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Aim: Sanitation and cleanliness are essential factors in reducing the spread of pathogens and preventing healthcare-associated infections. Disinfectants are associated with better hygiene outcomes to reduce pathogen transmission risk and minimize risks to healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients. Methods: A literature search was undertaken using the electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria for this study are observational and original research studies dating from the five-year period 2017–2021. Other inclusion criteria are full text, English language, qualitative or quantitative studies relevant to the research question. The exclusion criteria are animal studies, systematic reviews, conference proceedings, abstracts, projection modelling studies, in-vivo or in-vitro studies, and books. Results: Five study nations included the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), China, India and South Korea, together with Malaysia. These nations have existing policies, regulations and guidelines regarding the use of disinfectants. HCWs should be aware of the national laws and guidelines that govern the purchase, distribution and use of disinfectants. They should also understand the different roles of the agencies involved, so the context for the guidance provided is clear. Coordination and collaboration across various stakeholders are required for creating solid policies. Conclusion: Product research and innovation are indispensable, as appropriate personal protective equipment and safety measures for HCWs and patients have top priority in every nation. Hence, clear guidelines for handling disinfectants, in addition to health education about scientific-evidence-based disinfectants, are required.

Ultraviolet type C (UVC) radiation have germicidal properties commonly used to disinfect surfaces. Objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of UVC radiation for decontamination of surgical mask. Antimicrobial testing using UVC radiation on mask that were inoculated with pathogens were conducted at different exposure time, which were 10, 30, 50, and 60 seconds. Pathogens tested are Acinetobacter baumanii, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Influenza A dan B viruses. Exposure of mask toward UVC radiation resulting in 99.9% of reduction in all pathogens tested except P. aeruginosa. This study showed that UVC radiation can be use for decontamination of mask. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is a major global public health crisis. More than 2 years into the pandemic, effective therapeutic options remain limited due to rapid viral evolution. Stemming from the emergence of multiple variants, several monoclonal antibodies are no longer suitable for clinical use. This scoping review aimed to summarize the preclinical and clinical evidence for bebtelovimab in treating newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Methods: We systematically searched five electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Global Health, and PsycINFO) from date of inception to September 30, 2022, for studies reporting on the effect of bebtelovimab in SARS-CoV-2 infection, using a combination of search terms around ―bebtelovimab‖, ―LY-CoV1404‖, ―LY3853113‖, and ―coronavirus infection‖. All citations were screened independently by two researchers. Data were extracted and thematically analyzed based on study design by adhering to the stipulated scoping review approaches. Results: Thirty-nine studies were included, thirty-four non-clinical studies were narratively synthesized, and five clinical studies were meta-analyzed. The non-clinical studies revealed bebtelovimab not only potently neutralized wide-type SARS-CoV-2 and existing variants of concern such as B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), and B.1.617.2 (Delta), but also retained appreciable activity against Omicron lineages, including BA.2.75, BA.4, BA.4.6, and BA.5. Unlike other monoclonal antibodies, bebtelovimab was able to bind to epitope of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein by exploiting loop mobility or by minimizing side-chain interactions. Pooled analysis from clinical studies depicted that the rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death were similar between bebtelovimab and other COVID-19 therapies. Bebtelovimab was associated with a low incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. Conclusion: Preclinical evidence suggests bebtelovimab be a potential treatment for COVID-19 amidst viral evolution. Bebtelovimab has comparable efficacy to other COVID-19 therapies without evident safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory infection in infants and young children. Mucolytic agents, such as acetylcysteine and carbocysteine have reported benefits in alleviating acute upper or lower respiratory infections. Among these, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has cyto-protective effects when cells are infected with the RSV. Materials and Methods: Our study investigated primarily the dose-dependent effects of NAC on respiratory alveolar epithelial (A549) cells when co-cultured with RSV in vitro. Three different concentrations of NAC were used, 0.1 mM, 1 mM, and 10 mM. The cytotoxicity of RSV-infected cells was measured by lactate dehydrogenase and antiviral activity of NAC on cell cultures was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results: Pre-treatment with the highest dose, 10 mM NAC, resulted in features of cell injury even without RSV infection. The proportion of cells infected by RSV and RSV-induced cell death decreased by more than 3-fold when cells were pre-treated with 1 mM NAC. Pre-treatment at the lowest dose, 0.1 mM, did not show any significant changes. Conclusion: A moderate dose of NAC (1 mM) appeared protective of RSV infection to lung alveolar epithelial cells. However, a higher dose of NAC (10 mM) may be relatively toxic and injurious to these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gargling had been reported to have significant roles in the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of regular gargling to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in the oropharynx and nasopharynx. Methodology: This pilot, open labeled, randomized, parallel study compared the effect of 30 seconds, 3 times/day gargling using 1% povidone-iodine (PVP-I), essential oils and tap water on SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance among COVID-19 patients in a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Progress was monitored by day 4,6 and 12 PCR (Ct value), gargling and symptoms diary as well as clinical observations. Results: Five confirmed Stage 1 COVID-19 patients were recruited for each arm. The age range was from 22 to 56 years old. The majority were males. Two respondents had co-morbidities, which were asthma and obesity. Viral clearance was achieved at day 6 in 100%, 80%, 20% and 0% for 1% PVP-I, essential oils, tap water and control group respectively. Analysis of 1% PVP-I group versus control group showed significant p-value for comparison of PCR results on Day 4, Day 6 and Day 12. Conclusions: This preliminary study showed that gargling with 1% PVP-I and essential oils show great potential to be part of the treatment and management of Stage 1 COVID-19. Larger studies are required to ascertain the benefit of gargling for different stages of COVID-19 patients. This study was registered in clinicaltrial.gov (NCT04410159). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 outbreak as a world pandemic on 12th March 2020. Diagnosis of suspected cases is confirmed by nucleic acid assays with real-time PCR, using respiratory samples. Serology tests are comparatively easier to perform, but their utility may be limited by the performance and the fact that antibodies appear later during the disease course. We aimed to describe the performance data on serological assays for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A review of multiple reports and kit inserts on the diagnostic performance of rapid tests from various manufacturers that are commercially available were performed. Only preliminary data are available currently. Results: From a total of nine rapid detection test (RDT) kits, three kits offer total antibody detection, while six kits offer combination SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG detection in two separate test lines. All kits are based on colloidal gold-labeled immunochromatography principle and one-step method with results obtained within 15 minutes, using whole blood, serum or plasma samples. The sensitivity for both IgM and IgG tests ranges between 72.7% and 100%, while specificity ranges between 98.7% to 100%. Two immunochromatography using nasopharyngeal or throat swab for detection of COVID-19 specific antigen are also reviewed. Conclusions: There is much to determine regarding the value of serological testing in COVID-19 diagnosis and monitoring. More comprehensive evaluations of their performance are rapidly underway. The use of serology methods requires appropriate interpretations of the results and understanding the strengths and limitations of such tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]