scholarly journals Antimicrobial Potency of Ayurveda Principle based HSP Mixture for Gargling, Steam Inhalation, and Nebulisation in Prevention and Early Management of SARS-COV-2 Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 08 (1&2) ◽  
pp. 10-13
Author(s):  
CD Ravi Raj ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Normal Saline ◽  
Marked Improvement ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Inhalation Therapy ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Early Management ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Pressure Steam ◽  
Healthy Persons

Introduction: The SARS-COV-2 disease has become the strongest among all the deadly respiratory diseases in taking the lives of lakhs of humans. The current study adopts the Ayurvedic principle of Samprapti Vighatana i.e. arresting the pathogenesis, through the usage of a novel self-formulated medicine powder named Haridradi Steam Powder (HSP) which is an anti-microbial decoction used for gargling, steam inhalation therapy, and nebulisation in the prevention of SARS-COV-2 disease by reducing the viral load in patients. Methodology: Haridradi Steam Powder (HSP) containing decoction for gargling, steam, and nebulisation by adding 3% normal saline were prepared and given to the -participants as per self-made protocol i.e. gargling was advised for primary contacts, asymptomatic patients, and healthy persons as a preventive tool. High-pressure steam inhalation was advised for mild to moderate symptomatic patients and 3% normal saline nebulisation was advised for moderate symptomatic patients. Results: Out of the total of 30 cases, comprising 22 primary contacts, 3 HRCT atypical viral pneumonia with severity score from 8 to 16, 3 RT-PCR positive patients, and 2 RT-PCR positive patients with HRCT score, a marked improvement was seen in more than 20 subjects within a short span of time. Conclusion: The treatment formulation HSP Mixture is found to be effective yet simple, safe, and cost-effective, and is used in different therapies in the prevention and management of early SARS-COV-2 disease.

scholarly journals MO835AFTERMATH OF FORTNIGHTLY UNIVERSAL TESTING FOR SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY CORONA VIRUS-2 INFECTION IN MAINTENANCE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narayan Prasad ◽  
Manas Ranjan Patel ◽  
Dharmendra Bhadauria ◽  
Anupama Kaul ◽  
Ravi Sankar Kushwaha
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Maintenance Hemodialysis ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Dialysis Unit ◽  
Universal Testing ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract Background and Aims Asymptomatic maintenance hemodialysis patients with SARS-COV-2are missed with pre-dialysis screening without testing. The possible ideal strategy of testing each patient before each shift with RT-PCR was not feasible. We aimed to study the effectiveness of fortnightly screening with RT -PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in curbing transmission. Method Between July 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020, all 273 patients receiving hemodialysis were subjected to fortnightly testing for SARS-Cov-2 in the unit to detect asymptomatic patients. The cost and effectiveness of universal testing in preventing transmission were analyzed using Susceptible-Infectious-Removed (SIR) modeling assuming R0 of 2.2. Results Of 273 MHD patients, 55 (20.1%) got infected with SARS-CoV-2 over three months. Six (10.9%) were symptomatic, and 49 (89.1%) asymptomatic at the time of testing. Six (10.9%) asymptomatic patients develop symptoms later; and 43 (78.2%) remained asymptomatic. A total of 7(6.1%) HCWs also tested positive for the virus. With an assumption of R0 2.2 and isolation of symptomatic patients only, all 273 patients could have been affected by September 30, 2020; with the isolation of both symptomatic patients and those testing positive after pre-dialysis screen, only 52 (19%) infections could have been prevented. However, at the end of the study period, 218 (80%) patients remained uninfected of SARS-CoV-2. Fortnightly universal testing is cost-effective, and SIR modeling proved effective in preventing person-to-person transmission. Conclusion Repeated universal testing in maintenance hemodialysis patients detected 89% of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 patients over three months and appeared to be an effective strategy to prevent person-to-person transmission in the dialysis unit.

Detection of enteroviruses in marine waters by direct RT-PCR and cell culture

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 323-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Reynolds ◽  
C. P. Gerba ◽  
I. L. Pepper
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplification ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Water Runoff ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Marine Waters ◽  
Storm Water Runoff ◽  
Routine Monitoring ◽  
Reaction Amplification

