ABSTRACT
Several lines of evidence suggest the role of air-conditioning systems in the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, the likelihood of novel coronavirus to take refuge inside a microbial Trojan horse, that is, Acanthamoeba, can further enhance possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the environment. Here we propose the use of various disinfection strategies that can be employed using filters with antimicrobial fabricated surfaces or using UV irradiation to achieve germicidal properties for removal of pathogenic microbes such as SARS-CoV-2 and amoebae in the ventilation systems.
Subject(s)
Air Conditioning/methods , Air Filters/virology , Air Pollution, Indoor/prevention & control , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , Betacoronavirus/pathogenicity , COVID-19 , Disinfection/methods , Humans , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Several lines of evidence suggest the presence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wastewater. The use of sewage water for irrigation is common in many developing countries, and it is only partially treated in the majority of countries with less than 10% of collected wastewater receiving any form of treatment globally. Wastewater is unsafe for human and animal consumption and contains impurities and microbial pathogens. Here, we pose the question of whether the reuse of untreated or partially treated wastewater for irrigation can expose susceptible populations and pets, leading to COVID-19 disease recurrence in the community? It is imperative to study the ecological relationships between humans, animals, and environmental health in relation to COVID-19 to contribute to a "One Health Concept" to design preventative strategies and attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment.
Subject(s)
Agricultural Irrigation/methods , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , Wastewater/virology , Animals , Animals, Domestic/virology , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/veterinary , Humans , Pandemics/veterinary , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/veterinary , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2 , Sewage/virology , Water Purification/methodsABSTRACT
Herein, we propose the use of novel adsorbents, namely micelle clay complexes comprising the clay montmorillonite, coupled with activated carbon for effective eradication of neuropathogenic microbes such as SARS-CoV-2 and Naegleria fowleri from water supplies for ablution/nasal irrigation. These can be incorporated easily to water collection devices, i.e., taps and water bottles, in the domestic setting. These filters are low cost, easy to install, and ideal disinfection systems. Such strategies are particularly useful for communities who have lack of access to safe water supplies, rely heavily on water storage tanks, or lack adequate water sanitation facilities, especially in developing countries.
Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Filtration/methods , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Water Purification/methods , Bentonite , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections/prevention & control , Charcoal , Clay , Filtration/instrumentation , Humans , Naegleria fowleri , Nasal Lavage , SARS-CoV-2 , Water Purification/instrumentationABSTRACT
The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in human wastewater together with poor quality of public drinking water supplies in developing countries is of concern. Additionally, the frequent use of contaminated water for bathing, nasal irrigation, swimming, and ablution can be a risk factor in contracting infectious agents such as the brain-eating amoebae and possibly SARS-CoV-2. The use of appropriate tap water filters should be encouraged to remove pathogenic microbes, together with restrained nasal irrigation (not forcing water inside nostrils vigorously) during ritual ablution or bathing to avoid dangerous consequences for populations residing in developing countries.