Can High Temperatures Kill the Hepatitis A Virus?

The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a highly resilient pathogen responsible for causing Hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection. As an RNA virus, it demonstrates significant resistance to environmental factors, making it capable of surviving in various conditions outside the human body.

Survival Capabilities of the Hepatitis A Virus

One of the key characteristics of HAV is its ability to remain infectious in harsh environments. It can withstand both acidic and alkaline conditions, and it remains viable at room temperature for up to a week. In dry fecal matter at 25°C, the virus can survive for as long as 30 days. Moreover, it can persist for months in shellfish, sewage, freshwater, seawater, and soil, posing a continuous risk of transmission in contaminated environments.

Effect of Heat on Hepatitis A Virus

While HAV is quite durable, it shows sensitivity to high temperatures. Research indicates that heating at 60°C for 30 minutes is sufficient to inactivate the virus. At higher temperatures, such as 80°C, the virus becomes non-infectious after just 5 minutes of exposure. When heated to 100°C, it only takes about 1 minute to completely destroy the viral structure and eliminate its ability to cause infection.

Resistance to Cold Conditions

Unlike its vulnerability to heat, the Hepatitis A virus demonstrates strong resistance to cold. It can remain infectious for years at temperatures between -20°C and -70°C. In glycerol at -80°C, the virus can be preserved for extended periods without losing its viability, which is why it is often stored under such conditions in laboratory settings.

Response to Chemical Disinfectants and Other Agents

Organic Solvents

At low temperatures, HAV can tolerate exposure to certain organic solvents. For instance, it remains infectious even after being stored in 20% ether at 4°C for 24 hours.

Effective Disinfection Methods

However, the virus is sensitive to other agents such as ultraviolet (UV) light, chlorine-based disinfectants, and formaldehyde. These substances are highly effective in deactivating the virus and are commonly used in sanitation and water treatment processes to prevent outbreaks.