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Fraisse A, Guillier L, Cordevant C, Le Poder S, Perelle S, Martin-Latil S. Impedance-based method for the quantification of infectious SARS-CoV-2. J Virol Methods 2025; 333:115110. [PMID: 39855472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2025.115110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2025] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent involved in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The development of infectious titration methods is crucial to provide data for a better understanding of transmission routes, as well as to validate the efficacy of inactivation treatments. Nevertheless, the low-throughput analytical capacity of traditional methods may be a limiting factor for a large screening of samples. The aim of the study was to develop a Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) assay based on the measurement of cell impedance to quantify infectious SARS-CoV-2. The kinetics of cell impedance showed a virus-specific Cell Index (CI) drop. This enabled the correlation between viral concentrations and time at which a 50 % drop in CI values was observed (tCI50), with establishment of a standard curve. In parallel, the improved Spearman and Kärber method was used to quantify infectious titer since the virus-induced CI drop is correlated to the Cytopathic Effect. The estimated uncertainty was respectively 0.57, 0.36, and 0.26 log10 with 4, 8, and 16 wells per dilution. Thus, the RTCA assay is a powerful tool with a greatly simplified workflow for effective risk assessment in the field of food and environmental virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Fraisse
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratory for food safety, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France
| | - Laurent Guillier
- ANSES, Risk Assessment Department, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France
| | - Christophe Cordevant
- ANSES, Strategy and Programs Department, Research and Reference Division, Maisons-Alfort F-94 700, France
| | - Sophie Le Poder
- UMR VIROLOGIE, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France
| | - Sylvie Perelle
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratory for food safety, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France
| | - Sandra Martin-Latil
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratory for food safety, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France; UMR VIROLOGIE, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France.
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Santos RS, Lee DAB, Barreto MDS, Silva EED, de Jesus PC, Moura PHM, Silva DMRR, de Souza JB, Bezerra TL, Santos POM, Guimarães AG, Santana LADM, Prudencio CR, Borges LP. Rapid antigen detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in stray cats: A cross-sectional study. Vet World 2024; 17:1611-1618. [PMID: 39185047 PMCID: PMC11344112 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1611-1618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Although reverse zoonotic transmission events from humans to domestic cats have been described, there is currently little evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) circulation in stray cats. Due to the evidence of natural and experimental infections in cats and the capacity to disseminate the virus among them, this study aimed to identify the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in stray cats from the Federal University of Sergipe in Brazil. Materials and Methods One hundred twenty six stray cats from the university were screened for SARS-CoV-2 antigens by random sampling. Throat swab samples were tested for the virus using rapid antigen detection tests. Results Of the 126 animals tested, 30 (23.60%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antigens. To our knowledge, for the first time, this study detected the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in stray cats and confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Brazil's stray cat population. Conclusion The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats poses a risk for infected and healthy animals and possibly for humans who attend the university daily. As a limitation of the study, the small sample size necessitates caution when interpreting the results. This underscores the need for further research in this area to help control diseases in stray animals during potential pandemics. This highlights the need for monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus in stray animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Antônio Braga Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Taynar Lima Bezerra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Carlos Roberto Prudencio
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
- Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lysandro Pinto Borges
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
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Moura CRF, Garcia BCC, de Oliveira Ottone V, Brito PL, Silva TJ, Cantuária VL, de Oliveira DB, Rocha-Vieira E. SARS-CoV-2 genome incidence on the inanimate surface of the material used in the flow of biological samples from the collection point to the testing unit. Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:1369-1375. [PMID: 37882949 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite the undeniable effect of vaccination against COVID-19 in reducing disease severity, there is still a need to monitor and limit SARS-CoV-2 circulation and transmission. Thus, this study evaluated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome on the surfaces of highly touched objects manipulated in the biological sample collection point and at the reception unit of the diagnostic laboratory. Surfaces were sampled once a week, for 6 weeks, between September 18th and October 23rd, 2020. RT-qPCR was used for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The coolers for biological sample transportation and the envelope containing the patient form were the objects with the highest occurrence of viral genome detection, although it was detected in each object in only two of the 6 evaluations. And the SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected just once on the vehicle steering wheel, computer keyboard, bathroom door handle and disinfection bench. The virus genome was not detected in any object on three of the six evaluations. And eight was the largest number of surfaces contaminated by the virus genome on one occasion. The reduced incidence of object contamination by the SARS-CoV-2 genome can be explained by the exposure of the objects to environmental conditions and the adoption of virus-spread containment measures. It can also reflect the low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 during the study's development period. Despite the low frequency of SARS-CoV-2 genome detection, our findings show that the virus was present in the environment at some point. This highlights the importance of adopting personal preventive measures to reduce respiratory virus spread, especially during epidemics and outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Rocha Fagundes Moura
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna Caroline Chaves Garcia
- Multicentric Graduate Program on Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinicius de Oliveira Ottone
- Multicentric Graduate Program on Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Philipe Luan Brito
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thyago José Silva
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Graduate Program on Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Lopes Cantuária
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Graduate Program on Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danilo Bretas de Oliveira
- Multicentric Graduate Program on Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Graduate Program on Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Etel Rocha-Vieira
- Multicentric Graduate Program on Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Graduate Program on Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Aranega-Bou P, Pottage T, Fenwick A, D'Costa W, Brown NF, Yaxley N, King MF, Parker ST, Miller D, López-García M, Noakes CJ, Moore G, Bennett A. A 17-month longitudinal surface sampling study carried out on public transport vehicles operating in England during the COVID-19 pandemic identified low levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA contamination. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae095. [PMID: 38637309 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To monitor severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA contamination in vehicles operating in England during the pandemic, to better understand transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 on public transport. METHODS AND RESULTS We collected 1314 surface samples between December 2020 and April 2022 on trains and buses managed by five different transport operators. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was investigated through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found on 197 (15%) of the 1314 surfaces sampled, including seat head rests, handholds, and air extract grilles, but the levels of RNA recovered on those samples (median value of 23.4, interquartile range: 14.3-35.4, N gene copies per extraction) made the presence of infectious virus at the time of sampling extremely unlikely. However, detection rates varied over time with peaks broadly coinciding with times of high community transmission, when it was more likely that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were travelling on public transport. CONCLUSION During the pandemic, and as in other public spaces, low levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were found on surfaces associated with public transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz Aranega-Bou
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Pottage
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Fenwick
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhemina D'Costa
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie F Brown
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Yaxley
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Marco-Felipe King
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS29JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Simon T Parker
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Miller
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Martín López-García
- School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds , United Kingdom
| | - Catherine J Noakes
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS29JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ginny Moore
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Allan Bennett
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
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Ali S, Cella E, Johnston C, Rojas AC, Brown AN, Deichen M, Azarian T. Environmental surface monitoring as a noninvasive method for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in community settings: Lessons from a university campus study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169456. [PMID: 38123097 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Environmental testing of high-touch objects is a potential noninvasive approach for monitoring population-level trends of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses within a defined setting. We aimed to determine the association between SARS-CoV-2 contamination on high-touch environmental surfaces, community level case incidence, and university student health data. Environmental swabs were collected from January 2022 to November 2022 from high-touch objects and surfaces from five locations on a large university campus in Florida, USA. RT-qPCR was used to detect and quantify viral RNA, and a subset of positive samples was analyzed by viral genome sequencing to identify circulating lineages. During the study period, we detected SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA on 90.7 % of 162 tested samples. Levels of environmental viral RNA correlated with trends in community-level activity and case reports from the student health center. A significant positive correlation was observed between the estimated viral gene copy number in environmental samples and the weekly confirmed cases at the university. Viral sequencing data from environmental samples identified lineages concurrently circulating in the local community and state based on genomic surveillance data. Further, we detected emerging variants in environmental samples prior to their identification by clinical genomic surveillance. Our results demonstrate the utility of viral monitoring on high-touch environmental surfaces for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance at a community level. In communities with delayed or limited testing facilities, immediate environmental surface testing may considerably inform epidemic dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobur Ali
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Eleonora Cella
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Catherine Johnston
