The Role of Chlorhexidine in Minimizing the Viral Load Among COVID-19 Patients

Existing evidence confirmed that saliva and oral cavity to be a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. In dental clinic aerosol-producing-procedures pose a significant risk for transmission of the infection . It is very important to minimize the risk of transmission in dental office reducing the load of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva if possible, in suspect or conformed cases. Preprocedural mouth rises have been used widely to minimize the number of oral microorganisms. Multiple studies confirmed the efficacy of those mouth rinses in reducing the possibility of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection .

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the coronaviruses such as (SARS \& MERS) which are commonly known for causing severe respiratory illnesses. SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be the leading cause of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) . On March 11th 2020, the WHO announced that SARS-CoV-2 is a global pandemic. Based on COVID-19 Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Dashboard, globally, as of April 5th 2021, there have been more than 131 million confirmed cases of the disease including more than 2 million deaths. Nationally, as of April 5th 2021, there have been 392,682 confirmed cases including 6,697 deaths .

The diagnosis of COVID-19 involves molecular testing which is the gold standard and the WHO most recommended method of diagnosis. SARS-CoV-2 seemed to be very contagious and the chances of its transmission even before any symptoms occur are very high. It has been documented that COVID-19 disease incubation period to range between 1-14 days, most reported to be between 3 to 7 days with some evidence suggested the incubation period of 5 days. Evidence concerned about the spread of infection due to missed screened cases especially when individuals are unaware of their infection status and didn't show any symptoms yet.

Existing evidence confirmed that saliva and oral cavity to be a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 . Multiple studies suggested SARS-CoV-2 to be airborne infection, and get transmitted through aerosols. In dental clinic aerosol-producing-procedures pose a significant risk for transmission of the infection. It is very important to minimize the risk of transmission in dental office reducing the load of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva if possible, in suspect or conformed cases. Preprocedural mouth rises have been used widely to minimize the number of oral microorganisms. Multiple studies confirmed the efficacy of those mouth rinses in reducing the possibility of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection .

The aim of our study is to determine the efficacy of different mouthwash in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva of COVID-19 confirmed cases compared with tap water.

The objectives of the study are to determine the viral load, assess the cases clinical information \& disease manifestation, plus the cases demographic characteristics believed to have an influence on the disease characteristics.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* A history of positive nasal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 based on reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of allergy to any of the products that will be used
* known pregnancy
* Renal failure