The use of copper to help prevent transmission of SARS-coronavirus and influenza viruses. A general review

Abstract

Objectives The SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 disease a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Its main transmission pathway is through large respiratory droplets, as well as direct and indirect contact. Copper in different format has been used in research and clinical settings to reduce the risk of bacterial and viral contamination. Therefore, this review aims to search for evidence about the biocidal properties of copper over coronaviridae family. Methods A literature review using PubMed and Ovid servers without date or language restrictions. The search was carried out on March 7 th , 2020 using the following search terms [Copper] Coronavirus OR CoV OR SARS OR MERS OR Influenza. Results Copper destroys the replication and propagation abilities of SARS-CoV, influenza and other respiratory viruses, having high potential disinfection in hospitals, communities, and households. Copper can eliminate pathogenic organisms such as coronavirus bacterial strains, influenza virus, HIV, and fungi after a short period of exposure. Conclusions Copper seems to be an effective and low-cost complementary strategy to help to reduce the transmission of several infectious diseases by limiting nosocomial infectious transmission. Copper oxide or nano-compounds may be used as filters, face masks, clothing and hospital common surfaces to reduce viruses and bacterial incubation.

The effects of some essential and toxic metals/metalloids in COVID-19: A review

“…Recently, Cortes and Zuñiga (2020) reviewed the scientific literature about the use of copper to prevent the potential transmission of influenza viruses and SARS-coronaviruses. According to these authors, the published data would support the use of this essential metal to inactivate viruses and a wide range of microorganisms.…”

Copper-impregnated three-layer mask efficiently inactivates SARS-CoV2

“…The SARS-CoV-2 was inactivated by 99.9% in 1 h when exposed to Cu 2 O coated glass surfaces ( Behzadinasab et al, 2020 ), whereas 99.8% and 99.9% inactivation efficacy was observed for CuO coated solid surface in 30 min and 1 h exposure respectively ( Hosseini et al, 2021 ). A few reports have demonstrated Cu 2+ oxidative state in the form of CuS nanoparticles has demonstrated significant levels of antiviral properties against human Norovirus-like particles ( Broglie et al, 2015 ; Cortes and Zuñiga, 2020 ). However, potential attributions of Cu 2+ or S -2 were not elaborated.…”

COVID-19 Therapy: Could a Copper Derivative of Chlorophyll a Be Used to Treat Lymphopenia Associated With Severe Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 Infection?

“…Moreover, the synergistic effect of inhibiting cytokine production and preventing destruction of T lymphocytes by increasing peripheral blood lymphocyte levels could also block overproduction of cytokines capable of suppressing an inflammatory reaction and the life-threatening pro-inflammatory cytokine storm (36). Additionally, as is known for copper and other chlorophyll a compounds, SCC may also act as an anti-viral agent (15). Therefore, maintaining homeostasis of the haematopoietic production of peripheral blood leukocytes, primarily of lymphocytes (46), may reduce the likelihood of disease progression to extreme severity.…”

“…SSC exhibits significant anti-viral properties against a number of pathogenic viruses including the causative agents of highly infectious respiratory diseases such as influenza (14). A recent review suggested that in common with other copper-based compounds SCC could act as an anti-viral agent in the treatment of COVID-19 (15).…”