The study proposes to test photodisinfection (PDF) on SARS-CoV-2 in the nose. The study will use Health Canada approved Steriwave™ Nasal Decolonization (ND) in he nostril of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Participants are swabbed for SARS-CoV-2 before and after the PDF treatment. For the study, a small group of healthcare workers who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 will be included. They will not undergo the treatment but will need to swab their noses multiple times over the next 5 days. This nil group will provide the effect (if any) of swabbing SARS-CoV-2 levels in the nose.
The study proposes to test photodisinfetion (PDF) on levels of SARS-CoV-2 in the nose. The
study will use Health Canada approved Steriwave™ Nasal Decolonization (ND) in patients
infected with SARS-CoV-2 . Currrently, PDF is being used at some institutions before surgery
to lower the risk of postoperative infection. PDF uses a Methylene Blue (MB) nasal spray,
followed by 5 minutes of red-light exposure through a small light-diffusing applicator. This
will need to be placed into each nostril. Participants are swabbed for SARS-CoV-2 before and
after treatment. In addition to the patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, there will also
be a small group of healthcare workers who have tested positive that will be included. Though
they are not undergoing treatment, they will swab their own noses multiple times over a
period of 5 days. This will allow us to evaluate the effect (if any) of swabbing on
SARS-CoV-2 levels in the nose. The study hypothesis is that MB-mediated PDF will show the
ability to kill SARS-CoV-2 which will consequently confirm its efficacy as a first line
defense against the virus.
Other: Methylene-Blue Photodisinfection
Participants will receive a pre-treatment nasal swab followed MB-PDF, this involves an MB nasal spray, followed by five minutes of red-light exposure into each nostril. Ten minutes after the treatment, a post treatment nasal swab will be performed.
Inclusion Criteria (patient population):
- Recent SARS-CoV-2+ diagnosis
- Present in hospital
Inclusion Criteria (healthcare workers):
- Recent SARS-CoV-2+ diagnosis
- Ability to self-administer nasal swabs
Exclusion Criteria (patient population):
- Immediate requirement for intubation (i.e. emergency airway) or inability to maintain
independent oral airway
Exclusion Criteria (healthcare workers):
- None
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cari Whyne, PhD, Principal Investigator
Sunnybrook Research Institute