Abstract
In an attempt to create novel methods to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, fabric material was treated with Viruferrin™ and tested for its inactivating properties against the pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A viruses. Inactivating properties were evaluated by comparing Viruferrin-treated and cotton control fabric material with and without the application of saliva at various time points after virus exposure. A statistically significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in the number of infectious virus particles exposed to Viruferrin-treated fabric when compared with the cotton control for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses was observed. For both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A, Viruferrin-treated fabrics experienced a >99% virus reduction without saliva after five minutes of contact when compared to the positive control at time point 0. Furthermore, the reusability of the Viruferrin treated fabric was demonstrated by stability for up to 10 washes. The level of anti-viral (SARS-CoV-2) activity remained constant from 5 to 10 washes and demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.0001) from the unwashed untreated material. Applications for this treated fabric are far reaching, as a biological face covering offers not only a unique 2-way protection but also is unlikely to cause onward touch transmission.
Highlights
Respiratory pathogens can cause a significant global health burden in humans and turn into major pandemics
They have included border control or closure, quarantine and testing of all incoming travelers, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and lateral flow assays testing for case detection, rapid contact tracing and quarantine, frequent hand hygiene, face masks, social distancing measures including school closures, home office, cancellation of all mass gatherings, stay-at-home orders, curfews, and the cessation of many socioeconomic activities
The virus was incubated in the wash out solutions and the viral loads compared between the Viruferrin-treated fabric and the cotton control wash out solution
Summary
Respiratory pathogens can cause a significant global health burden in humans and turn into major pandemics. SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), has evolved into a global pandemic and, as of 14 January 2021, resulted in the death of over two million individuals and at least 100 million cases [1]. For COVID-19, because of the global rush to procure vaccine doses, as well as the frequent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, many countries have utilized public health interventions to reduce the risk of community transmission They have included border control or closure, quarantine and testing of all incoming travelers, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and lateral flow assays testing for case detection, rapid contact tracing and quarantine, frequent hand hygiene, face masks, social distancing measures including school closures, home office, cancellation of all mass gatherings, stay-at-home orders, curfews, and the cessation of many socioeconomic activities. It should be noted that further testing may extend the maximum number of washes
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