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Ana C Rojas
- Institute for Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Ashley N Brown
- Institute for Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Michael Deichen
- Student Health Services, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Taj Azarian
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
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Castillo AP, Miranda JVO, Fonseca PLC, Silva SDO, Lopes REN, Spanhol VC, Moreira RG, Nicolino RR, Queiroz DC, de Araújo E Santos LCG, Dos Santos APS, Rivetti HAA, Martins-Duarte ES, de Almeida Vitor RW, Dos Reis JKP, Aguiar RS, da Silveira JAG. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and co-infections in stray cats in Brazil. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107056. [PMID: 37913970 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19), has been identified in cats. Notably, most positive cases were in cats that had close contact with infected humans, suggesting a role for humans in animal transmission routes. Previous studies have suggested that animals with immune depletion are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. To date, there is limited evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in stray and free-range cats affected by other pathogens. In this study, we investigated infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in stray cats from an urban park in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. From February to September 2021, 78 mixed-breed cats were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and hemopathogens using molecular analysis at Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG in T. gondii. None of the animals in this study showed any clinical signs of infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA was detected in 7.7 % of cats, and a whole virus genome sequence analysis revealed the SARS-CoV-2 Delta lineage (B.1.617.2). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 isolated from cats was grouped into the sublineage AY.99.2, which matches the epidemiological scenario of COVID-19 in the urban area of our study. Leishmania infantum was detected and sequenced in 9 % of cats. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 23.1 %. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 7.7 % of the cats, with Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum being the most common. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were detected in 38.5 % of the cats, FeLV was detected in 17,9 %, and none of the cats studied tested positive for FIV. This study reports, for the first time, the SARS-CoV-2 infection with whole-genome sequencing in stray cats in southeastern Brazil and co-infection with other pathogens, including Bartonella spp. and Feline leukemia virus. Our study observed no correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and the other detected pathogens. Our results emphasize the importance of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats to characterize their epidemiological role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinforce the importance of zoonotic disease surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisleidy Pérez Castillo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil; Laboratório de PROTOVET, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Joao Victor Oliveira Miranda
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Paula Luize Camargos Fonseca
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Soraia de Oliveira Silva
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rosálida Estevam Nazar Lopes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Viviane Campos Spanhol
- Laboratório de Retroviroses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rennan Garcias Moreira
- Centro de Laboratórios Multiusuários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rafael Romero Nicolino
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Defesa Sanitária Animal, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel Costa Queiroz
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luiza Campos Guerra de Araújo E Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Anna Pio Soares Dos Santos
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Hugo Adriano Araújo Rivetti
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Prefeitura de Belo Horizonte, R. Édna Quintel, 173 - São Bernardo, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-705, Brazil
| | - Erica S Martins-Duarte
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner de Almeida Vitor
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jenner Karlisson Pimenta Dos Reis
- Laboratório de Retroviroses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Santana Aguiar
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Júlia Angélica Gonçalves da Silveira
- Laboratório de PROTOVET, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
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Xie T, Yang J, Fang C, Zhang J, Lin H, Zhu Y, Tang T, Wang C. The survival of murine hepatitis virus (a surrogate of SARS-CoV-2) on conventional packaging materials under cold chain conditions. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1319828. [PMID: 38115844 PMCID: PMC10728718 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1319828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The cold chain conditions have been suggested to facilitate long-distance transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but it is unclear how viable the virus is on cold chain packaging materials. Methods This study used the MHV-JHM strain of murine hepatitis virus as a model organism to investigate the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on foam, plastic, cardboard, and wood sheets at different temperatures (-40°C, -20°C, and 4°C). In addition, the ability of peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite to eliminate the MHV-JHM on plastic and cardboard sheets were also evaluated. Results The results indicate that MHV-JHM can survive on foam, plastic, or cardboard sheets for up to 28 days at -40°C and -20°C, and up to 14 days on foam and plastic surfaces at 4°C. Although viral nucleic acids were still detectable after storing at 4°C for 28 days, the corresponding virus titer was below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Discussion The study highlights that a positive nucleic acid test result may not indicate that the virus is still viable, and confirms that peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite can effectively eliminate MHV-JHM on packaging materials under cold chain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Xie
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaxue Yang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chubin Fang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Technology Center of Chengdu Customs, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Lin
- Technology Center of Chengdu Customs, Chengdu, China
| | - Yalan Zhu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tian Tang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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8
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Arienzo A, Gallo V, Tomassetti F, Pitaro N, Pitaro M, Antonini G. A narrative review of alternative transmission routes of COVID 19: what we know so far. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:681-695. [PMID: 37350182 PMCID: PMC10614718 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2228048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemics, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2, represent an unprecedented public health challenge. Beside person-to-person contagion via airborne droplets and aerosol, which is the main SARS-CoV-2's route of transmission, alternative modes, including transmission via fomites, food and food packaging, have been investigated for their potential impact on SARS-CoV-2 diffusion. In this context, several studies have demonstrated the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and, in some cases, of infectious particles on exposed fomites, food and water samples, confirming their possible role as sources of contamination and transmission. Indeed, fomite-to-human transmission has been demonstrated in a few cases where person-to-person transmission had been excluded. In addition, recent studies supported the possibility of acquiring COVID-19 through the fecal-oro route; the occurrence of COVID-19 gastrointestinal infections, in the absence of respiratory symptoms, also opens the intriguing possibility that these cases could be directly related to the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Overall, most of the studies considered these alternative routes of transmission of low epidemiological relevance; however, it should be considered that they could play an important role, or even be prevalent, in settings characterized by different environmental and socio-economic conditions. In this review, we discuss the most recent findings regarding SARS-CoV-2 alternative transmission routes, with the aim to disclose what is known about their impact on COVID-19 spread and to stimulate research in this field, which could potentially have a great impact, especially in low-resource contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michele Pitaro
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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9
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Pitol AK, Venkatesan S, Hoptroff M, Hughes GL. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its surrogate, bacteriophage Phi6, on surfaces and in water. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0121923. [PMID: 37902315 PMCID: PMC10686083 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01219-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic spurred research on the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its surrogates. Here we highlight the importance of evaluating viral surrogates and experimental methodologies when studying pathogen survival in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana K. Pitol
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Samiksha Venkatesan
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hoptroff
- Unilever Research and Development, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom
| | - Grant L. Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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10
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Pilipenco A, Forinová M, Mašková H, Hönig V, Palus M, Lynn Jr. NS, Víšová I, Vrabcová M, Houska M, Anthi J, Spasovová M, Mustacová J, Štěrba J, Dostálek J, Tung CP, Yang AS, Jack R, Dejneka A, Hajdu J, Vaisocherová-Lísalová H. Negligible risk of surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in public transportation. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad065. [PMID: 37133444 PMCID: PMC10481417 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to pathogens in public transport systems is a common means of spreading infection, mainly by inhaling aerosol or droplets from infected individuals. Such particles also contaminate surfaces, creating a potential surface-transmission pathway. METHODS A fast acoustic biosensor with an antifouling nano-coating was introduced to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on exposed surfaces in the Prague Public Transport System. Samples were measured directly without pre-treatment. Results with the sensor gave excellent agreement with parallel quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measurements on 482 surface samples taken from actively used trams, buses, metro trains and platforms between 7 and 9 April 2021, in the middle of the lineage Alpha SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wave when 1 in 240 people were COVID-19 positive in Prague. RESULTS Only ten of the 482 surface swabs produced positive results and none of them contained virus particles capable of replication, indicating that positive samples contained inactive virus particles and/or fragments. Measurements of the rate of decay of SARS-CoV-2 on frequently touched surface materials showed that the virus did not remain viable longer than 1-4 h. The rate of inactivation was the fastest on rubber handrails in metro escalators and the slowest on hard-plastic seats, window glasses and stainless-steel grab rails. As a result of this study, Prague Public Transport Systems revised their cleaning protocols and the lengths of parking times during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that surface transmission played no or negligible role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 in Prague. The results also demonstrate the potential of the new biosensor to serve as a complementary screening tool in epidemic monitoring and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Pilipenco
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Forinová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Mašková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1645/31a, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Hönig
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Palus
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicholas Scott Lynn Jr.
