Medical & Clinical Research

Author(s): Giovanni Belcaro*, Umberto Cornelli, Maria Rosaria Cesarone, Roberto Cotellese, Mark Dugall, Ezio Bombardelli, Marcello Corsi and David Cox

This concept, pilot study evaluated the effects of some bactericidal products in vivo to evaluate the presence of Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) in throat swabs. With this model, if an asymptomatic subject is swab-positive, bactericidal products can be used (i.e., for 3 to 7 days) and the positivity re-evaluated to define the direct killing power of the product.

Results: A progressive decrease in positivity in the swab samples was observed. Bactericidal products (Phytorelief, in 2 formulations, baicalin, rifampin and benzydamine produced the disappearance of positivity in most subjects at 3-7 days. All oral bactericidal used in this pilot registry resulted effective in killing bacteria in >85% of cases. The pharmaceutical form (gummy, slow release lozenges) of Phytorelief seems to be important to assure persisting traces of the bactericidal/virucidal in the mouth. Phytorelief lozenges in 2 formulations, possibly, produced the longest action (>3 hours) due to the slower release of the substances (mainly pomegranate and ginger) in the product.

Conclusions: These preliminary observations indicate a significant effect on Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus as previously seen on the viral contamination of the mouth (in COVID-positive subjects) with a relatively simple, cost-effective human model. The lower presence of a bacterial and virus charge (load) and its decrease may reduce contagiousness of most of these patients and possibly, the spread of bacterial/viral material from the mouth. The effects on the evolution of infections on single patients is, at the moment, not fully predictable with this model but oral bactericidal and virucidals may assume a significant community value in preventing and controlling spreading.