Viruses differ in their susceptibility to destruction by Ozone. The most cited explanation for Ozone's bactericidal effects centers on disruption of envelope integrity. There is evidence for interaction with proteins as well. In one study exploring the effect of Ozone on E. coli, evidence was found for Ozone's penetration of the cell membrane. In clinical treatment with Ozone, Ozone appears to be toxic to infecting organisms and not to the patient.
Ozone possesses fungicidal effects.
In one study, Candida cell growth inhibition with Ozone was greatly dependent on phases of their growth, budding cells exhibiting the most sensitivity to its presence. Viruses are parasites at the genetic level. Lipid-containing viruses are sensitive to treatment with Ozone. Viruses containing lipid coatings include the Herpes viruses, a large family grouping the Simplex, Zoster, Cytomegalovirus and Epsteinn-Barr viruses, mumps, measles, influenza, rabies and the HIV virus. In those clinical applications which make use of external or body cavity application of Ozone, inactivation of microorganisms, bacteria, viruses or fungi, proceeds by a variety of different methods.