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Víšová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Vrabcová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Houska
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Judita Anthi
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Spasovová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Johana Mustacová
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1645/31a, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Štěrba
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1645/31a, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Dostálek
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Chao-Ping Tung
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd., Sec.2, Nankang Dist., Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - An-Suei Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd., Sec.2, Nankang Dist., Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Rachael Jack
- The European Extreme Light Infrastructure, ERIC, Za Radnici 835, 25241 Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Janos Hajdu
- The European Extreme Light Infrastructure, ERIC, Za Radnici 835, 25241 Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Box 596, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Noorimotlagh Z, Mirzaee SA, Seif F, Kalantar M, Roghani T, Mousavi SA, Honarmandpour A. Detection of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13058. [PMID: 37567996 PMCID: PMC10421847 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease started in late 2019 and still continues as a global pandemic, spreading among people around the world. There is limited knowledge about the role of contaminated environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public surfaces, in the transmission of the disease. The objective of the present investigation was detection of different variants (Delta, UK, and Omicron) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces in different seasons. Automated teller machines of banks (ATM), point-of-sale (POS) machine, gas station pump nozzles, and escalator handrails of malls were selected as high-touch environmental surfaces in public places. Overall, 75 samples were collected from these places and examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome), and 21 samples (28%) were positive. Although the role of fomite transmission of COVID-19 is understood, more studies should be conducted to determine the virus survival rate as well as the required efforts to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 such as frequent cleaning and the use of efficient disinfectants on environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public places. In conclusion, the results address the importance of touching contaminated inanimate objects as well as transmission through environmental surfaces, and they could be used to establish an effective protocol to prevent indirect environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, slow down the spread of the virus, and reduce the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Noorimotlagh
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Department of Basic Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Kalantar
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Roghani
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mousavi
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Azam Honarmandpour
- Department of Midwifery, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
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12
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Matsui H, Ueda C, Nakajima E, Suzuki Y, Endo H, Sugamata M, Takarabe Y, Yamaguchi Y, Honsho M, Hokari R, Ishiyama A, Imoto Y, Hanaki H. Assessment of environmental surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in concert halls and banquet rooms in Japan. J Infect Chemother 2023; 29:604-609. [PMID: 36894016 PMCID: PMC9990880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although crowds are considered to be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, little is known about the changes in environmental surface contamination with the virus when a large number of people attend an event. In this study, we evaluated the changes in environmental surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS Environmental samples were collected from concert halls and banquet rooms before and after events in February to April 2022 when the 7-day moving average of new COVID-19 cases in Tokyo was reported to be 5000-18000 cases per day. In total, 632 samples were examined for SARS-CoV-2 by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) tests, and RT-qPCR-positive samples were subjected to a plaque assay. RESULTS The SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection rate before and after the events ranged from 0% to 2.6% versus 0%-5.0% in environmental surface samples, respectively. However, no viable viruses were isolated from all RT-qPCR-positive samples by the plaque assay. There was no significant increase in the environmental surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 after these events. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed that indirect contact transmission from environmental fomite does not seem to be of great magnitude in a community setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidehito Matsui
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ueda
- The Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center, 5-7-3 Yamate-dori, Chuo-Ku, Kobe City, Hyogo, 650-0011, Japan
| | - Eri Nakajima
- The Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center, 5-7-3 Yamate-dori, Chuo-Ku, Kobe City, Hyogo, 650-0011, Japan
| | - Yumiko Suzuki
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Harumi Endo
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Miho Sugamata
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Yukiko Takarabe
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Yukie Yamaguchi
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Masako Honsho
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Rei Hokari
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Aki Ishiyama
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Yasuo Imoto
- The Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center, 5-7-3 Yamate-dori, Chuo-Ku, Kobe City, Hyogo, 650-0011, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hanaki
- Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
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13
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Geng Y, Wang Y. Stability and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28103. [PMID: 36039831 PMCID: PMC9537778 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing the ongoing global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is believed to be transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols. However, reports are increasing regarding the contamination of environmental surfaces, shared objects, and cold-chain foods with SARS-CoV-2 RNA and the possibility of environmental fomite transmission of the virus raises much concern and debate. This study summarizes the current knowledge regarding potential mechanisms of environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including the prevalence of surface contamination in various settings, the viability and stability of the virus on surfaces or fomites, as well as environmental factors affecting virus viability and survival such as temperature and relative humidity. Instances of fomite transmission, including cold-chain food transmission, and the importance of fomite transmission in epidemics, are discussed. The knowledge gaps regarding fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2 are also briefly analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public HealthHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex‐Transmitted Virus VaccinesNational Institutes for Food and Drug ControlBeijingChina
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14
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Mihajlovski K, Buttner MP, Cruz P, Labus B, St. Pierre Schneider B, Detrick E. SARS-CoV-2 surveillance with environmental surface sampling in public areas. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278061. [PMID: 36417446 PMCID: PMC9683569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Contaminated surfaces are one of the ways that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be transmitted. SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on environmental surfaces; however, few environmental sampling studies have been conducted in nonclinical settings. The objective of this study was to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on environmental surfaces in public areas in Las Vegas, Nevada. In total, 300 surface samples were collected from high-touch surfaces from high-congregate public locations and from a public health facility (PHF) that was visited by COVID-19 patients. Environmental samples were analyzed with quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using SARS-CoV-2 specific primers and probes for three target genes. Results showed that 31 out of 300 (10.3%) surface samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 24 at the PHF and 7 in high-congregate public locations. Concentrations ranged from 102 to 106 viral particles per 3 ml sample on a wide variety of materials. The data also showed that the N gene assay had greater sensitivity compared to the S and ORF gene assays. Besides frequently touched surfaces, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in restrooms, on floors and surfaces in contact with floors, as well as in a mop water sample. The results of this study describe the extent and distribution of environmental SARS-CoV-2 contamination in public areas in Las Vegas, Nevada. A method using the N gene PCR assay was developed for SARS-CoV-2 environmental monitoring in public areas. Environmental monitoring with this method can determine the specific sites of surface contamination in the community and may be beneficial for prevention of COVID-19 indirect transmission, and evaluation and improvement of infection control practices in public areas, public health facilities, universities, and businesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Mihajlovski
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark P. Buttner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | - Patricia Cruz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | - Brian Labus
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | - Barbara St. Pierre Schneider
- Graduate Nursing Department, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Detrick
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
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15
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Stanojevic S, Radojicic S, Misic D, Srejić D, Vasiljevic DV, Prokic K, Ilić N. Frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats: Results of a retrospective serological survey in Šumadija District, Serbia. Prev Vet Med 2022; 208:105755. [PMID: 36126551 PMCID: PMC9467926 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
It has long been known that coronaviruses cause various infectious diseases in animals. Although SARS-CoV-2 is genetically related to viruses isolated from Rhinolophus bats, the exact origin, mode of transmission, and how the human species has become the epidemiological reservoir of the virus have not yet been established with certainty. Although the main route of transmission is human-to-human, there are considerable numbers of reported cases of infection in animal species, predominantly among pet animals. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in dogs and cats during the COVID-19 pandemic in Šumadija District, Serbia. We used serology to identify household contacts of pet animals with infected pet owners and the degree of association. The study presented in this paper is also the first study of this type in Serbia. The results of a retrospective serosurvey, which was conducted in dogs and cats with different exposure risk factors, were analyzed to find the possible modes of transmission between humans and animals. The relative frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs was 1.45% bounded with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.0007-7.73%, while in cats, it was 5.56% (95% CI: 0.77-4.13%). The relative frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pet owners was 11% (95% CI: 6.25-18.63%). In pets that were in close contact with COVID-19 positive owners, the seropositivity was found to be 9%. Out of a total of five stray dogs and cats tested, seropositivity was observed in two animals. Detected SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets shows that these animals are susceptible to infection and that the most common means of virus transmission to pets is through contact with diseased owners. However, the presence of infection in stray dogs and cats is not clear and needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavoljub Stanojevic
- Directorate of National Reference Laboratories, Batajnicki Drum 10, 11080 Zemun, Serbia,Corresponding author
| | - Sonja Radojicic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Animal Diseases and Diseases of Bees, Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Misic
- Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Functional Foods Development, Chelmonskiego Street, 37,51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Damjan Srejić
- KragujVet Veterinary Clinic, Luja Pastera 2, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dragan V. Vasiljevic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Svetozara Markovica 69, Kragujevac, Serbia,Public Health Institute Kragujevac, Center for Hygiene and Human Ecology, Nikole Pasica 1, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Kristina Prokic
- Public Health Institute Kragujevac, Center for Hygiene and Human Ecology, Nikole Pasica 1, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nevenka Ilić
- Public Health Institute Kragujevac, Center for Hygiene and Human Ecology, Nikole Pasica 1, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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16
