Prophylaxis and Remediation for Future Pandemic Pathogens-(Lessons from a Post-COVID World)

Mark E Obrenovich; Moncef B Tayahi; Caryn L Heidt; Steven N Emancipator

doi:10.3390/microorganisms10122407

Prophylaxis and Remediation for Future Pandemic Pathogens-(Lessons from a Post-COVID World)

Microorganisms. 2022 Dec 5;10(12):2407. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10122407.

Authors

Mark E Obrenovich^{1

2

3

4

5

6}, Moncef B Tayahi^{3

7}, Caryn L Heidt^{8

9}, Steven N Emancipator¹⁰

Affiliations

¹ Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Research Service, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
² Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
³ The Gilgamesh Foundation for Medical Science and Research, Cleveland, OH 44116, USA.
⁴ Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
⁵ Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.
⁶ Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.
⁷ Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 43145, USA.
⁸ Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA.
⁹ Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA.
¹⁰ Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

Abstract

Since influenza and coronaviruses are currently deadly and emerging threats worldwide, better treatment, remediation and prevention options are needed. In that regard, a basic understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2/COVID-19 (Betacoronaviridae) and other viral pathogen mechanisms of transmission are expected. Unfortunately, unprecedented, and growing distrust of vaccines and even masks or personal protective equipment (PPE) in the United States and elsewhere presents itself as an added challenge. We postulate that development of improved and highly effective prophylactic measures, together with new life-saving therapies that do inhibit or otherwise treat infection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza and other viral pathogens, could be an adjunct measure to globally protect vulnerable individuals from pandemic threats. In this review, we share what we learned from the past COVID experience to offer a multifactorial and improved approach to current and future pandemic infections or threats using low-cost means.

Keywords: COVID preparedness; COVID-19; PPE prophylactic; SARS-CoV-2; isoelectric point; pandemic; personal protective equipment; virucidal coatings.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.