Prospects for finding means of non-specific prevention of COVID-19 infection

Abstract

With the ongoing pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the emergence of its new genovariants, along with the relevance of addressing the issue of vaccination of the population, the importance of non-specific prophylaxis, which is designed to reduce the viral load on the body and slow down the rate of virus spread, is increasing. The currently available research and experience in the use of antiseptic drugs or their combinations with the antimicrobial peptide lysozyme can be used for this purpose.Currently available research and experience in the use of antiseptic drugs or their combinations with the antimicrobial peptide lysozyme can be used for this purpose. Under conditions of lysozyme deficiency unhindered accumulation of non-hydrolyzed substrate, which is a constant source of autoantigens, is accompanied by immunity, metabolic and tissue homeostasis disorders. Analysis of a comparative study of different groups of antiseptics showed high virulicidal efficacy of cetylpyridinium chlorideCetylpyridinium chloride has an electrostatic effect on viral membrane lipids, causing their aggregation and dissolution, which leads to disruption of the integrity of the virus membrane, its interaction with mucosal epithelial cells and penetration into target cells, having a direct virulicide effect on SARS-CoV-2. An important factor of innate mucosal immunity is lysozyme, it has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects, normalizes microbiocenosis, restores immune system activity, increases mucosal barrier function. The combination of cetylpyridinium chloride and lysozyme hydrochloride has a dual antiviral effect, reducing the viral load on the body and enhancing the ability to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 both from patients in the prodromal period of the disease or with its clinical manifestations, and from asymptomatic carriers with confirmed COVID-19 infection status.