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Zorzi CGC, Neckel A, Maculan LS, Cardoso GT, Moro LD, Savio AAD, Carrasco LDZ, Oliveira MLS, Bodah ET, Bodah BW. Geo-environmental parametric 3D models of SARS-CoV-2 virus circulation in hospital ventilation systems. GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS 2022; 13:101279. [PMID: 38620951 PMCID: PMC8349361 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsf.2021.101279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has the potential to cause natural ventilation systems in hospital environments to be rendered inadequate, not only for workers but also for people who transit through these environments even for a limited duration. Studies in of the fields of geosciences and engineering, when combined with appropriate technologies, allow for the possibility of reducing the impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the environment, including those of hospitals which are critical centers for healthcare. In this work, we build parametric 3D models to assess the possible circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the natural ventilation system of a hospital built to care infected patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was performed, generating 3D models of hospital environments utilizing Revit software for Autodesk CFD 2021. The evaluation considered dimensional analyses of 0°, 45°, 90° and 180°. The analysis of natural ventilation patterns on both internal and external surfaces and the distribution of windows in relation to the displacement dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the air were considered. The results showed that in the external area of the hospital, the wind speed reached velocities up to 2.1 m/s when entering the building through open windows. In contact with the furniture, this value decreased to 0.78 m/s. In some internal isolation wards that house patients with COVID-19, areas that should be equipped with negative room pressure, air velocity was null. Our study provides insights into the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 contamination in internal hospital environments as well as external areas surrounding hospitals, both of which encounter high pedestrian traffic in cities worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alcindo Neckel
- Faculdade Meridional, IMED, 304- Passo Fundo - RS 99070-220, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leila Dal Moro
- Faculdade Meridional, IMED, 304- Passo Fundo - RS 99070-220, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcos L S Oliveira
- Universidad de Lima, Avenida Javier Prado Este 4600 - Santiago de Surco 1503, Peru
- Department of Civil and Environmental. Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55-66, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Eliane Thaines Bodah
- State University of New York, Onondaga Community College, 4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215, USA
- Thaines and Bodah Center for Education and Development, 840 South Meadowlark Lane, Othello, WA 99344, USA
| | - Brian William Bodah
- Faculdade Meridional, IMED, 304- Passo Fundo - RS 99070-220, Brazil
- Thaines and Bodah Center for Education and Development, 840 South Meadowlark Lane, Othello, WA 99344, USA
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17
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da Silva SJR, do Nascimento JCF, Germano Mendes RP, Guarines KM, Targino Alves da Silva C, da Silva PG, de Magalhães JJF, Vigar JRJ, Silva-Júnior A, Kohl A, Pardee K, Pena L. Two Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1758-1814. [PMID: 35940589 PMCID: PMC9380879 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and virulent human-infecting coronavirus that emerged in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, causing a respiratory disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has massively impacted global public health and caused widespread disruption to daily life. The crisis caused by COVID-19 has mobilized scientists and public health authorities across the world to rapidly improve our knowledge about this devastating disease, shedding light on its management and control, and spawned the development of new countermeasures. Here we provide an overview of the state of the art of knowledge gained in the last 2 years about the virus and COVID-19, including its origin and natural reservoir hosts, viral etiology, epidemiology, modes of transmission, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, emerging variants, and vaccines, highlighting important differences from previously known highly pathogenic coronaviruses. We also discuss selected key discoveries from each topic and underline the gaps of knowledge for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severino Jefferson Ribeiro da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Jessica Catarine Frutuoso do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Renata Pessôa Germano Mendes
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Klarissa Miranda Guarines
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Caroline Targino Alves da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Poliana Gomes da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jurandy Júnior Ferraz de Magalhães
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Department of Virology, Pernambuco State Central Laboratory (LACEN/PE), 52171-011 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,University of Pernambuco (UPE), Serra Talhada Campus, 56909-335 Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Public Health Laboratory of the XI Regional Health, 56912-160 Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Justin R J Vigar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Abelardo Silva-Júnior
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), 57072-900 Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Pardee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Lindomar Pena
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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18
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Gartland N, Fishwick D, Coleman A, Davies K, Hartwig A, Johnson S, van Tongeren M. Transmission and control of SARS-CoV-2 on ground public transport: A rapid review of the literature up to May 2021. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2022; 26:101356. [PMID: 35261878 PMCID: PMC8894738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2022.101356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Background During a pandemic, public transport is strategically important for keeping the country going and getting people where they need to be. The essential nature of public transport puts into focus the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in this sector; rapid and diverse work has been done to attempt to understand how transmission happens in this context and what factors influence risk. Objectives This review aimed to provide a narrative overview of the literature assessing transmission, or potential for transmission, of SARS-CoV-2 on ground-based public transport, as well as studies assessing the effectiveness of control measures on public transport during the early part of the pandemic (up to May 2021). Methods An electronic search was conducted using Web of Science, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Pubmed, and the WHO global COVID database. Searches were run between December 2020 and May 2021. Results The search strategy identified 734 papers, of which 28 papers met the inclusion criteria for the review; 10 papers assessed transmission of SARS-CoV-2, 11 assessed control measures, and seven assessed levels of contamination. Eleven papers were based on modelling approaches; 17 studies were original studies reporting empirical COVID-19 data. Conclusions The literature is heterogeneous, and there are challenges for measurement of transmission in this setting. There is evidence for transmission in certain cases, and mixed evidence for the presence of viral RNA in transport settings; there is also evidence for some reduction of risk through mitigation. However, the routes of transmission and key factors contributing to transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on public transport were not clear during the early stage of the pandemic. Gaps in understanding are discussed and six key questions for future research have been posed. Further exploration of transmission factors and effectiveness of mitigation strategies is required in order to support decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gartland
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Fishwick
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Coleman
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Davies
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Angelique Hartwig
- Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena Johnson
- Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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19
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Low risk of environmental contagion by SARS-CoV-2 in non-sanitary spaces. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022; 41:235-237. [PMID: 36167639 PMCID: PMC9482839 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective To study the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces (high, medium and low contact) and airs in non-sanitary spaces with high public influx to evaluate the risk of environmental contagion. Methods Surfaces and airs were analysed by RT-qPCR to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Results 394 surfaces and air samples were obtained from spaces with high public influx such as offices, shopping centres and nursing homes. The virus was not detected in any of the samples analysed. Conclusion Although we cannot emphatically conclude that there is no risk of environmental 27 infection by SARS-CoV-2 in non-sanitary spaces, we can affirm that the risk is almost non- existent.
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20
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Zhang X, Wu J, Smith LM, Li X, Yancey O, Franzblau A, Dvonch JT, Xi C, Neitzel RL. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in air and on surfaces and estimating infection risk in buildings and buses on a university campus. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:751-758. [PMID: 35477766 PMCID: PMC9045468 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence is needed on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in various types of environmental samples and on the estimated transmission risks in non-healthcare settings on campus. OBJECTIVES The objective of this research was to collect data on SARS-CoV-2 viral load and to examine potential infection risks of people exposed to the virus in publicly accessible non-healthcare environments on a university campus. METHODS Air and surface samples were collected using wetted wall cyclone bioaerosol samplers and swab kits, respectively, in a longitudinal environmental surveillance program from August 2020 until April 2021 on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus. Quantitative rRT-PCR with primers and probes targeting gene N1 were used for SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification. The RNA concentrations were used to estimate the probability of infection by quantitative microbial risk assessment modeling and Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS In total, 256 air samples and 517 surface samples were collected during the study period, among which positive rates were 1.6% and 1.4%, respectively. Point-biserial correlation showed that the total case number on campus was significantly higher in weeks with positive environmental samples than in non-positive weeks (p = 0.001). The estimated probability of infection was about 1 per 100 exposures to SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols through inhalation and as high as 1 per 100,000 exposures from contacting contaminated surfaces in simulated scenarios. SIGNIFICANCE Viral shedding was demonstrated by the detection of viral RNA in multiple air and surface samples on a university campus. The low overall positivity rate indicated that the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 at monitored locations was low. Risk modeling results suggest that inhalation is the predominant route of exposure compared to surface contact, which emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals from airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other respiratory infectious diseases. IMPACT Given the reoccurring epidemics caused by highly infectious respiratory viruses in recent years, our manuscript reinforces the importance of monitoring environmental transmission by the simultaneous sampling and integration of multiple environmental surveillance matrices for modeling and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren M Smith
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Olivia Yancey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J Timothy Dvonch
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chuanwu Xi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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21
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Nielsen JPS, Madsen JR, Fogh K, Mikkelsen EH, Wolsk E, Kirkby NS, Bundgaard H, Iversen K. SARS-CoV-2 surface swabs in locations with public access – potential for improved source control. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac431. [PMID: 36111171 PMCID: PMC9452121 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on surfaces at public locations has been minimally described. By swab testing, we investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces in public locations during the pandemic in February 2022. The viability of SARS-CoV-2 was not tested. Almost 25% of surfaces were positive for SARS-CoV-2; this was most pronounced in supermarkets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob PS Nielsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Johannes R Madsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Kamille Fogh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Emma H Mikkelsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Emil Wolsk
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Nikolai S Kirkby
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Viro-immunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Section 8632, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- The Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Kasper Iversen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
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22
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SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection on Environmental Surfaces in a University Setting of Central Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095560. [PMID: 35564956 PMCID: PMC9099440 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through direct contact (person to person) and indirect contact by means of objects and surfaces contaminated by secretions from individuals with COVID-19 or asymptomatic carriers. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces made of different materials located in university environments frequented by students and staff involved in academy activity during the fourth pandemic wave (December 2021). A total of 189 environmental samples were collected from classrooms, the library, computer room, gym and common areas and subjected to real-time PCR assay to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by amplification of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. All samples gave a valid result for Internal Process Control and nine (4.8%) tested very low positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplification with a median Ct value of 39.44 [IQR: 37.31-42.66] (≤1 copy of viral genome). Our results show that, despite the prevention measures implemented, the presence of infected subjects cannot be excluded, as evidenced by the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from surfaces. The monitoring of environmental SARS-CoV-2 RNA could support public health prevention strategies in the academic and school world.
