-to-break protective envelope), the disinfectants are effective on SARS-CoV-2 as well as all variants. This non-selective attack targets the virus's physical structure, which remains largely unchanged despite mutations in the spike protein.

The Effectiveness of Disinfectants Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that existing disinfection strategies are appropriate and effective against all SARS-CoV-2 variants. High performing disinfectant, like Nanocyn, could eliminate the pathogen in 15 seconds while others could achieve that from 30 seconds to a few minutes. This is because the physical features of the virus, which determine its resistance to disinfectants, are not significantly affected by mutations in the spike protein.

Conclusion
While vaccines rely on recognizing specific viral proteins and may be affected by mutations, disinfectants remain effective by targeting the virus's physical structure. As confirmed by the EPA, current disinfection strategies are appropriate for all SARS-CoV-2 variants. Continuing to practice hand hygiene, as well as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, is essential in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and protecting our communities.