Sewage outfalls and storm water runoff introduces pathogenic human enteric viruses into marine coastal waters, which may pose a potential public health risk. Although members of the enterovirus group have been suggested as possible indicators of sewage pollution in marine waters, the lack of rapid, sensitive and cost effective methods have prevented routine monitoring in the United States. This study compared traditional cell culture and direct RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) amplification for detection of an enterovirus. Poliovirus could be recovered from 100 L of artificial seawater with an average efficiency of 77%, using adsorption and elution from electronegative filters. Viruses were eluted from the filters with 1.5% beef extract for viruses (BEV) adjusted to pH 9.5 and reconcentrated by organic flocculation to a volume of 30 mL. Substances which interfered with detection by RT-PCR were removed by treatment of the concentrates with sephadex and chelex resins. Direct RT-PCR could detect 2.5 and 0.025 PFU (plaque forming units) for single (25 cycles) and double PCR (2 × 25 cycles) in 10 μL of pure culture poliovirus samples, respectively. These methods are currently being applied to assess the occurrence of enteroviruses at marine bathing beaches influenced by sewage discharges.

scholarly journals Implementing SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Testing in the Emergency Ward of a Swiss University Hospital: The INCREASE Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 798
Author(s):  
Giorgia Caruana ◽  
Antony Croxatto ◽  
Eleftheria Kampouri ◽  
Antonios Kritikos ◽  
Onya Opota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Lower Sensitivity ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Emergency Ward ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Asymptomatic Subjects ◽  
Antigen Testing

Following the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) authorization of the rapid antigen test (RAT), we implemented the use of the RAT in the emergency ward of our university hospital for patients’ cohorting. RAT triaging in association with RT-PCR allowed us to promptly isolate positive patients and save resources. Among 532 patients, overall sensitivities were 48.3% for Exdia and 41.2% for Standard Q®, PanbioTM and BD Veritor™. All RATs exhibited specificity above 99%. Sensitivity increased to 74.6%, 66.2%, 66.2% and 64.8% for Exdia, Standard Q®, PanbioTM and BD Veritor™, respectively, for viral loads above 105 copies/mL, to 100%, 97.8%, 96.6% and 95.6% for viral loads above 106 copies/mL and 100% for viral loads above 107 copies/mL. Sensitivity was significantly higher for patients with symptoms onset within four days (74.3%, 69.2%, 69.2% and 64%, respectively) versus patients with the evolution of symptoms longer than four days (36.8%, 21.1%, 21.1% and 23.7%, respectively). Among COVID-19 asymptomatic patients, sensitivity was 33%. All Immunoglobulin-A-positive patients resulted negative for RAT. The RAT might represent a useful resource in selected clinical settings as a complementary tool in RT-PCR for rapid patient triaging, but the lower sensitivity, especially in late presenters and COVID-19 asymptomatic subjects, must be taken into account.

scholarly journals Comparison of saliva with healthcare workers- and patient-collected swabs in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in a large cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitnala Sasikala ◽  
Yelamanchili Sadhana ◽  
Ketavarapu Vijayasarathy ◽  
Anand Gupta ◽  
Sarala Kumari Daram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background A considerable amount of evidence demonstrates the potential of saliva in the diagnosis of COVID-19. Our aim was to determine the sensitivity of saliva versus swabs collected by healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients themselves to assess whether saliva detection can be offered as a cost-effective, risk-free method of SARS-CoV-2 detection. Methods This study was conducted in a hospital involving outpatients and hospitalized patients. A total of 3018 outpatients were tested. Of these, 200 qRT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were recruited for further study. In addition, 101 SARS-CoV-2-positive hospitalized patients with symptoms were also enrolled in the study. From outpatients, HCWs collected nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), saliva were obtained. From inpatients, HCWs collected swabs, patient-collected swabs, and saliva were obtained. qRT-PCR was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 by TAQPATH assay to determine the sensitivity of saliva detection. Sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) of detecting SARS-CoV-2 were calculated using MedCalc. Results Of 3018 outpatients (asymptomatic: 2683, symptomatic: 335) tested by qRT-PCR, 200 were positive (males: 140, females: 60; aged 37.9 ± 12.8 years; (81 asymptomatic, 119 symptomatic). Of these, saliva was positive in 128 (64%); 39 of 81 asymptomatic (47%),89 of 119 symptomatic patients (74.8%). Sensitivity of detection was 60.9% (55.4–66.3%, CI 95%), with a negative predictive value of 36%(32.9–39.2%, CI 95%).Among 101 hospitalized patients (males:65, females: 36; aged 53.48 ± 15.6 years), with HCW collected NPS as comparator, sensitivity of saliva was 56.1% (47.5–64.5, CI 95%), specificity 63.5%(50.4–75.3, CI95%) with PPV of 77.2% and NPV of 39.6% and that of self-swab was 52.3%(44–60.5%, CI95%), specificity 56.6% (42.3–70.2%, CI95%) with PPV 77.2% and NPV29.7%. Comparison of positivity with the onset of symptoms revealed highest detection in saliva on day 3 after onset of symptoms. Additionally, only saliva was positive in 13 (12.8%) hospitalized patients. Conclusion Saliva which is easier to collect than nasopharyngeal swab is a viable alternate to detect SARS-COV-2 in symptomatic patients in the early stage of onset of symptoms. Although saliva is currently not recommended for screening asymptomatic patients, optimization of collection and uniform timing of sampling might improve the sensitivity enabling its use as a screening tool at community level.