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23
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Zuniga-Montanez R, Coil DA, Eisen JA, Pechacek R, Guerrero RG, Kim M, Shapiro K, Bischel HN. The challenge of SARS-CoV-2 environmental monitoring in schools using floors and portable HEPA filtration units: Fresh or relic RNA? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267212. [PMID: 35452479 PMCID: PMC9032406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Testing surfaces in school classrooms for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can provide public-health information that complements clinical testing. We monitored the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in five schools (96 classrooms) in Davis, California (USA) by collecting weekly surface-swab samples from classroom floors and/or portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) units (n = 2,341 swabs). Twenty-two surfaces tested positive, with qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) values ranging from 36.07-38.01. Intermittent repeated positives in a single room were observed for both floor and HEPA filter samples for up to 52 days, even following regular cleaning and HEPA filter replacement after a positive result. We compared the two environmental sampling strategies by testing one floor and two HEPA filter samples in 57 classrooms at Schools D and E. HEPA filter sampling yielded 3.02% and 0.41% positivity rates per filter sample collected for Schools D and E, respectively, while floor sampling yielded 0.48% and 0% positivity rates. Our results indicate that HEPA filter swabs are more sensitive than floor swabs at detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in interior spaces. During the study, all schools were offered weekly free COVID-19 clinical testing through Healthy Davis Together (HDT). HDT also offered on-site clinical testing in Schools D and E, and upticks in testing participation were observed following a confirmed positive environmental sample. However, no confirmed COVID-19 cases were identified among students associated with classrooms yielding positive environmental samples. The positive samples detected in this study appeared to contain relic viral RNA from individuals infected before the monitoring program started and/or RNA transported into classrooms via fomites. High-Ct positive results from environmental swabs detected in the absence of known active infections supports this conclusion. Additional research is needed to differentiate between fresh and relic SARS-CoV-2 RNA in environmental samples and to determine what types of results should trigger interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio Zuniga-Montanez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - David A. Coil
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jonathan A. Eisen
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Randi Pechacek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Roque G. Guerrero
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Minji Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Heather N. Bischel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
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24
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[Low risk of environmental contagion by SARS-CoV-2 in non-sanitary spaces]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2022; 41:235-237. [PMID: 35153355 PMCID: PMC8824300 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objetivo Estudiar la presencia de SARS-CoV-2 en superficies (alto, medio y bajo contacto) y aires de espacios no sanitarios pero de elevada afluencia de público para evaluar el riesgo de contagio ambiental. Método Se ha realizado el análisis de las superficies y de los aires por RT-qPCR para detectar la presencia de SARS-CoV-2. Resultados Se obtuvieron 394 superficies y 23 muestras de aire de espacios de alta afluencia de personas, como oficinas, centros comerciales y residencias de ancianos. El virus no fue detectado en ninguna de las muestras analizadas. Conclusión Aunque no podemos concluir rotundamente que no existe un riesgo de infección ambiental por SARS-CoV-2 en espacios no sanitarios, sí podemos afirmar que el riesgo es casi nulo.
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25
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Meiksin A. Using the SEIR model to constrain the role of contaminated fomites in spreading an epidemic: An application to COVID-19 in the UK. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:3564-3590. [PMID: 35341264 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The use of the SEIR model of compartmentalized population dynamics with an added fomite term is analysed as a means of statistically quantifying the contribution of contaminated fomites to the spread of a viral epidemic. It is shown that for normally expected lifetimes of a virus on fomites, the dynamics of the populations are nearly indistinguishable from the case without fomites. With additional information, such as the change in social contacts following a lockdown, however, it is shown that, under the assumption that the reproduction number for direct infection is proportional to the number of social contacts, the population dynamics may be used to place meaningful statistical constraints on the role of fomites that are not affected by the lockdown. The case of the Spring 2020 UK lockdown in response to COVID-19 is presented as an illustration. An upper limit is found on the transmission rate by contaminated fomites of fewer than 1 in 30 per day per infectious person (95% CL) when social contact information is taken into account. Applied to postal deliveries and food packaging, the upper limit on the contaminated fomite transmission rate corresponds to a probability below 1 in 70 (95% CL) that a contaminated fomite transmits the infection. The method presented here may be helpful for guiding health policy over the contribution of some fomites to the spread of infection in other epidemics until more complete risk assessments based on mechanistic modelling or epidemiological investigations may be completed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery Meiksin
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
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26
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Li H, Shankar SN, Witanachchi CT, Lednicky JA, Loeb JC, Alam MM, Fan ZH, Mohamed K, Boyette JA, Eiguren-Fernandez A, Wu CY. Environmental Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Two Restaurants from a Mid-scale City that Followed U.S. CDC Reopening Guidance. AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH 2022; 22:210304. [PMID: 35024044 PMCID: PMC8752097 DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.210304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Since mask use and physical distancing are difficult to maintain when people dine indoors, restaurants are perceived as high risk for acquiring COVID-19. The air and environmental surfaces in two restaurants in a mid-scale city located in north central Florida that followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reopening guidance were sampled three times from July 2020 to February 2021. Sixteen air samples were collected for 2 hours using air samplers, and 20 surface samples by using moistened swabs. The samples were analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA. A total of ~550 patrons dined in the restaurants during our samplings. SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA was not detected in any of the air samples. One of the 20 surface samples (5%) was positive. That sample had been collected from a plastic tablecloth immediately after guests left the restaurant. Virus was not isolated in cell cultures inoculated with aliquots of the RT-PCR-positive sample. The likelihood that patrons and staff acquire SARS-CoV-2 infections may be low in restaurants in a mid-scale city that adopt CDC restaurant reopening guidelines, such as operation at 50% capacity so that tables can be spaced at least 6 feet apart, establishment of adequate mechanical ventilation, use of a face covering except while eating or drinking, and implementation of disinfection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwan Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, USA
| | | | | | - John A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, USA
| | - Julia C. Loeb
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, USA
| | - Md. Mahbubul Alam
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, USA
| | - Z. Hugh Fan
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, USA
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, USA
| | - Karim Mohamed
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, USA
| | - Jessica A. Boyette
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, USA
| | | | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, USA
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27
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Guadalupe JJ, Rojas MI, Pozo G, Erazo-Garcia MP, Vega-Polo P, Terán-Velástegui M, Rohwer F, Torres MDL. Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on Surfaces of Public Places and a Transportation System Located in a Densely Populated Urban Area in South America. Viruses 2021; 14:19. [PMID: 35062223 PMCID: PMC8780916 DOI: 10.3390/v14010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible RNA virus that causes COVID-19. Being aware of the presence of the virus on different types of surfaces and in different environments, and having a protocol for its detection, is important to understand the dynamics of the virus and its shedding patterns. In Ecuador, the detection of viral RNA in urban environmental samples has not been a priority. The present study analyzed samples from two densely populated neighborhoods and one public transportation system in Quito, Ecuador. Viral RNA presence was assessed using RT-LAMP. Twenty-eight out of 300 surfaces tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (9.33%). Frequently touched surfaces, especially in indoor spaces and on public transportation, were most likely to be positive for viral RNA. Positivity rate association for the two neighborhoods and for the surface type was not found. This study found viral RNA presence on urban surfaces; this information provides an insight into viral dissemination dynamics. Monitoring environmental SARS-CoV-2 could support the public health prevention strategies in Quito, Ecuador.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Guadalupe
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - María I. Rojas
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (M.I.R.); (F.R.)
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Gabriela Pozo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - Maria P. Erazo-Garcia
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - Pamela Vega-Polo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - Martín Terán-Velástegui
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - Forest Rohwer
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (M.I.R.); (F.R.)
