The potential future role of antiviral fabrics within healthcare systems

Health care-associated infection is acquired by patients while receiving care and represents the most frequent adverse event with a prevalence internationally ranging from 5.7% to 19.1%. Whilst the role of textiles as a fomite in infection has been questioned, the increasing body of evidence showing microbes persisting on textiles and increasing interest into developing antimicrobial textiles has been further driven by the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of the experiments reported here was to determine whether the antiviral coating remained effective after laundering at national healthcare laundering standards. Secondly, we discuss whether the available testing regime for antiviral treatments on fabric is appropriate for judging the effectiveness of the treatment. There is still significant work that needs to be undertaken in standardising and ensuring the suitability of test methods within this area of technical textiles. Trials in the relevant workplace environment are essential as these may produce very different results to those undertaken as a proof of principle within a laboratory. © 2023 The Textile Institute.

In silico approach of antiviral compounds potentials for SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV and drug-like property predictions / Enfoque in silico de potenciales compuestos antivirales para SARS-CoV-2 Y SARS-CoV y predicción de propiedades drug-like

SUMMARY Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus 2 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome; previously 2019-nCoV) and SARS-CoV (coronavirus of the severe acute respiratory syndrome) are closely related viruses, which have no treatment so far. Therefore, the search for new molecules is essential. Objectives: The objective of this study is to use in silico approach to propose antiviral compounds potential for SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV and drug-like properties predictions. Materials and methods: Molecular docking were performed using AutoDock Vina with the molecules that had previously demonstrated drug-like properties. Subsequently, amino acids and the type of interaction involved in the protein-ligand complex were identified. Results: It was possible to identify six potential candidates available in the PubChem database capable of interacting with the 6U7 and 2GTB proteases, which bind to the same active site that lopinavir and remdesivir. Conclusion: Small molecules with drug-like properties could be used as antivirals, after experimental evaluations.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2; previamente identificado como 2019-nCoV) y SARS-CoV (coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave) son virus estrechamente relacionados, que no tienen tratamiento hasta el momento. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de nuevas moléculas es esencial. Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio es utilizar un enfoque in silico para proponer potenciales compuestos antivirales para el SARS-CoV-2 y el SARS-CoV y predicciones de propiedades "drug-like". Materiales y métodos: El acoplamiento molecular se realizó utilizando "AutoDock Vina" con las moléculas que previamente habían demostrado propiedades similares a los fármacos. Posteriormente, se identificaron los aminoácidos y el tipo de interacción involucrada en el complejo proteína-ligando. Resultados: fue posible identificar seis candidatos potenciales disponibles en la base de datos PubChem capaces de interactuar con las proteasas 6U7 y 2GTB, que se unen al mismo sitio activo al que se unen lopinavir y remdesivir. Conclusiones: Moléculas pequeñas con propiedades similares a los fármacos podrían usarse como antivirales, después de evaluaciones experimentales.

Virtual screening for finding inhibitor against the main protease of SARS-Cov-2 from the FDA-approved drugs database

At the end of 2019,a new coronavirus suddenly broke out all over the world.To date, there is still no targeted medicine available for the treatment of this disease. Vaccineis essential for controlling the epidemicofSARS-CoV-2. But the effective ofvaccine was reduced because of the SARS-CoV-2constant mutation. It is gratifying that scientistuncover theinfection mechanisms of the SARS-CoV-2. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 is highly conserved and plays an important role of the life cycle of virus. Therefore, we executed virtual screening on the FDA-approved database and hoped to find a potential candidate against the main protease. As a result, we obtained eight available active compounds derived from the database through molecular dynamics simulations. As antiviral treatment candidates, the drugs can also be used to clinical emergencies. © 2022 SPIE. All rights reserved.

BCG Vaccine does not Protect Against COVID-19.

A recent article by Jop de Vrieze (March 23, 2020) suggested that BCG vaccine could protect against COVID-19 infections. The arguments were that several European countries, like Italy, Spain, France, and Germany, which are badly affected by COVID-19, and the USA stopped vaccination of the general population by BCG and excluded it from their routine vaccination schedule. Many people started to receive doses of BCG based on that hypothesis even before its confirmation. We think that the BCG vaccine could not protect against COVID-19 because several countries like China and Iran, which are severely affected by COVID-19, still include the BCG vaccine in its routine vaccination schedule. Other arguments include that the BCG vaccine improves cell-mediated immunity with little effect on humoral immunity; Immunity against viruses, in general, is mainly humoral.