ABSTRACT
Despite the development and implementation of vaccinations, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has persisted for more than two years due to emerging novel variants. The new Omicron lineages are being intensively monitored by WHO. Scientists from all over the world have reported the recombinant variants, but their existence remains a point of contention. Currently, XE and BA.2 are the most common variants. Deltracron (a recombinant of Delta and Omicron) has been discovered in several investigations, although some experts believe the sequences that confirm its emergence are the product of contamination. This study looked at emerging variants including XD, XE, and XF, as well as various omicron lineages (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5). Bioactive lipids including arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid have been highlighted as possible COVID-19 therapeutics. On the other hand, herbal remedies are supposed to be the key player in minimizing the fatality rates in India. Coronil, a herbal formulation was found to be the evidence-based medicine against SARS-CoV-2. The activity of the Coronil is attributed to its diverse bioactive composition which includes cordifolioside A, rosmarinic acid, magnoflorine, withaferin A, ursolic acid, withanone, palmatine, betulinic acid, withanoside IV, and withanoside V. The interaction of bioactive lipids, Coronil and SARS-CoV-2 emerging variants might be beneficial in the management of pandemic until the herd immunity is achieved.
ABSTRACT
The public health threat posed by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has persisted since December 2019. Many countries were able to manage SARS-CoV-2 due to various strategies, like masking, social distancing, and vaccinations. Virus mutations are one of the most significant barriers to the disease's eradication;as a result, various variants have emerged (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, etc.) from time to time with higher mortality. Omicron, a variant identified from South Africa, has put the world on high alert. In this context, we have reviewed some reports on Omicron along with other variants. This new variant has been designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization. The preliminary reports revealed that Omicron is heavily mutated with more than 30 mutations (A67V, del69-70, T95I, del142-144, Y145D, etc.) in its spike protein. Despite vaccination with the most efficacious Pfizer candidate, Omicron infection was reported in South Africa. Bioactive lipids, such as arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and others have been reported to be the key components in inactivating the virus, so their future role is imperative. Ongoing research for the development of new or modification of existing vaccines must continue. © 2022. Acharya Balkrishna et al. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs, and to study the factors associated with this seroprevalence. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study of HCWs from a Dedicated COVID Hospital was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021. Universal sampling for qualitative testing(by COVID-19 IgG rapid test device by Voxpress) was done and the samples which tested positive were subjected to quantitative testing (chemiluminescent immunoassay) by Serial testing.3 Results A total of 1005 HCWs were tested out of which 124(12.3%) tested positive by qualitative test and 101(10%) tested positive by both tests. Out of the 1005 HCWs, 155(15.4%) were doctors and 496 (49.4%) were nurses. There was statistically no significant difference between the seropositivity of HCWs with regards to the designation, age, place of work, duration of work in this DCH and Comorbidities. Most HCWs received training in Infection prevention and control(IPC) 988(98.3%), used personal protective equipment(PPE) whenever indicated 997(99.2%), performed hand hygiene before and after handling patients or their material 981(97.6%). Out of 1005 HCWs, 116(11.5%) had a history of COVID-19.The seroprevalence in HCWs not having history of COVID-19 was 74(8.3%). Conclusion: Good infection prevention practices can keep the infection rate in HCWs low. HCWs with mild symptoms should also be tested and asymptomatic HCWs should be screened periodically to decrease the spread of COVID-19. © 2021 Journal of Association of Physicians of India. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised global health concerns. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is the prime component of viral replication/proliferation machinery and is considered to be a potential drug target against SARS-CoV-2. The present study investigated the anti-RdRp activity of phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Virtual ligand screening was carried out to determine the potent compounds against RdRp. Molecular docking and an MD Simulation study were employed to evaluate the spatial affinity of selected phytochemicals for the active sites of RdRp. Structural stability of target compounds was determined using root mean square deviation computational analysis and drug-like abilities were investigated using ADMET. Bond distances between ligand and receptor were marked to predict the strength of interaction. Aloe, azadirachtin, columbin, cirsilineol, nimbiol, nimbocinol and sage exhibited the highest binding affinities and interacted with active sites of RdRp, surpassing the ability of chloroquine, lamivudine, favipiravir and remdesivir to target the same. All the natural metabolites exhibited stable conformation during MD Simulation of 101 ns at 310 K. Kinetic, potential and electrostatic energy were observed to be least in the case of natural metabolites in comparison with synthetic analogues. Deviations and fluctuations were observed to be structurally least in target phytochemicals. Physiochemical and biological properties of these compounds further validated their drug-like properties. Non-bonded distance was found to be short enough to form hydrogen bonding or hydrophobic interactions, which revealed that these target compounds can strongly bind with RdRp. The study found potential phytochemicals to disrupt the replication domain of SARS-CoV-2 by hindering RdRp. We therefore anticipate that the current findings could be considered as valuable for the development of an efficient preventive/therapeutic expedient against COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Most of the countries in the world are facing the problem of disease caused by Novel coronavirus (covid-19) with symptoms of higher grade flu like symptoms or with no symptom. The infection spreads through contact with the person suffering/suffered from coronavirus symptoms like sneezing, high fever, cough and ultimately blockade of respiratory system. Sometimes symptoms of diarrhea and dysentery were also detected at advanced stage of the disease. Till now any effective medicine or vaccine could not be developed for its prevention and getting relief. Only trial and error by applying some antimalarial drugs chloroquine hydroxide along with some other antiviral infections is used and up to 38% are being recovered in India as well as other countries. Under such circumstances strengthening immune system becomes only option for preventing from this viral disease and our traditional medicines are playing vital role for immunity strengthening. Accordingly, some herbs either singly or in combination form have been suggested as preventive measure for coronavirus through this communication.