scholarly journals Multiplexed detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections in high throughput by SARSeq

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Yelagandula ◽  
◽  
Aleksandr Bykov ◽  
Alexander Vogt ◽  
Robert Heinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Massively Parallel ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Saliva Analysis ◽  
Double Blinded ◽  
Generation Sequencing

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for massively-parallel, cost-effective tests monitoring viral spread. Here we present SARSeq, saliva analysis by RNA sequencing, a method to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses on tens of thousands of samples in parallel. SARSeq relies on next generation sequencing of multiple amplicons generated in a multiplexed RT-PCR reaction. Two-dimensional, unique dual indexing, using four indices per sample, enables unambiguous and scalable assignment of reads to individual samples. We calibrate SARSeq on SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA, virions, and hundreds of human samples of various types. Robustness and sensitivity were virtually identical to quantitative RT-PCR. Double-blinded benchmarking to gold standard quantitative-RT-PCR performed by human diagnostics laboratories confirms this high sensitivity. SARSeq can be used to detect Influenza A and B viruses and human rhinovirus in parallel, and can be expanded for detection of other pathogens. Thus, SARSeq is ideally suited for differential diagnostic of infections during a pandemic.

scholarly journals Performance of Unobserved Self-Collected Nasal Swabs for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR Utilizing a Remote Specimen Collection Strategy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron M Kagan ◽  
Amy A Rogers ◽  
Gwynngelle A Borillo ◽  
Nigel J Clarke ◽  
Elizabeth M Marlowe
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
False Negative ◽  
N Gene ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pooled Testing ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The use of a remote specimen collection strategy employing a kit designed for unobserved self-collection for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR can decrease the use of PPE and exposure risk. To assess the impact of unobserved specimen self-collection on test performance, we examined results from a SARS-CoV-2 qualitative RT-PCR test for self-collected specimens from participants in a return-to-work screening program and assessed the impact of a pooled testing strategy in this cohort. Methods Self-collected anterior nasal swabs from employee return to work programs were tested using the Quest Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR EUA. The Ct values for the N1 and N3 N-gene targets and a human RNase P (RP) gene control target were tabulated. For comparison, we utilized Ct values from a cohort of HCP-collected specimens from patients with and without COVID-19 symptoms. Results Among 47,923 participants, 1.8% were positive. RP failed to amplify for 13/115,435 (0.011%) specimens. The median (IQR) Cts were 32.7 (25.0-35.7) for N1 and 31.3 (23.8-34.2) for N3. Median Ct values in the self-collected cohort were significantly higher than those of symptomatic, but not asymptomatic patients. Based on Ct values, pooled testing with 4 specimens would have yielded inconclusive results in 67/1,268 (5.2%) specimens but only a single false-negative result. Conclusions Unobserved self-collection of nasal swabs provides adequate sampling for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing. These findings alleviate concerns of increased false negatives in this context. Specimen pooling could be used for this population as the likelihood of false negative results is very low due when using a sensitive, dual-target methodology.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 in peritoneal swabs from asymptomatic patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasim AlAradi ◽  
Rawan A Rahman AlHarmi ◽  
Mariam AlKooheji ◽  
Sayed Ali Almahari ◽  
Mohamed Abdulla Isa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Fluid ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
The Public ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Viral Transfer

Abstract This is a case series of five patients with acute abdomen requiring surgery who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and were asymptomatic, with the purpose of detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in peritoneal fluid. Nasopharyngeal swab was done as a prerequisite for admission or prior to admission as part of random testing. Two methods of viral testing were employed: Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 (rapid test) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Either or both tests were done, with the former performed for patients requiring surgery immediately. Surgery was performed within 24–36 h from admission. Peritoneal fluid swabs were obtained for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR test. Swabs were immediately placed in viral transfer media and delivered to the public health laboratory in an ice bag. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in peritoneal swabs. Due to the limited number of patients, further studies are required; yet, protective measures should still be taken by surgeons when dealing with COVID-19 cases.

scholarly journals An ultra-sensitive, ultra-fast whole blood monocyte CD169 assay for COVID-19 screening

