Cause of cessation of viral passage through artificially-induced holes in latex condoms

Mehta Rupal I., . and Lytle C. David, . and Thomas Delma P., . and Myers Matthew R., . Cause of cessation of viral passage through artificially-induced holes in latex condoms. pp. 1-13. ISSN 1511-1768

Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that viral passage under pressure through small artificially-induced holes in latex condoms ceased almost completely within minutes upon commencement of testing. Three explanatory hypotheses have been put forward: hydration might cause the latex to swell thereby shrinking the hole; loose particles could block the hole; or the restrainer used to limit condom expansion under pressure might cause blockage of the hole. Experiments which measured the passage of virus under pressure through artificial laser-drilled holes as a function of time were performed using a low-pressure condom test apparatus without a restrainer. The initial rate of viral passage exhibited the theoretically-predicted fourth power dependence on hole radius. However within a few minutes viral flow ceased. Microscopic examination of the holes before (dry condom) and after (wet) the experiment indicated that the holes did not shrink. Particles (donning powder etc.) were found inside condoms that were large enough to clog holes. The kinetics of viral passage were consistent with sudden complete closure of the holes. Thus these data suggest that hole blockage be considered the primary cause of cessation of viral passage through small holes during laboratory experiments with these latex condoms. Further it is unlikely that such hole blockage would be relevant in real-life use of condoms with rare naturally-occurring small holes.

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Abstract

Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that viral passage under pressure through small artificially-induced holes in latex condoms ceased almost completely within minutes upon commencement of testing. Three explanatory hypotheses have been put forward: hydration might cause the latex to swell thereby shrinking the hole; loose particles could block the hole; or the restrainer used to limit condom expansion under pressure might cause blockage of the hole. Experiments which measured the passage of virus under pressure through artificial laser-drilled holes as a function of time were performed using a low-pressure condom test apparatus without a restrainer. The initial rate of viral passage exhibited the theoretically-predicted fourth power dependence on hole radius. However within a few minutes viral flow ceased. Microscopic examination of the holes before (dry condom) and after (wet) the experiment indicated that the holes did not shrink. Particles (donning powder etc.) were found inside condoms that were large enough to clog holes. The kinetics of viral passage were consistent with sudden complete closure of the holes. Thus these data suggest that hole blockage be considered the primary cause of cessation of viral passage through small holes during laboratory experiments with these latex condoms. Further it is unlikely that such hole blockage would be relevant in real-life use of condoms with rare naturally-occurring small holes.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Latex
AGROVOC Term:	Hydrostatic pressure
AGROVOC Term:	Pressure
AGROVOC Term:	Hydration
AGROVOC Term:	Laboratory experimentation
AGROVOC Term:	Water
AGROVOC Term:	Viruses
AGROVOC Term:	Bacteriophages
AGROVOC Term:	Measurement
AGROVOC Term:	Dimensions
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 06:28
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/23308

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