Treatment of infection and inflammation associated with COVID-19, multi-drug resistant pneumonia and fungal sinusitis by nebulizing a nanosilver solution.

ABSTRACT

Solutions containing Ag0 nanoclusters, Ag+1, and higher oxidation state silver, generated from nanocrystalline silver dressings, were anti-inflammatory against porcine skin inflammation. The dressings have clinically-demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, suggesting application of nanosilver solutions in treating pulmonary infection. Nanosilver solutions were tested for antimicrobial efficacy; against HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2; and nebulized in rats with acute pneumonia. Patients with pneumonia (ventilated), fungal sinusitis, burns plus COVID-19, and two non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 received nebulized nanosilver solution. Nanosilver solutions demonstrated pH-dependent antimicrobial efficacy; reduced infection and inflammation without evidence of lung toxicity in the rat model; and inactivated HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Pneumonia patients had rapidly reduced pulmonary symptoms, recovering pre-illness respiratory function. Fungal sinusitis-related inflammation decreased immediately with infection clearance within 21 days. Non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 experienced rapid symptom remission. Nanosilver solutions, due to anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activity, may be effective for treating respiratory inflammation and infections caused by viruses and/or microbes.