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moïse Michel ◽  
Fabrice Malergue ◽  
Inès Ait Belkacem ◽  
Pénélope Bourgoin ◽  
Pierre-Emmanuel Morange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Blood ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil ◽  
Blood Monocyte ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Neutrophil Cd64 ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Hla Dr

AbstractCoVID-19 is an unprecedented epidemic, globally challenging health systems, societies, and economy. Its diagnosis relies on molecular methods, with drawbacks revealed by current use as mass screening. Monocyte CD169 upregulation has been reported as a marker of viral infections, we evaluated a flow cytometry three-color rapid assay of whole blood monocyte CD169 for CoVID-19 screening.Outpatients (n=177) with confirmed CoVID-19 infection, comprising 80 early-stage (≤14 days after symptom onset), 71 late-stage (≥15 days), and 26 asymptomatic patients received whole blood CD169 testing in parallel with SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. Upregulation of monocyte CD169 without polymorphonuclear neutrophil CD64 changes was the primary endpoint. Sensitivity was 98% and 100% in early-stage and asymptomatic patients respectively, specificity was 50% and 84%. Rapid whole blood monocyte CD169 evaluation was highly sensitive when compared with RT-PCR, especially in early-stage, asymptomatic patients whose RT-PCR tests were not yet positive.Diagnostic accuracy, easy finger prick sampling and minimal time-to-result (15-30 minutes) rank whole blood monocyte CD169 upregulation as a potential screening and diagnostic support for CoVID-19. Secondary endpoints were neutrophil CD64 upregulation as a marker of bacterial infections and monocyte HLA-DR downregulation as a surrogate of immune fitness, both assisting with adequate and rapid management of non-CoVID cases.

scholarly journals CLINICAL FEATURES, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Ali ◽  
Q Ali ◽  
MM Hafeez ◽  
A Malik
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Microbiology ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Respiratory Disorder ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Research Facility ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Worldwide Population ◽  
Test Outcomes

The COVID-19 has affected worldwide population at every level from advance to under developed countries and also majorly affected clinical microbiology labs. This critique covers current issues furthermore, challenges for the research facility determination of diseases brought about by extreme intense respiratory disorder coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the pre analytical stage, gathering the best possible respiratory diseases information at the time from the privilege has become fundamental for a brief and exact basic finding of COVID-19. Appropriate measures are required to protect lab staffs, performing the test outcomes for COVID-19. In the investigative stage, constant converse translation PCR (RT-PCR) tests remain the basic trial of decision for the etiologic determination of SARS-CoV-2 contamination while counteracting agent-based procedures are being presented as supplemental tests. In the post-analytical stage, testing results ought to be cautiously deciphered utilizing both basic and serological findings. At long last, arbitrary access, testing kits accessible for the purpose of care with versatile limits are encouraging the fast and exact finding and observing of SARS-CoV-2 contaminations and extraordinarily aid the control of this episode.

scholarly journals Comparative evaluation of cost effective extraction free molecular technique for detection of SARS-CoV-2 with reference to standard VTM based RT-qPCR method

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megh Singh Dhakad ◽  
Sanjib Gogoi ◽  
Ansu Kumari ◽  
Aashish Kumar Singh ◽  
Manoj B. Jais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Method ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Molecular Technique ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Qpcr Method ◽  
Kappa Value ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

Background and Objectives: The entire globe is undergoing an unprecedented challenge of COVID-19. Considering the need of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2, this study was planned to evaluate the cost effective extraction free RT-PCR technique in comparison to the standard VTM based RT-qPCR method. Materials and Methods: Paired swabs from nasopharynx and oropharynx were collected for SARS-CoV-2 testing, from 211 adult patients (≥18 years) in VTM and plain sterile tubes (dry swabs). These samples were processed and RT-qPCR was carried out as per standard protocols. Results: 54.5% of the patients were females and 45.5% were males with sex ratio 1:1.19 (M: F). 38.86% were symptomatic, of which fever (86.59%), cough (79.23%) and breathlessness (46.34%) were the most common symptoms. The positivity by VTM based method and index method was 31.27% and 13.27% respectively. Of the 27 inconclusive results from index method, 37.04% were positive, 48.15% were negative by VTM based method. However, in 40 inconclusive results by VTM based method, 90% were negative and rest remained inconclusive by index method. The sensitivity and specificity of the index method were 39.39% and 85.71% respectively. The overall agreement between VTM based method and index method was 49.59% with estimated Kappa value of 0.19. Conclusion: VTM based method showed higher sensitivity compared to the index method. The higher positivity by VTM based method, suggests that VTM based method could plausibly be a better detection method of SARS-CoV-2. Still, the index method might add value in a resource limited setups for detection of SARS-CoV-2.  

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