The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) represents a global threat to animal and human health. Innovative strategies are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with airborne transmission and prevent outbreaks. This study investigates the effectiveness of inactivating the A(H5N1) virus using microwaves, identifying the optimal frequency range and evaluating the impact of variable exposure times on virus inactivation.
The A(H5N1) virus was aerosolized and exposed to different microwave frequencies ranging from 8 to 16 GHz. Viral titers were quantified using the TCID50 method, and inactivation was assessed by comparing irradiated samples with controls. The frequency range between 11 and 13 GHz showed the highest inactivation efficiency, with an average 89% reduction in A(H5N1) viral titer.