Vaccination remains the first choice to control the spread of delta and other variants of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Abstract

Before institution of universal patient surveillance, patients detected outside the isolation ward over a 6-month period (January-June 2020) spent an average of 16.5 hours (N = 32; SD, 9.76) in the general ward prior to isolation, with 68 inpatient close contacts identified; 1 inpatient's close contact subsequently tested positive within the incubation period. 8,9 During the universal surveillance period, asymptomatic inpatients spent an average of 2 hours (N = 5; SD, 1.87) prior to isolation, a difference that was statistically significant (−14.6; 95% CI, −23.5 to −5.6; P = .002). In total, 26 inpatient close contacts were identified and placed under quarantine; none tested positive.In conclusion, institution of RRT for all HCWs as well as universal screening for COVID-19 in all inpatients during a 6-week period of increased transmission in the surrounding community detected additional asymptomatic cases among HCWs and inpatients. Although the yield of testing was not high, earlier detection of asymptomatic inpatient cases allowed for faster isolation, limiting potential exposure. No clusters of COVID-19 infections were seeded among staff or patients during a period of heightened risk. Although RRT and universal screening for all inpatients is resource intensive (Fig. 1c), there may be a role for such measures during increased community transmission, given that healthcare institutions are inextricably intertwined with their neighboring communities.

Computational Analysis Reveals Monomethylated Triazolopyrimidine as a Novel Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp)

“…Regarding 5-methyl-6-nitro-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-one monohydrate, (synthetic TP derivative similar to Comp-1 in chemical strucutre), its L-arginine salt was granted permission (Russian patent: RU2586283C1) to treat severe viral infections in Russia, and it has shown an impressive pharmacological profile for antiviral activity [ 37 ]. Although vaccines are the first choice of control against SARS-CoV-2 [ 48 ], triazolopyrimidine-derivative compounds can help to treat COVID-19.…”

Perspective Chapter: Tracking Trails of SARS CoV-2 – Variants to Therapy

“…The currently available data indicate that while variants do pose a real threat to vaccine effectiveness, the available vaccines remain potent tools in fighting the pandemic. But researchers and public health experts also stress, that there will be more SARS-CoV-2 variants [92]. This underscores the importance of a global approach to surveillance, tracking, and vaccine development.…”

“…In early January 2021, there were 250 samples a week that were being sequenced. In addition, CDC, NIH, vaccine procedures, and other groups are already discussing and collecting data on various vaccine strategies for combatting variants [92]. One potential strategy is a booster shot that would expose the human body to viral spike protein from the newer, resistant variant.…”

Environmental Contamination of SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC by COVID-19 Patients Staying in the Hospital for More Than Two Weeks

“…1 Since the Delta variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in India in October 2020, it had been identified as the variant of concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) and affected more than 80 countries. 4 Since Delta VOC is more virulent, the patients infected have about twice the risk of hospital admission compared with those infected with Alpha VOC. 5 The Delta VOC also shows a prolonged viral shedding, compared with the wild-type.…”