Virology

Biography

Biography: Dharam Ablashi

Abstract

The K-21 derivative of Quaternary Ammonium Compound (QAC: Dow Corning C5700), as formulated by Dr. Kimmerling in 2011, shows antimicrobial and antifungal activity with minor toxicity. We tested K-21 at different concentrations in different solvents on HSV-1 and HHV-6, and Influenza A, Strain H1N1. HSV-1 replication, and similarly HHV-6 were significantly inhibited as measured by cytopathic effects (CPE),
PCR, and inhibition of viral proteins by western blots with a concentration of 0.025%. Influenza A and two non-enveloped RNA viruses (Phage MS2, a surrogate of polio virus and feline norovirus) were also inhibited by K-21 solution within 10 minutes contact. Influenza A was significantly inhibited by lower concentrations of K-21. The two nonenveloped viruses, however, were inhibited by <55%. Higher concentrations of K-21 (0.1%) were required to significantly inhibited feline virus (>98%). While concentrations of 0.025% K- 21 were not toxic, the 0.1% K-21 concentration showed some toxicity yet was tested at only one dilution. K-21 anti-viral effects on HIV-1 strains is currently explored. K-21 is a unique antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent, which is potent germicidal topical application against various infections. Further studies are in progress for in vivo applications as a spray or as a hand gel and in other forms for human use.