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Nguyen TT, Zeger WG, Wadman MC, Schnaubelt AT, Barksdale AN. Pandemic driven innovation: A pilot evaluation of an alternative respiratory pathogen collection device. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 61:111-116. [PMID: 36087464 PMCID: PMC9423874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion
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2
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Crowe J, Schnaubelt AT, SchmidtBonne S, Angell K, Bai J, Eske T, Nicklin M, Pratt C, White B, Crotts-Hannibal B, Staffend N, Herrera V, Cobb J, Conner J, Carstens J, Tempero J, Bouda L, Ray M, Lawler JV, Campbell WS, Lowe JM, Santarpia J, Bartelt-Hunt S, Wiley M, Brett-Major D, Logan C, Broadhurst MJ. Assessment of a Program for SARS-CoV-2 Screening and Environmental Monitoring in an Urban Public School District. JAMA Netw Open 2021. [PMID: 34550382 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.14.21255036v1%0a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Scalable programs for school-based SARS-CoV-2 testing and surveillance are needed to guide in-person learning practices and inform risk assessments in kindergarten through 12th grade settings. OBJECTIVES To characterize SARS-CoV-2 infections in staff and students in an urban public school setting and evaluate test-based strategies to support ongoing risk assessment and mitigation for kindergarten through 12th grade in-person learning. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This pilot quality improvement program engaged 3 schools in Omaha, Nebraska, for weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing of staff and students participating in in-person learning over a 5-week period from November 9 to December 11, 2020. Wastewater, air, and surface samples were collected weekly and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA to evaluate surrogacy for case detection and interrogate transmission risk of in-building activities. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva and environmental samples and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS A total of 2885 supervised, self-collected saliva samples were tested from 458 asymptomatic staff members (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [12.4] years; 303 women [66.2%]; 25 Black or African American [5.5%], 83 Hispanic [18.1%], 312 White [68.1%], and 35 other or not provided [7.6%]) and 315 students (mean age, 14.2 [0.7] years; 151 female students [48%]; 20 Black or African American [6.3%], 201 Hispanic [63.8%], 75 White [23.8%], and 19 other race or not provided [6.0%]). A total of 46 cases of SARS-CoV-2 (22 students and 24 staff members) were detected, representing an increase in cumulative case detection rates from 1.2% (12 of 1000) to 7.0% (70 of 1000) among students and from 2.1% (21 of 1000) to 5.3% (53 of 1000) among staff compared with conventional reporting mechanisms during the pilot period. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in wastewater samples from all pilot schools as well as in air samples collected from 2 choir rooms. Sequencing of 21 viral genomes in saliva specimens demonstrated minimal clustering associated with 1 school. Geographical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases reported district-wide demonstrated higher community risk in zip codes proximal to the pilot schools. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study of staff and students in 3 urban public schools in Omaha, Nebraska, weekly screening of asymptomatic staff and students by saliva polymerase chain reaction testing was associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, exceeding infection rates reported at the county level. Experiences differed among schools, and virus sequencing and geographical analyses suggested a dynamic interplay of school-based and community-derived transmission risk. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the performance and community value of test-based SARS-CoV-2 screening and surveillance strategies in the kindergarten through 12th grade educational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Crowe
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andy T Schnaubelt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Kathleen Angell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julia Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Teresa Eske
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Catherine Pratt
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Bailey White
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Nicholas Staffend
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Vicki Herrera
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Jennifer Conner
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julie Carstens
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Jonell Tempero
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Lori Bouda
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Matthew Ray
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - James V Lawler
- Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - W Scott Campbell
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - John-Martin Lowe
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Joshua Santarpia
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Michael Wiley
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - David Brett-Major
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - M Jana Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
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3
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Crowe J, Schnaubelt AT, SchmidtBonne S, Angell K, Bai J, Eske T, Nicklin M, Pratt C, White B, Crotts-Hannibal B, Staffend N, Herrera V, Cobb J, Conner J, Carstens J, Tempero J, Bouda L, Ray M, Lawler JV, Campbell WS, Lowe JM, Santarpia J, Bartelt-Hunt S, Wiley M, Brett-Major D, Logan C, Broadhurst MJ. Assessment of a Program for SARS-CoV-2 Screening and Environmental Monitoring in an Urban Public School District. