Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles for the Prevention of COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital areas is of a particular concern, since the close interaction between health care personnel and patients diagnosed with COVID-19, which allows virus to be easily spread between them and subsequently to their families and communities. Preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare personnel is essential to reduce the frequency of infections and outbreaks during the pandemic. In a first step, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were tested in vitro to determine an inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection in cultured cells. Subsequently, the investigators assess the effects of mouthwash and nose rinse with ARGOVIT® silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 contagion in health workers consider as high-risk group of acquiring the infection in the General Tijuana Hospital, Mexico, a hospital for the exclusive recruitment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The investigators present a prospective randomized study of 231 participants that was carried out for 9 weeks (during the declaration of a pandemic). The "experimental" group was instructed to do mouthwash and nose rinse with the AgNPs solution; the "control" group was instructed to do mouthwashes and nose rinse in a conventional way.

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women health workers in the General Tijuana Hospital, Mexico who works in high-risk areas with direct contact with patients infected and diagnosed with COVID-19.

Exclusion criteria

• persons with history of hypersensitivity to silver (rashes and other contraindications),
• a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the three months prior to the start of the study, any respiratory distress,
• and refusal to sign the informed consent.