Viral Pathogens and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Oligodynamic Ag⁺for Direct Immune Intervention

Abstract

This retrospective study of silver-based therapeutics briefly reviews their history, and then explores the modern application of charged silver particles, especially as an antiviral agent. The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) suggests this is timely. Medical literature shows that a variety of viruses have been successfully treated with silverbased drugs. However, 'silver salts' and/or inferior silver preparations lack the bio-availability, active silver content and safety needed to be effective. State-of-the-art, electrolytically produced 'oligodynamic' Ag 1 , however, offers distinct advantages and versatility of use over older and cruder formulations. Possessing much smaller, subnanometer-sized particles, greater electrical potential and lower concentrations, it is more bio-available than other formulations. Efficacy against the SARS-related coronavirus, for example, may be enhanced when nebulized Ag 1 is inhaled. This should achieve swift reduction of viral loads, especially in the early stages. Moreover, there is no known toxicity for Oligodynamic Ag 1 in humans. The only known mechanism of resistance also appears to play no role notwithstanding the mutability of the coronavirus. Therefore no functional barrier to the virotoxic effects of oligodynamic Ag 1 may be expected regardless of the rapidity or variety of mutations.

Preparation of low-density polyethylene–silver ion antimicrobial film with and without ethylene-vinyl acetate

“…Silver ion inhibits the respiratory chain of E. coli and reacts more quickly and readily. 32,33 Silver ions are able to combine to cellular enzymes of microbes and get attached to the bacterial cell membrane causing leakage of cell components and interference of the respiratory system and causing the death of the bacteria. 34 Significant reductions of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria were reported when treated with silver ion.…”

Synthesis and characterization of silver-nanoparticle-impregnated fiberglass and utility in water disinfection

“…The enhanced biocidal response of smaller particles may be due to their increased dissolution rate since researchers have reported Ag(I) as the active agent against microbes [44][45][46].…”

Silver Sucrose Octasulfate (IASOS™) as a Valid Active Ingredient into a Novel Vaginal Gel against Human Vaginal Pathogens: In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Assessment

“…Silver is well known for its strong antimicrobial properties. Silver-based biocides, including both ionic silver forms and metallic silver nanoparticles are antimicrobial towards a broad spectrum of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria [24] , [25] , fungi [26] , [27] , and viruses [28] , [29] , [30] . Silver ions can inhibit microbial biofilm formation [27] and destabilize the polymeric matrix once the biofilm is formed [31] .…”