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - María de Lourdes Torres
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
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da Silva SJR, do Nascimento JCF, Dos Santos Reis WPM, da Silva CTA, da Silva PG, Mendes RPG, Mendonça AA, Santos BNR, de Magalhães JJF, Kohl A, Pena L. Widespread Contamination of SARS-CoV-2 on Highly Touched Surfaces in Brazil During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:7382-7395. [PMID: 34863010 PMCID: PMC9303906 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Although SARS‐CoV‐2 surface contamination has been investigated in health care settings, little is known about the SARS‐CoV‐2 surface contamination in public urban areas, particularly in tropical countries. Here, we investigated the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 on high‐touch surfaces in a large city in Brazil, one of the most affected countries by the COVID‐19 pandemic in the world. A total of 400 surface samples were collected in February 2021 in the City of Recife, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 97 samples (24.2%) tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 by RT‐qPCR using the CDC‐USA protocol. All the collection sites, except one (18/19, 94.7%) had at least one environmental surface sample contaminated. SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity was higher in public transport terminals (47/84, 55.9%), followed by health care units (26/84, 30.9%), beach areas (4/21, 19.0%), public parks (14/105, 13.3%), supply centre (2/21, 9.5%), and public markets (4/85, 4.7%). Toilets, ATMs, handrails, playgrounds and outdoor gyms were identified as fomites with the highest rates of SARS‐CoV‐2 detection. Taken together, our data provide a real‐world picture of SARS‐CoV‐2 dispersion in highly populated tropical areas and identify critical control points that need to be targeted to break SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severino Jefferson Ribeiro da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Catarine Frutuoso do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Wendell Palôma Maria Dos Santos Reis
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Caroline Targino Alves da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Poliana Gomes da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Renata Pessôa Germano Mendes
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Allyson Andrade Mendonça
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Nazly Rodrigues Santos
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jurandy Júnior Ferraz de Magalhães
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Department of Virology, Pernambuco State Central Laboratory (LACEN/PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Serra Talhada Campus, University of Pernambuco (UPE), Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH,, UK
| | - Lindomar Pena
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM) , Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Delumeau LV, Asgarimoghaddam H, Alkie T, Jones AJB, Lum S, Mistry K, Aucoin MG, DeWitte-Orr S, Musselman KP. Effectiveness of antiviral metal and metal oxide thin-film coatings against human coronavirus 229E. APL MATERIALS 2021; 9:111114. [PMID: 34868741 PMCID: PMC8638753 DOI: 10.1063/5.0056138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Virucidal thin-film coatings have the potential to inactivate pathogens on surfaces, preventing or slowing their spread. Six potential nanoscale antiviral coatings, Cu, Cu2O, Ag, ZnO, zinc tin oxide (ZTO), and TiO2, are deposited on glass, and their ability to inactivate the HCoV-229E human coronavirus is assessed using two methods. In one method, droplets containing HCoV-229E are deposited on thin-film coatings and then collected after various stages of desiccation. In the second method, the thin-film coatings are soaked in the virus supernatant for 24 h. The Cu and Cu2O coatings demonstrate clear virucidal behavior, and it is shown that controlled delamination and dissolution of the coating can enhance the virucidal effect. Cu is found to produce a faster and stronger virucidal effect than Cu2O in the droplet tests (3 log reduction in the viral titer after 1 h of exposure), which is attributed, in part, to the differences in film adhesion that result in delamination of the Cu film from the glass and accelerated dissolution in the droplet. Despite Ag, ZnO, and TiO2 being frequently cited antimicrobial materials, exposure to the Ag, ZnO, ZTO, and TiO2 coatings results in no discernible change to the infectivity of the coronavirus under the conditions tested. Thin-film Cu coatings are also applied to the polypropylene fabrics of N95 respirators, and droplet tests are performed. The Cu fabric coating reduces the infectivity of the virus; it results in a 1 order-of-magnitude reduction in the viral titer within 15 min with a 2 order-of-magnitude reduction after 1 h.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tamiru Alkie
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier
University, 75 University Ave. West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5,
Canada
| | | | - Samantha Lum
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier
University, 75 University Ave. West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5,
Canada
| | | | - Marc G. Aucoin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of
Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1,
Canada
| | - Stephanie DeWitte-Orr
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier
University, 75 University Ave. West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5,
Canada
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Liu H, Fei C, Chen Y, Luo S, Yang T, Yang L, Liu J, Ji X, Wu W, Song J. Investigating SARS-CoV-2 persistent contamination in different indoor environments. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111763. [PMID: 34329634 PMCID: PMC8316642 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination caused by COVID-19 patients could be a medium of transmission. Previous reports of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental surfaces were about short-term contamination. This study investigated SARS-CoV-2 RNA existence in room-temperature and low-temperature environments long after exposure (>28 days). A department store, where a COVID-19 outbreak was occurred in January 2020 (the epicenter of 43 COVID-19 patients), and a patient's apartment were included as room-temperature environments after being blocked for 57 days and 48 days, respectively. Seven cold storages and imported frozen foods inside were included as low-temperature environments (under -18 °C). Twenty food markets with potential contamination of imported frozen foods were also included to study the consecutive contamination. Information about temperature, relative humidity, and the number of days of environmental samples since the last exposure was collected and analyzed. In sum, 11,808 swab samples were collected before disinfection, of which 35 samples were positive. Persistent contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified in the apartment (6/19), the department store (3/50), food packages in cold storages (23/1360), environmental surfaces of cold storages (2/345), and a package in the food market (1/10,034). Two positive samples were isolated from the bathroom of the apartment (66.7 %, 2/3), and doorknobs were proved with contamination in the apartment (40 %, 2/5) and cold storage (33.3 %, 1/3). The epidemiology information and environmental contamination results of an imported frozen food related COVID-19 case (138th COVID-19 patient in Tianjin) were analyzed. Based on the Ct values, the number of copies of two target genes was calculated by standard curves and linear regressions. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in room-temperature environments at least 57 days after the last exposure, much longer than previous reports. Based on the results of this study and previous studies, infectious SARS-CoV-2 could exist for at least 60 days on the surface of cold-chain food packages. Doorknobs and toilets (bathrooms) were important positions in COVID-19 control. High-risk populations of cold-chain-related logistic operations, such as porters, require strict prevention and high-level personal protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Liu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300011, PR China.
| | - Chunnan Fei
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300011, PR China.
| | - Yinglei Chen
- Baodi District Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 301800, PR China
| | - Shengmao Luo
- Wuqing District Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 301738, PR China
| | - Tao Yang
- Binhai New Area Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300454, PR China
| | - Lei Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Second Hospital, Tianjin, 300211, PR China
| | - Jun Liu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300011, PR China
| | - Xueyue Ji
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300011, PR China
| | - Weishen Wu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300011, PR China
| | - Jia Song
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300011, PR China
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Falcó I, Randazzo W, Sánchez G, Vilarroig J, Climent J, Chiva S, Chica A, Navarro-Laboulais J. Experimental and CFD evaluation of ozone efficacy against coronavirus and enteric virus contamination on public transport surfaces. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 9:106217. [PMID: 34422551 PMCID: PMC8367738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The limited information about the routes of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within the ongoing pandemic scenario mobilized the administration, industry and academy to develop sanitation and disinfection systems for public and private spaces. Ozone has been proposed as an effective disinfection method against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including viruses with similar morphology to SARS-CoV-2. Due to this efficacy, numerous gaseous and aqueous phase ozone applications have emerged potentially to inhibit virus persistence in aerosols, surfaces, and water. In this work, a numerical model, a RANS CFD model for ozone dispersion inside tram and underground coach has been developed including the chemical self-decomposition and surface reactions of the ozone. The CFD model has been developed for a real tram coach of 28.6 × 2.4 × 2.2 m (L × W × H) using 1.76 million nodes and the Menter's shear stress transport turbulence model. The model predicts the O3 concentration needed to meet disinfection criteria and the fluid dynamics inside the public transport coach. The effectiveness of the system has been validated with laboratory and field tests in real full-scale coach using porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and murine norovirus (MNV-1) as SARS-CoV-2 and human norovirus surrogates, respectively. Lab-scale experiments on plastic surfaces demonstrated O3 disinfection (100 ppm, 95% RH, 25 min) inactivate > 99.8% MNV-1 and PEDV. Additionally, field tests in real full-scale coach demostrate the efficacy of the system as > 98.6% of infectious MNV-1 and > 96.3% PEDV were inactivated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Falcó
- Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, Av. Agustín Escardino 7, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Walter Randazzo
- Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, Av. Agustín Escardino 7, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Gloria Sánchez
- Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, Av. Agustín Escardino 7, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Vilarroig
- Hydrodynamic and Environmental Services, Av. del Mar, 53, 12003 Castellón, Spain
| | - Javier Climent
- Hydrodynamic and Environmental Services, Av. del Mar, 53, 12003 Castellón, Spain
| | - Sergio Chiva
- Universitat Jaume I, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - A Chica
- Instituto de Tecnología Química, Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avd. de Los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - J Navarro-Laboulais
- Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Arunwuttipong A, Jangtawee P, Vchirawongkwin V, Kangwansupamonkon W, Asavanant K, Ekgasit S. Public Buses Decontamination by Automated Hydrogen Peroxide Aerosolization System. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Public transportation has been linked to an increase in the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 transmission. The effective decontamination system using aerosolized hydrogen peroxide can mitigate the transmission risk from using public transportation.
