Grape seed extract against Aichi virus infectivity in model foods and contact surfaces

Abstract

Aichi virus (AiV) is an enteric virus that affects humans and is prevalent in sewage waters. Effective strategies to control its spread need to be explored. This study evaluated grape seed extract (GSE) for: a) antiviral potential towards AiV infectivity at 37 °C and room temperature (RT); b) antiviral behavior in model foods (apple juice (AJ) and 2% fat milk) and also simulated gastric environments; and c) potential application as a wash solution on stainless steel surfaces. GSE at 0.5 mg/mL decreased AiV suspensions containing ~4.75 log PFU/mL to titer levels that were not detected after 30 s at both 37 °C and RT. Infectious AiV titers were not detected after 5 min treatment with 1 mg/mL GSE at 37 °C in AJ. GSE at 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL in 2% fat milk decreased AiV after 24 h by 1.18 and 1.57 log PFU/mL (4.75 log PFU/mL to 2.86 and 3.25 log PFU/mL), respectively. As a surface wash, GSE at 1 mg/mL after 30 s decreased AiV to undetectable levels under clean conditions. With organic load (mimicking unclean conditions), 2 and 4 mg/mL GSE reduced AiV after 5 min by 1.13 and 1.71 log PFU/mL, respectively. Overall, GSE seems to be a promising antiviral agent against AiV at low concentrations and short contact times.