ABSTRACT
Context: Patients with COVID-19 present different biochemical and metabolic alterations from the acute state of infection until months later with variability of symptoms and increased toxicity of drugs related to oxidative stress according to previous studies. There are various alternatives to modulate oxidative stress, including the use of medical ozone, which rectal way requires observing both compliance with biosafety measures and adverse reactions in patients. Aims: To evaluate compliance with biosafety measures and the possible manifestations of adverse events in the rectal application of ozone therapy in patients with acute infection or convalescent of COVID-19. Methods: Descriptive, longitudinal studies in two clinical trials conducted at the Ernesto Guevara Hospital and the Salvador Allende Hospital, from May to July 2020. Rectal ozone therapy was applied to patients in two trials with a cycle of up to 20 applications according to the study. The activities were described and the performance of the professionals in the procedure was evaluated through an observation guide. Patient follow-up and surveillance for potential adverse reactions were performed. Results: 80% (28/36) of the patients reported the feeling of fullness of the intestines, without other reports, in no case treatment was required. The evaluation of the practices showed full compliance with the procedures without transmission of infection during the period. Conclusions: Compliance with good practices and biosafety in the rectal application of ozone results in the adequate performance of the protocols with benefit and safety for patients under treatment.
ABSTRACT
The standard rapid approach for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA. The detection of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins is crucial for screening people who have been exposed to the virus, whether or not they presented symptoms. Recent publications report different methods for the detection of specific IgGs, IgMs, and IgAs against SARS-CoV-2; these methods mainly detect immunoglobulins in the serum using conventional techniques such as rapid lateral flow tests or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this article, we report the production of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the development of a rapid, reliable, cost-effective test, capable of detecting immunoglobulins in serum and saliva samples. This method is based on interferometric optical detection. The results obtained using this method and those obtained using ELISA were compared. Owing to its low cost and simplicity, this test can be used periodically for the early detection, surveillance, detection of immunity, and control of the spread of COVID-19.