AIM: The aim of this study was to develop and validate an effective decontamination system for public transport.
METHODS: The experimental research was performed in 13 inter-city public buses. The aerosol generator with ultrasonic atomizer was used in the experiment. The validation process for disinfection was conducted using both a chemical indicator (CI) and spore discs biological indicator (inoculated with 106 Geobacillus stearothermophilus enclosed in glassine envelopes). The CIs and biological indicators were marked by number and placed in nine locations on each bus. The decontamination cycle was developed by analyzed of various aerosolized and decomposition period. Both concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, 5% and 7%, were used for comparison.
RESULTS: In an aerosolized period, both concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at 30 min were effective for sporicidal 6-log reductions. The decontamination cycle totaled 100 min, based on a 70 min average decomposition time.
CONCLUSIONS: The automated hydrogen peroxide aerosolized system is a highly effective and safe method of decontaminating public buses.
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33
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Karami C, Normohammadi A, Dargahi A, Vosoughi M, Zandian H, Jeddi F, Mokhtari SA, Moradi-Asl E. Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 virus on nozzle surfaces of fuel supply stations in North West of Iran. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146641. [PMID: 34030290 PMCID: PMC7981268 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
There are several ways for transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 virus to humans, and one of these ways is the contact with infected surfaces. Fuel stations have been a major concern for people and health experts due to the frequent use of common nozzles. This study was performed to identify the COVID-19 virus in the nozzles of fuel supply stations. In the current research, 25 fuel supply stations along the main street ways were investigated to recognize Coronavirus infection on the surfaces of the nozzles. For each fuel supply station, 4 nozzles were chosen (a total of 100 samples). The sampling was carried out at two periods of time, that is, before and after quarantine restrictions. Swapping was used for surface sampling, and Real-time PCR was used to determine the positive and negative results. The results showed that out of nine fuel supply stations (36 samples of nozzle surfaces), five were positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on the nozzle surfaces before the corona restriction. The results showed that in the conditions after corona restriction, all samples were negative in terms of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on the surfaces of the nozzles. In spite of the fact that gas stations can be one of the foremost inclined places for the transmission and spread of coronavirus due to the nearness and visit of individuals, but through the observance of health behaviors and implementing some procedures, cutting the transmission chain in gas stations can be facilitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiman Karami
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran; Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ali Normohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of public Health, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Abdollah Dargahi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Vosoughi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Hamed Zandian
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Farhad Jeddi
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - S Ahamad Mokhtari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Eslam Moradi-Asl
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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Wendling JM, Saulnier A, Sabatier JM. Shared Food, Meals and Drinks: 10 Arguments Suggesting an Oral Transmission Route of SARS-CoV-2. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:e160721194830. [PMID: 34279208 DOI: 10.2174/1871526521666210716110603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Numerous observational, epidemiologic data have suggested that the risk of COVID19 is related to shared meals or drinks. The presence of ACE2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract supports this hypothesis. Furthermore, several patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms without any respiratory disease. The SARS-CoV-2 found on food and packaging in China and the epidemic resurgence attributed to foods are also strong indications of an oral transmission route. Unprecedented biopersistence on skin, food, and beverages supports this theory. Finally, animal models reproducing the disease by oral inoculation are additional arguments in favor of an oro-digestive route of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Wendling
- ACST - Strasbourg - Occupational health - 37 avenue de Colmar - 67100 Strasbourg. France
| | | | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Université Aix-Marseille - Institut de Neuro-Physiopathologie (INP) - UMR 7051, Faculté de Pharmacie, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex. France
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35
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Vicente VA, Lustosa BPR, Grisolia ME, Pavini Beato C, Balsanelli E, de Souza Gubert Fruet V, Bordignon Nogueira M, Raboni SM, Carvalho KAT, Flôr IC, Ferreira Voidaleski M, Etchepare RG, Meis JF, Soccol VT, Souza EM. Environmental Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Virus RNA in Health Facilities in Brazil and a Systematic Review on Contamination Sources. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3824. [PMID: 33917465 PMCID: PMC8038740 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 environmental monitoring can track the rate of viral contamination and can be used to establish preventive measures. This study aimed to detect by RT-PCR the presence of SARS-CoV-2 from inert surface samples in public health settings with a literature review about surface contamination and its burden on spread virus. Samples were collected from health settings in Curitiba, Brazil, between July and December 2020. A literature review was conducted using PRISMA. A total of 711 environmental surface samples were collected from outpatient areas, dental units, doctors' offices, COVID-19 evaluation areas, and hospital units, of which 35 (4.9%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The frequency of environmental contamination was higher in primary care units than in hospital settings. The virus was detected on doctors' personal items. Remarkably, the previously disinfected dental chair samples tested positive. These findings agree with those of other studies in which SARS-CoV-2 was found on inanimate surfaces. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces in public health settings, including those not meant to treat COVID-19, indicates widespread environmental contamination. Therefore, the intensification of disinfection measures for external hospital areas may be important for controlling community COVID-19 dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Aparecida Vicente
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Graduate Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Microbiology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (I.C.F.); (M.F.V.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Bruno Paulo Rodrigues Lustosa
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Maria Eduarda Grisolia
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Caroline Pavini Beato
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Eduardo Balsanelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | | | - Meri Bordignon Nogueira
- Virology Laboratory, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-900, Brazil; (M.B.N.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Sonia Maria Raboni
- Virology Laboratory, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-900, Brazil; (M.B.N.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Katherine Athayde Teixeira Carvalho
- The Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Institute, Child and Adolescent Health Research & Pequeno Príncipe Faculties and Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, Curitiba 802450-0260, Brazil;
| | - Izadora Cervelin Flôr
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Graduate Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Microbiology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (I.C.F.); (M.F.V.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Morgana Ferreira Voidaleski
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Graduate Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Microbiology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (I.C.F.); (M.F.V.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Ramiro Gonçalves Etchepare
- Technology Sector, Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vanete Thomaz Soccol
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
| | - Emanuel Maltempi Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
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36
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Passos RG, Silveira MB, Abrahão JS. Exploratory assessment of the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols in hospital facilities and public spaces of a metropolitan center in Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110808. [PMID: 33513382 PMCID: PMC7835608 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Although much has been discovered regarding the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, its presence in aerosols and their implications in the context of the pandemic is still controversial. More research on this topic is needed to contribute to these discussions. Presented herein are the results of ongoing research to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in aerosol in different hospital facilities (indoor environments) and public spaces (outdoor environments) of a metropolitan center in Brazil. From May to August 2020, 62 samples were collected using active sampling method (air samplers with filters) and passive method (petri dishes) in two hospitals, with different occupancies and infrastructure for contamination control. Outdoor public spaces such as sidewalks and a bus station were also investigated. Five air samples from four facilities in a hospital tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in suspended and sedimentable particles. SARS-CoV-2 was found in aerosols inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), in the protective apparel removal room, in the room containing patient mobile toilets and used clothes (room with natural ventilation) and in an external corridor adjacent to the ICU, probably coming from infected patients and/or from aerosolization of virus-laden particles on material/equipment. Our findings reinforce the hypothesis of airborne transmission of the new coronavirus, contributing to the planning of effective practices for pandemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Gomes Passos
- Nuclear Technology Development Center, CDTN - Campus UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Marina Bicalho Silveira
- Nuclear Technology Development Center, CDTN - Campus UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jônatas Santos Abrahão
- Virus Lab, Microbiology Department, Institute of Biological Sciences - Campus UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Dias HG, Resck MEB, Caldas GC, Resck AF, da Silva NV, dos Santos AMV, Sousa TDC, Ogrzewalska MH, Siqueira MM, Pauvolid-Corrêa A, dos Santos FB. Neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 in stray animals from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248578. [PMID: 33765012 PMCID: PMC7993851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel Betacoronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) became a public health emergency worldwide. Few reports indicate that owned pets from households with at least one human resident that was diagnosed with COVID-19 can be infected by SARS-CoV-2. However, the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 of pets from households with no COVID-19 cases or stray animals remains less assessed. Using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90), we investigated the infection and previous exposure of dogs and cats to SARS-CoV-2 during the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From June to August 2020, 96 animals were sampled, including 49 cats (40 owned and 9 stray) and 47 dogs (42 owned and 5 stray). Regarding owned pets, 75.6% (62/82) belonged to households with no COVID-19 cases. Samples included serum, and rectal and oropharyngeal swabs. All swabs were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, but serum samples of a stray cat and a stray dog presented neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2, with PRNT90 titer of 80 and 40, respectively. Serological data presented here suggest that not only owned pets from households with COVID19 cases, but also stray animals are being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helver Gonçalves Dias
