Coronavirus: Defence Scientists Find Product In Insect Repellent Could Kill Virus

A product found in insect repellent may be able to kill the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to research by Britain's defence scientists. 

Laboratory tests of Citriodiol, which is found in Mosi-guard Natural, indicate it could reduce the amount of virus detectable in a sample.

In May, the Defence Secretary confirmed the repellent had been issued to British service personnel under the belief it could offer an extra layer of protection against COVID-19.

Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) at Porton Down, Wiltshire, adopted two experimental approaches to test the product.

They tested it when applied directly to the virus as a liquid drop and on a latex "synthetic skin" surface.

Preliminary results of both tests showed the spray has anti-viral properties, though the work has not been externally peer-reviewed.

Findings from the liquid suspension test show a higher concentration of the spray left "no recoverable virus".

The report highlights that latex synthetic skin was injected with Mosi-guard, and while latex is used as a representative surface, it is unlikely to behave exactly as treated human skin.

The scientists wrote: "We have no data relating the concentration applied experimentally to the latex to that resulting from a spray and rub application of Mosi-guard on human skin."

They added that while under the conditions tested, pre-application of Mosi-guard to a latex synthetic skin resulted in a reduction of the virus, "SARS-CoV-2 England-2 isolate was recoverable from all surfaces tested and did not result in complete viral inactivation on the latex synthetic skin".

The scientists released their findings on Wednesday, as the foundation for other scientific bodies who are researching the virus and possible solutions.

DSTL hopes the results can be used as a springboard for other organisations to expand and develop the research.

Citriodiol, which is made from oil from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree, is often found in repellents and is already known to kill other types of coronavirus. 

Cover image: Scientist handles COVID-19 cultures at Porton Down.