Therapeutic and Diagnostic Approaches by using Nanotechnology in SARS-CoV-2 Infections

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 infection is a universal threat in recent days, hence early diagnosis and treatment play a pivotal role in controlling the spread thereby preventing them to become endemic. A newer promising approach by Nanotechnology plays an essential role in targeting the specific pathogens for therapeutic and diagnosis of Viral infection. Certain Nano platforms like Microneedle array delivered Virus S1 subunit vaccines, spike protein nanoparticles, Lumazine synthase Nanoparticles, Silver Nanoparticles, Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles against Viral therapy are the upcoming applications as a therapeutic approach. Nucleic acid amplification techniques and Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy shows a high specificity with the immunoassay strategy. In recent days, Colloidal Gold – Nanoparticles and silicon nanoparticles have been widely used as a point of care for quick detection of IgG and IgM antibodies obtained from the virus as a diagnostic approach. Additionally, the Nanoparticles serve as a significant improvement in Personal Protective Equipment and protect against exposure to the virus. As a result of repurposing as well as for the development of the drug, apparently, Nanoparticles themselves and their concomitant therapy or their carriers will be advantageous in making a therapeutic and diagnostic approach against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 infections

Association of Robust Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Trajectories among Communities with and without COVID-19 Infection

Globally, 767 million people have been affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection and nearly a population of 6.94 million were deceased as per the World Health Organization (WHO) as of June 7, 2023. In India, the spreading of infections is now being restricted by the use of BBV-152 (CovaxinTM) and ChAdOx1-nCOV (CovishieldTM) vaccines. The present study comprises 327 candidates and Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) was used as a quantitative analytical tool to detect IgG and IgM antibodies. Out of 327 candidates, 177 (54.1%) were vaccinated and 150 (45.9%) were non-vaccinated. Among vaccinated and non-vaccinated candidates, 49 (27.7%%) and 44 (29.3%) had a history of infection, respectively; meanwhile, most of the study participants were immunized with CovishieldTM (n=145, 81.9%) and 18.1% (n=32) were immunized with CovaxinTM. There were insignificant differences observed among immunized as well as non-immunized study participants in considering median age, gender, age categories, IgM levels, or IgM seropositivity. Predictably, there was an important variation in IgG median values and IgG positivity noticed among the immunized and non-immunized categories as well as between populations with and without preceding infections. Our research is hence coherent with prospective requirements for booster shots to assist in controlling the rate of infections and fatality rates together throughout the pandemic conditions

Impact of Multistrain Probiotic Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—Randomized Controlled Trial

Hyperglycemia, a key characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), highlights the need for effective management strategies. This study aims to analyze the impact of multistrain probiotic supplementation on glycemic control in T2DM patients. During a 24-week randomized controlled trial involving 130 participants, subjects were assigned to either a probiotic group or a placebo group. The key outcomes included fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and lipid profiles, assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The results indicated a significant reduction in HbA1c (p = 0.004) and increased HDL-c (p = 0.023) and improvements in lipid profiles in the probiotic group, alongside a trend toward decreased FBG and PPBG. No serious adverse effects were reported, indicating good tolerance of probiotics. These findings suggest that probiotics may positively influence metabolic parameters in T2DM patients, supporting their potential as a complementary dietary intervention. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and enhance probiotic formulations for diabetic control

Advancing cryptococcal treatment: The role of nanoparticles in mitigating antifungal resistance

Cryptococcus, a ubiquitous and formidable fungal pathogen, contributes to a substantial global disease burden, with nearly 250,000 cases and 181,000 fatalities attributed to cryptococcal meningitis annually worldwide. The invasive nature of Cryptococcus presents significant challenges in treatment and management, as it mostly affects vulnerable populations, including HIV patients, organ transplant recipients, pregnant women, and elderly individuals. Moreover, these difficulties are exacerbated by the development of antifungal resistance, which emphasizes the need for efficient control measures. In this context, research efforts focusing on infection control and novel therapeutic strategies become paramount. Nanoparticle-based therapies emerge as a solution, offering advanced antifungal properties and improved efficacy. Developing effective treatment options requires understanding the complex landscape of cryptococcal infections and the innovative potential of nanoparticle-based therapies. This review highlights the urgent need for novel strategies to combat the growing threat posed by antifungal resistance while offering insights into the intricate realm of cryptococcal infections, particularly focusing on the promising role of nanoparticle-based therapies

Analysis of Robust Immune Response among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Individuals against SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