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Maria Eduarda Barreto Resck
- Laboratório de Mosquitos Transmissores de Hematozoários, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Gabriela Cardoso Caldas
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Natália Valente da Silva
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Thiago das Chagas Sousa
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Maria Halina Ogrzewalska
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Marilda Mendonça Siqueira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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38
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Pitol AK, Julian TR. Community Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by Surfaces: Risks and Risk Reduction Strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2021; 8:263-269. [PMID: 37566313 PMCID: PMC7805599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is perceived to be primarily transmitted via person-to-person contact through droplets produced while talking, coughing, and sneezing. Transmission may also occur through other routes, including contaminated surfaces; nevertheless, the role that surfaces have on the spread of the disease remains contested. Here, we use the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment framework to examine the risks of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through surfaces and to evaluate the effectiveness of hand and surface disinfection as potential interventions. Using conservative assumptions on input parameters of the model (e.g., dose-response relationship, ratio of genome copies to infective virus), the average of the median risks for single hand-to-surface contact followed by hand-to-face contact range from 1.6 × 10-4 to 5.6 × 10-9 for modeled prevalence rates of 0.2%-5%. For observed prevalence rates (0.2%, 1%), this corresponds to a low risk of infection (<10-6). Hand disinfection substantially reduces risks of transmission independently of the disease's prevalence and contact frequency. In contrast, the effectiveness of surface disinfection is highly dependent on the prevalence and the frequency of contacts. The work supports the current perception that contaminated surfaces are not a primary mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and affirms the benefits of making hand disinfectants widely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana K. Pitol
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United
Kingdom
| | - Timothy R. Julian
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic
Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600,
Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health
Institute, Basel CH-4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel
CH-4055, Switzerland
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39
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Harvey AP, Fuhrmeister ER, Cantrell ME, Pitol AK, Swarthout JM, Powers JE, Nadimpalli ML, Julian TR, Pickering AJ. Longitudinal Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on High-Touch Surfaces in a Community Setting. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2021; 8:168-175. [PMID: 34192125 PMCID: PMC7927285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Environmental surveillance of surface contamination is an unexplored tool for understanding transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in community settings. We conducted longitudinal swab sampling of high-touch non-porous surfaces in a Massachusetts town during a COVID-19 outbreak from April to June 2020. Twenty-nine of 348 (8.3%) surface samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, including crosswalk buttons, trash can handles, and door handles of essential business entrances (grocery store, liquor store, bank, and gas station). The estimated risk of infection from touching a contaminated surface was low (less than 5 in 10,000) by quantitative microbial risk assessment, suggesting fomites play a minimal role in SARS-CoV-2 community transmission. The weekly percentage of positive samples (out of n = 33 unique surfaces per week) best predicted variation in city-level COVID-19 cases with a 7-day lead time. Environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on high-touch surfaces may be a useful tool to provide early warning of COVID-19 case trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail P. Harvey
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | | | - Molly E. Cantrell
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | - Ana K. Pitol
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna M. Swarthout
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | - Julie E. Powers
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | - Maya L. Nadimpalli
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | - Timothy R. Julian
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dubendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel CH-4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel CH-4055, Switzerland
| | - Amy J. Pickering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 94720
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40
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da Cruz PA, Crema-Cruz LC, Campos FS. Modeling transmission dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in São Paulo, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2021; 54:e05532020. [PMID: 33533818 PMCID: PMC7849330 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0553-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been transmitted to more than 200 countries, with 92.5 million cases and 1,981,678 deaths. METHODS This study applied a mathematical model to estimate the increase in the number of cases in São Paulo state, Brazil during four epidemic periods and the subsequent 300 days. We used different types of dynamic transmission models to measure the effects of social distancing interventions, based on local contact patterns. Specifically, we used a model that incorporated multiple transmission pathways and an environmental class that represented the pathogen concentration in the environmental reservoir and also considered the time that an individual may sustain a latent infection before becoming actively infectious. Thus, this model allowed us to show how the individual quarantine and active monitoring of contacts can influence the model parameters and change the rate of exposure of susceptible individuals to those who are infected. RESULTS The estimated basic reproductive number, R o , was 3.59 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.48 - 3.72). The mathematical model data prediction coincided with the real data mainly when the social distancing measures were respected. However, a lack of social distancing measures caused a significant increase in the number of infected individuals. Thus, if social distancing measures are not respected, we estimated a difference of at least 100,000 cases over the next 300 days. CONCLUSIONS Although the predictive capacity of this model was limited by the accuracy of the available data, our results showed that social distancing is currently the best non-pharmacological measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Alexandre da Cruz
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Colegiado de Ciências Exatas e Biotecnológicas, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, TO, Brasil
| | - Leandra Cristina Crema-Cruz
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Colegiado de Ciências Exatas e Biotecnológicas, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, TO, Brasil
| | - Fabrício Souza Campos
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Colegiado de Ciências Exatas e Biotecnológicas, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, TO, Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Laboratório de Bioinformática e Biotecnologia, Campus de Gurupi, Gurupi, TO, Brasil
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41
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Wong JCC, Hapuarachchi HC, Arivalan S, Tien WP, Koo C, Mailepessov D, Kong M, Nazeem M, Lim M, Ng LC. Environmental Contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in a Non-Healthcare Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:E117. [PMID: 33375308 PMCID: PMC7797951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fomite-mediated transmission has been identified as a possible route for the spread of COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. In healthcare settings, environmental contamination by SARS-CoV-2 has been found in patients' rooms and toilets. Here, we investigated environmental presence of SARS-CoV-2 in non-healthcare settings and assessed the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection in removing virus contamination. A total of 428 environmental swabs and six air samples was taken from accommodation rooms, toilets and elevators that have been used by COVID-19 cases. By using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay, we detected two SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive samples in a room where a COVID-19 patient stayed prior to diagnosis. The present study highlights the risk of fomite-mediated transmission in non-healthcare settings and the importance of surface disinfection in spaces occupied by cases. Of note, neither air-borne transmission nor surface contamination of elevators, which were transiently exposed to infected individuals, was evident among samples analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Chui Ching Wong
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Hapuarachchige Chanditha Hapuarachchi
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Sathish Arivalan
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Wei Ping Tien
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Carmen Koo
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Diyar Mailepessov
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Marcella Kong
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Mohammad Nazeem
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Merrill Lim
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
| | - Lee Ching Ng
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environmental Agency, 11, Biopolis Way, Helios Block, #06-05/08, Singapore 138667, Singapore; (J.C.C.W.); (H.C.H.); (S.A.); (W.P.T.); (C.K.); (D.M.); (M.K.); (M.N.); (M.L.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60, Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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Harvey AP, Fuhrmeister ER, Cantrell M, Pitol AK, Swarthout JM, Powers JE, Nadimpalli ML, Julian TR, Pickering AJ. Longitudinal monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on high-touch surfaces in a community setting. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.10.27.20220905. [PMID: 33140065 PMCID: PMC7605577 DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.27.20220905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Environmental surveillance of surface contamination is an unexplored tool for understanding transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in community settings. We conducted longitudinal swab sampling of high-touch non-porous surfaces in a Massachusetts town during a COVID-19 outbreak from April to June 2020. Twenty-nine of 348 (8.3 %) surface samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, including crosswalk buttons, trash can handles, and door handles of essential business entrances (grocery store, liquor store, bank, and gas station). The estimated risk of infection from touching a contaminated surface was low (less than 5 in 10,000), suggesting fomites play a minimal role in SARS-CoV-2 community transmission. The weekly percentage of positive samples (out of n=33 unique surfaces per week) best predicted variation in city-level COVID-19 cases using a 7-day lead time. Environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on high-touch surfaces could be a useful tool to provide early warning of COVID-19 case trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail P. Harvey
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | | | - Molly Cantrell
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | - Ana K. Pitol
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna M. Swarthout
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | - Julie E. Powers
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | - Maya L. Nadimpalli
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
| | - Timothy R. Julian
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dubendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amy J. Pickering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
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