Inactivation of Poliovirus by Ozone and the Impact of Ozone on the Viral Genome

Abstract Objective To investigate the mechanisms underlying ozone-induced inactivation of poliovirus type 1 (PV1). Methods We used cell culture, long-overlapping RT-PCR, and spot hybridization assays to verify and accurately locate the sites of action of ozone that cause PV1 inactivation. We also employed recombinant viral genome RNA infection models to confirm our observations. Results Our results indicated that ozone inactivated PV1 primarily by disrupting the 5′-non-coding region (5′-NCR) of the PV1 genome. Further study revealed that ozone specifically damaged the 80-124 nucleotide (nt) region in the 5′-NCR. Recombinant viral genome RNA infection models confirmed that PV1 lacking this region was non-infectious. Conclusion In this study, we not only elucidated the mechanisms by which ozone induces PV1 inactivation but also determined that the 80-124 nt region in the 5′-NCR is targeted by ozone to achieve this inactivation.