The pandemic on SARS-CoV-2 infection has adversely impacted mankind all over the globe and more importantly, amidst individuals having Type-2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) as well as among those who produce SARS-CoV-2 intricacies. Humoral and T cell-mediated immunity are adaptive immunity has a pivotal role to play in removing pathogens, comprising SARS-CoV-2. The infected cells are being eliminated by the primarily cytotoxic CD8+ T cells as well as certain antibodies in opposition to SARS-CoV-2 among humoral immunological responses possess the capacity for neutralizing this virus or by eliminating the infected cells with the support of cytotoxic in order to manage the progression of the disease. This cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2022 to December 2022. The serum samples were used to analyze SARS-CoV-2 total Ab among individuals having and not having T2DM and several metabolic risk factors like hypertension using WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Total Ab ELISA Kit. There were 354 individuals, of which 141 (39.8%) had T2DM and 213 (60.2%) were nondiabetic patients. T2DM showed reduced antibody levels (average 5 AU/ml) than those without diabetes (average 12 AU/ml). SARS-CoV2 total antibody levels are considerably lower in hypertension patients (8 AU/ml) over those who are normotensive (14 AU/ml). The present study implies that the continuous monitoring of the total antibody profile of SARS-CoV-2 that may be a practical strategy to help individuals with T2DM and hypertension to determine their need of precautionary doses for sustaining SARS-CoV-2 vaccines by producing immunity for protection against infections

Efficacy of Green Synthesised Iron Oxide Nanoparticles against Various Uropathogens: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The shoot up of antimicrobial resistance leading to the Multidrug Resistance (MDR) phenomenon in clinical pathogens has forced us to develop novel technologies to cease this global threat immediately. Iron oxide nanoparticles can be a breakthrough solution to this dilemma due to its magnetic properties and biocompatibility. Non toxic and biocompatible applications of magnetic nanoparticles can be enriched further by special surface coating with organic or inorganic molecules. Aim: To determine the antibacterial activity of green synthesised iron oxide nanoparticles against various clinical isolates. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June 2021 to April 2022. This study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SRMMCH&RC), Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. Nanoparticles underwent surface modifications and characterisation using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Ultraviolet (UV) Visible Absorption Spectra, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) followed by charge characterisation through agarose gel electrophoresis. Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method was used for screening the sensitivity and resistance pattern of 50 selected isolates and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was assessed using MIC Microbroth Dilution technique with the help of resazurin. Tukey post-hoc multiple comparisons test to analyse the zone of inhibition of antibacterial efficacy. Results: Out of the four different concentrations of bare and coated nanoparticles (0.0375 mg/mL, 0.07 mg/mL, 0.15 mg/mL, 0.3 mg/mL), bare nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at 0.3 mg/mL while citrate coated nanoparticles inhibited the growth at 0.15 mg/mL, 0.018 mg/mL, 0.0375 mg/mL, 0.07 mg/mL, and 0.15 mg/mL dilutions were used in case of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR K. pneumoniae) and MDR Escherichia coli, from which both organisms were inhibited at 0.15 mg/mL of bare and coated nanoparticles. Conclusion: Iron nanoparticles synthesised from the marine algae Chaetomorpha antennina could be used in the future as a drug carrier or as an antimicrobial agent

Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Efficacy against Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Bloodstream Infections

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) poses a significant threat to global public health by rendering traditional antibiotic treatments ineffective. The increasing resistance to carbapenems and other critical antibiotics highlights an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Methods: We analyzed 180 Gram-negative bacilli isolates from blood specimens, of which 30 were identified as CRKP. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted to determine resistance patterns, while genotypic analysis was performed to detect carbapenemase genes, including blaOXA-48, blaVIM, and blaNDM. In addition, we investigated the antibacterial potential of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) synthesized through green methods using Chaetomorpha antennina (C. antennina). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for both bare and capped nanoparticles was determined to assess their effectiveness against CRKP. Results: The CRKP isolates exhibited total resistance to carbapenems, cefepime, ceftazidime, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Genotypic analysis revealed the presence of blaOXA-48 in 100% of isolates, blaVIM in 93%, and blaNDM in 70%, indicating a diverse array of carbapenemase genes. The green-synthesized IONPs demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against CRKP, with a MIC of 0.15 mg/mL, effectively reducing genomic resistance in the tested isolates. Conclusion: This study underscores the alarming prevalence of antibiotic resistance in CRKP and highlights the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. The promising results from the use of IONPs synthesized from C. antennina suggest that sustainable nanotechnology could be a viable intervention to combat carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae. These findings warrant further investigation into nanoparticle-based therapies for multidrug-resistant organisms