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2126447. [PMID: 34550382 PMCID: PMC8459193 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.26447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Scalable programs for school-based SARS-CoV-2 testing and surveillance are needed to guide in-person learning practices and inform risk assessments in kindergarten through 12th grade settings. Objectives To characterize SARS-CoV-2 infections in staff and students in an urban public school setting and evaluate test-based strategies to support ongoing risk assessment and mitigation for kindergarten through 12th grade in-person learning. Design, Setting, and Participants This pilot quality improvement program engaged 3 schools in Omaha, Nebraska, for weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing of staff and students participating in in-person learning over a 5-week period from November 9 to December 11, 2020. Wastewater, air, and surface samples were collected weekly and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA to evaluate surrogacy for case detection and interrogate transmission risk of in-building activities. Main Outcomes and Measures SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva and environmental samples and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results A total of 2885 supervised, self-collected saliva samples were tested from 458 asymptomatic staff members (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [12.4] years; 303 women [66.2%]; 25 Black or African American [5.5%], 83 Hispanic [18.1%], 312 White [68.1%], and 35 other or not provided [7.6%]) and 315 students (mean age, 14.2 [0.7] years; 151 female students [48%]; 20 Black or African American [6.3%], 201 Hispanic [63.8%], 75 White [23.8%], and 19 other race or not provided [6.0%]). A total of 46 cases of SARS-CoV-2 (22 students and 24 staff members) were detected, representing an increase in cumulative case detection rates from 1.2% (12 of 1000) to 7.0% (70 of 1000) among students and from 2.1% (21 of 1000) to 5.3% (53 of 1000) among staff compared with conventional reporting mechanisms during the pilot period. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in wastewater samples from all pilot schools as well as in air samples collected from 2 choir rooms. Sequencing of 21 viral genomes in saliva specimens demonstrated minimal clustering associated with 1 school. Geographical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases reported district-wide demonstrated higher community risk in zip codes proximal to the pilot schools. Conclusions and Relevance In this study of staff and students in 3 urban public schools in Omaha, Nebraska, weekly screening of asymptomatic staff and students by saliva polymerase chain reaction testing was associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, exceeding infection rates reported at the county level. Experiences differed among schools, and virus sequencing and geographical analyses suggested a dynamic interplay of school-based and community-derived transmission risk. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the performance and community value of test-based SARS-CoV-2 screening and surveillance strategies in the kindergarten through 12th grade educational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Crowe
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andy T. Schnaubelt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Kathleen Angell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julia Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Teresa Eske
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Catherine Pratt
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Bailey White
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Nicholas Staffend
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Vicki Herrera
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Jennifer Conner
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julie Carstens
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Jonell Tempero
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Lori Bouda
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Matthew Ray
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - James V. Lawler
- Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - W. Scott Campbell
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - John-Martin Lowe
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Joshua Santarpia
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Michael Wiley
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - David Brett-Major
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - M. Jana Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
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Crowe J, Schnaubelt AT, SchmidtBonne S, Angell K, Bai J, Eske T, Nicklin M, Pratt C, White B, Crotts-Hannibal B, Staffend N, Herrera V, Cobb J, Conner J, Carstens J, Tempero J, Bouda L, Ray M, Lawler JV, Campbell WS, Lowe JM, Santarpia J, Bartelt-Hunt S, Wiley M, Brett-Major D, Logan C, Broadhurst MJ. Assessment of a Program for SARS-CoV-2 Screening and Environmental Monitoring in an Urban Public School District. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2126447. [PMID: 34550382 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.14.21255036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Scalable programs for school-based SARS-CoV-2 testing and surveillance are needed to guide in-person learning practices and inform risk assessments in kindergarten through 12th grade settings. OBJECTIVES To characterize SARS-CoV-2 infections in staff and students in an urban public school setting and evaluate test-based strategies to support ongoing risk assessment and mitigation for kindergarten through 12th grade in-person learning. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This pilot quality improvement program engaged 3 schools in Omaha, Nebraska, for weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing of staff and students participating in in-person learning over a 5-week period from November 9 to December 11, 2020. Wastewater, air, and surface samples were collected weekly and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA to evaluate surrogacy for case detection and interrogate transmission risk of in-building activities. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva and environmental samples and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS A total of 2885 supervised, self-collected saliva samples were tested from 458 asymptomatic staff members (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [12.4] years; 303 women [66.2%]; 25 Black or African American [5.5%], 83 Hispanic [18.1%], 312 White [68.1%], and 35 other or not provided [7.6%]) and 315 students (mean age, 14.2 [0.7] years; 151 female students [48%]; 20 Black or African American [6.3%], 201 Hispanic [63.8%], 75 White [23.8%], and 19 other race or not provided [6.0%]). A total of 46 cases of SARS-CoV-2 (22 students and 24 staff members) were detected, representing an increase in cumulative case detection rates from 1.2% (12 of 1000) to 7.0% (70 of 1000) among students and from 2.1% (21 of 1000) to 5.3% (53 of 1000) among staff compared with conventional reporting mechanisms during the pilot period. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in wastewater samples from all pilot schools as well as in air samples collected from 2 choir rooms. Sequencing of 21 viral genomes in saliva specimens demonstrated minimal clustering associated with 1 school. Geographical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases reported district-wide demonstrated higher community risk in zip codes proximal to the pilot schools. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study of staff and students in 3 urban public schools in Omaha, Nebraska, weekly screening of asymptomatic staff and students by saliva polymerase chain reaction testing was associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, exceeding infection rates reported at the county level. Experiences differed among schools, and virus sequencing and geographical analyses suggested a dynamic interplay of school-based and community-derived transmission risk. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the performance and community value of test-based SARS-CoV-2 screening and surveillance strategies in the kindergarten through 12th grade educational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Crowe
