Abstract
Background
Aerosols released from the oral cavity help spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The use of a mouthwash formulated with an antiviral agent could reduce the viral load in saliva, helping to lower the spread of the virus.
Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a mouthwash with 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride to reduce the viral load in saliva of COVID-19 patients.
Material and Methods
In this multi-centre, single-blind, randomised, parallel group clinical trial, 80 COVID-19 patients were enrolled and randomised to two groups, test (N=40) and placebo (N=40). Saliva samples were collected at baseline and 2 hours after rinsing. The samples were analysed by RT-qPCR and an ELISA test specific for the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2.
Results
By means of RT-qPCR, no significant differences were observed between the placebo group and the test group. However, 2 hours after a single rinse N protein concentration in saliva was significantly higher in the test group, indicating an increase in lysed virus.
Conclusions
The use of 0.07% CPC mouthwash induced a significant increase in N protein detection in the saliva of COVID-19 patients. Lysis of the virus in the mouth could help reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. However, more studies are required to prove this.
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