OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the reduction of the salivary viral load using oral antiseptic mouthwashes in patients testing positive for COVID-19.
METHODS
63 individuals were recruited after testing positive for COVID-19 by real-time RT-PCR assay and divided into 5 groups. Group 1 received sterile water, group 2 received 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution (HP), group 3 received 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), group 4 received 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution (NaClO), and group 5 received sequential rinses using CHX and HP. After collecting the initial saliva sample, individuals were asked to use the designated mouthwash for 1 minute. Additional saliva samples were collected immediately after rinsing, 15 and 30 minutes after rinsing. Real-time RT-PCR assays for RNA detection of SARS-CoV-2 were performed on the saliva samples.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences among the experimental groups and the control group in any period. Compared to the baseline values, there was a significant reduction in the number of copies of SARS-Cov-2 after 30 minutes in Group 2, and immediately after the initial mouthwash in Group 4.
CONCLUSION
No experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction of the viral load compared to the control group.