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andy T Schnaubelt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Kathleen Angell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julia Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Teresa Eske
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Catherine Pratt
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Bailey White
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Nicholas Staffend
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Vicki Herrera
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Jennifer Conner
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julie Carstens
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Jonell Tempero
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Lori Bouda
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Matthew Ray
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - James V Lawler
- Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - W Scott Campbell
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - John-Martin Lowe
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Joshua Santarpia
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Michael Wiley
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - David Brett-Major
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - M Jana Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
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Sagar S, Rathinavel AK, Lutz WE, Struble LR, Khurana S, Schnaubelt AT, Mishra NK, Guda C, Palermo NY, Broadhurst MJ, Hoffmann T, Bayles KW, Reid SPM, Borgstahl GEO, Radhakrishnan P. Bromelain inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection via targeting ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and spike protein. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e281. [PMID: 33635001 PMCID: PMC7811777 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satish Sagar
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Ashok Kumar Rathinavel
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - William E. Lutz
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Lucas R. Struble
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Surender Khurana
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDASilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Andy T. Schnaubelt
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Nitish Kumar Mishra
- Department of GeneticsCell Biology and AnatomyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of GeneticsCell Biology and AnatomyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Nicholas Y. Palermo
- Computational Chemistry CoreUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Mara J. Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Tobias Hoffmann
- Advanced Light and Electron MicroscopyCentre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 4 (ZBS 4)Robert Koch InstituteBerlinGermany
| | - Kenneth W. Bayles
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - St. Patrick M. Reid
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Gloria E. O. Borgstahl
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Prakash Radhakrishnan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Department of GeneticsCell Biology and AnatomyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
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Sagar S, Rathinavel AK, Lutz WE, Struble LR, Khurana S, Schnaubelt AT, Mishra NK, Guda C, Broadhurst MJ, Reid SPM, Bayles KW, Borgstahl GEO, Radhakrishnan P. Bromelain Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Infection in VeroE6 Cells. bioRxiv 2020:2020.09.16.297366. [PMID: 32995771 PMCID: PMC7523097 DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.16.297366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The initial interaction between Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) primed SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) is a pre-requisite step for this novel coronavirus pathogenesis. Here, we expressed a GFP-tagged SARS-CoV-2 S-Ectodomain in Tni insect cells. That contained sialic acid-enriched N- and O-glycans. Surface resonance plasmon (SPR) and Luminex assay showed that the purified S-Ectodomain binding to human ACE-2 and immunoreactivity with COVID-19 positive samples. We demonstrate that bromelain (isolated from pineapple stem and used as a dietary supplement) treatment diminishes the expression of ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 in VeroE6 cells and dramatically lowers the expression of S-Ectodomain. Importantly, bromelain treatment reduced the interaction between S-Ectodomain and VeroE6 cells. Most importantly, bromelain treatment significantly diminished the SARS-CoV-2 infection in VeroE6 cells. Altogether, our results suggest that bromelain or bromelain rich pineapple stem may be used as an antiviral against COVID-19. HIGHLIGHTS Bromelain inhibits / cleaves the expression of ACE-2 and TMPRSS2Bromelain cleaves / degrades SARS-CoV-2 spike proteinBromelain inhibits S-Ectodomain binding and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Sagar
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - Ashok Kumar Rathinavel
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - William E. Lutz
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - Lucas R. Struble
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - Surender Khurana
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20871, USA
| | - Andy T Schnaubelt
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - Nitish Kumar Mishra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - Mara J. Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - St. Patrick M. Reid
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - Kenneth W. Bayles
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
| | - Gloria E. O. Borgstahl
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA 68198
| | - Prakash Radhakrishnan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA 68198
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA 68198
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