Inhibitory Effect of Ophthalmic Solutions against SARS-CoV-2: A Preventive Action to Block the Viral Transmission?

Petrillo, Francesco; Chianese, Annalisa; Bernardo, Maddalena De; Zannella, Carla; Reibaldi, Michele; Avitabile, Teresio; Boccia, Giovanni; Galdiero, Massimiliano; Rosa, Nicola; Franci, Gianluigi

doi:10.3390/microorganisms9081550

Cited by 16 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…This is in agreement with studies on carrageenan-based nasal sprays that suggest these products exert their antiviral properties by inhibiting virus interactions at the cell surface [14,21]. Similarly, over-the-counter eyedrops have also been shown to act externally to genome replication [22], highlighting the more general mechanisms by which many of these nonpharmaceutical products act.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Based Nasal Sprays Effectively Inhibit In Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Spread

Bentley

Stanton

2021

Viruses

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The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has required a variety of non-medical interventions to limit the transmission of the causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). One such option is over-the-counter nasal sprays that aim to block virus entry and transmission within the nasal cavity. In this study, we assessed the ability of three hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based powder nasal sprays, produced by Nasaleze, to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and release in vitro. Upon application, the HPMC powder forms a gel-like matrix within the nasal cavity—a process we recapitulated in cell culture. We found that virus release from cells previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 was inhibited by the gel matrix product in a dose-dependent manner, with virus levels reduced by >99.99% over a 72 h period at a dose of 6.4 mg/3.5 cm2. We also show that the pre-treatment of cells with product inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection, independent of the virus variant. The primary mechanism of action appears to be via the formation of a physical, passive barrier. However, the addition of wild garlic provided additional direct antiviral properties in some formulations. We conclude that HPMC-based nasal sprays may offer an additional component to strategies to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Based Nasal Sprays Effectively Inhibit In Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Spread

Bentley

Stanton

2021

Viruses

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“…Given that the calcium bicarbonate component of CAC-717, which is derived from plant minerals, is non-flammable, it could be used in a variety of applications for which ethanol is not suitable. Recently, the virucidal effect of commercial ophthalmic solutions was indicated and propose the potential use of preventing ocular infection [16]. CAC-717 is not approved as a medical drug, however, it is less irritating, and may also be a potential disinfecting agent.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Virucidal Effect of the Mesoscopic Structure of CAC-717 on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2

et al. 2021

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Here, the virucidal effect of calcium bicarbonate with a mesoscopic structure (CAC-717) on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was determined. Assays showed that CAC-717 had a strong virucidal effect on all examined SARS-CoV-2 isolates, including variant strains. The viral infectivity decreased within 15 s, and the virucidal activity of CAC-717 at a 1:49 ratio was similar to that of ethanol disinfectant. CAC-717 neutralization eliminated this virucidal effect, indicating that the alkaline condition of CAC-717 is important for virus inactivation and is an indicator of its mesoscopic structure and virucidal activity. The virucidal effect was observed in the presence of organic matter (bovine serum albumin). CAC-717 is a non-invasive and non-flammable substance with a low environmental burden, and its usefulness as a novel disinfectant has been confirmed.

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“…Considering that the ocular surface is directly exposed to droplets and contaminated objects, it must be regarded as a possible route of transmission, and preventive measures should be taken in this direction [ 29 ]. Commercial ocular antiseptics may have a role in preventing ocular symptoms during COVID-19 infection, as they have shown to inhibit in vitro viral replication [ 30 ]. Eye care providers, in particular, must be aware of ocular transmission and follow strict disinfection protocols.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS-CoV-2 in Conjunctiva and Tears and Ocular Symptoms of Patients with COVID-19

Rodríguez-Ares

Lamas-Francis

Treviño

et al. 2021

Vision

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This study investigates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival secretions and tears and evaluates ocular symptoms in a group of patients with COVID-19. We included 56 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in this cross-sectional cohort study. Conjunctival secretions and tears were collected using flocked swabs and Schirmer strips for SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Assessment of ocular surface manifestations included an OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire. Patients had been admitted to hospital for an average of 2.4 days (range 0–7) and had shown general symptoms for an average of 7.1 days (range 1–20) prior to ocular testing. Four (7.1%) of 56 conjunctival swabs and four (4%) of 112 Schirmer strips were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The mean E-gene cycle threshold values (Ct values) were 31.2 (SD 5.0) in conjunctival swabs and 32.9 (SD 2.7) in left eye Schirmer strips. Overall, 17 (30%) patients presented ocular symptoms. No association was found between positive ocular samples and ocular symptoms. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on the conjunctiva and tears of patients with COVID-19. Contact with the ocular surface may transmit the virus and preventive measures should be taken in this direction.

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Inhibitory Effect of Ophthalmic Solutions against SARS-CoV-2: A Preventive Action to Block the Viral Transmission?

Cited by 16 publications

References 52 publications

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Based Nasal Sprays Effectively Inhibit In Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Spread

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Based Nasal Sprays Effectively Inhibit In Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Spread

Virucidal Effect of the Mesoscopic Structure of CAC-717 on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2

SARS-CoV-2 in Conjunctiva and Tears and Ocular Symptoms of Patients with COVID-19

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