1
|
Hardison RL, Lee SD, Limmer R, Marx J, Taylor BM, Barriga D, Nelson SW, Feliciano-Ruiz N, Stewart MJ, Calfee MW, James RR, Ryan SP, Howard MW. Sampling and recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 from high-touch surfaces by sponge stick and macrofoam swab. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:506-519. [PMID: 37382490 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2231516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Effective sampling for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a common approach for monitoring disinfection efficacy and effective environmental surveillance. This study evaluated sampling efficiency and limits of detection (LODs) of macrofoam swab and sponge stick sampling methods for recovering infectious SARS-CoV-2 and viral RNA (vRNA) from surfaces. Macrofoam swab and sponge stick methods were evaluated for collection of SARS-CoV-2 suspended in a soil load from 6-in2 coupons composed of four materials: stainless steel (SS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, bus seat fabric, and Formica. Recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 was more efficient than vRNA recovery on all materials except Formica (macrofoam swab sampling) and ABS (sponge stick sampling). Macrofoam swab sampling recovered significantly more vRNA from Formica than ABS and SS, and sponge stick sampling recovered significantly more vRNA from ABS than Formica and SS, suggesting that material and sampling method choice can affect surveillance results. Time since initial contamination significantly affected infectious virus recovery from all materials, with vRNA recovery showing limited to no difference, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 vRNA can remain detectable after viral infectivity has dissipated. This study showed that a complex relationship exists between sampling method, material, time from contamination to sampling, and recovery of SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, data show that careful consideration be used when selecting surface types for sampling and interpreting SARS-CoV-2 vRNA recovery with respect to presence of infectious virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sang Don Lee
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Joel Marx
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Stewart
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - M Worth Calfee
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Shawn P Ryan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shragai T, Pratt C, Castro Georgi J, Donnelly MAP, Schwartz NG, Soto R, Chuey M, Chu VT, Marcenac P, Park GW, Ahmad A, Albanese B, Totten SE, Austin B, Bunkley P, Cherney B, Dietrich EA, Figueroa E, Folster JM, Godino C, Herzegh O, Lindell K, Relja B, Sheldon SW, Tong S, Vinjé J, Thornburg NJ, Matanock AM, Hughes LJ, Stringer G, Hudziec M, Beatty ME, Tate JE, Kirking HL, Hsu CH. Household characteristics associated with surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 and frequency of RT-PCR and viral culture positivity-California and Colorado, 2021. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274946. [PMID: 36215247 PMCID: PMC9550039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While risk of fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is considered low, there is limited environmental data within households. This January-April 2021 investigation describes frequency and types of surfaces positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) among residences with ≥1 SARS-CoV-2 infection, and associations of household characteristics with surface RT-PCR and viable virus positivity. Of 1232 samples from 124 households, 27.8% (n = 342) were RT-PCR positive with nightstands (44.1%) and pillows (40.9%) most frequently positive. SARS-CoV-2 lineage, documented household transmission, greater number of infected persons, shorter interval between illness onset and sampling, total household symptoms, proportion of infected persons ≤12 years old, and persons exhibiting upper respiratory symptoms or diarrhea were associated with more positive surfaces. Viable virus was isolated from 0.2% (n = 3 samples from one household) of all samples. This investigation suggests that while SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces is common, fomite transmission risk in households is low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talya Shragai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Caroline Pratt
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Marisa A. P. Donnelly
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Noah G. Schwartz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Raymond Soto
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Meagan Chuey
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Victoria T. Chu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Perrine Marcenac
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Geun Woo Park
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ausaf Ahmad
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Bernadette Albanese
- Tri-County Health Department, Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas Counties, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Sarah Elizabeth Totten
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Glendale, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Brett Austin
- Health and Human Services, San Diego County, California, United States of America
| | - Paige Bunkley
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Blake Cherney
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Dietrich
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Erica Figueroa
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M. Folster
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Claire Godino
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Owen Herzegh
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kristine Lindell
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Boris Relja
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sarah W. Sheldon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Suxiang Tong
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jan Vinjé
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Natalie J. Thornburg
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Almea M. Matanock
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Laura J. Hughes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ginger Stringer
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Glendale, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Meghan Hudziec
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Glendale, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Mark E. Beatty
- Health and Human Services, San Diego County, California, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline E. Tate
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Hannah L. Kirking
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Christopher H. Hsu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cardinale D, Tafuro M, Mancusi A, Girardi S, Capuano F, Proroga YTR, Corrado F, D’Auria JL, Coppola A, Rofrano G, Volzone P, Galdi P, De Vita S, Gallo A, Suffredini E, Pierri B, Cerino P, Morgante M. Sponge Whirl-Pak Sampling Method and Droplet Digital RT-PCR Assay for Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces in Public and Working Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105861. [PMID: 35627397 PMCID: PMC9141805 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 can spread directly via saliva, respiratory aerosols and droplets, and indirectly by contact through contaminated objects and/or surfaces and by air. In the context of COVID-19 fomites can be an important vehicle of virus transmission and contribute to infection risk in public environments. The aim of the study was to analyze through surface sampling (sponge method) the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in public and working environments, in order to evaluate the risk for virus transmission. Seventy-seven environmental samples were taken using sterile sponges in 17 animal farms, 4 public transport buses, 1 supermarket and 1 hotel receptive structure. Furthermore, 246 and 93 swab samples were taken in the farms from animals and from workers, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 detection was conducted by real-time RT-PCR and by digital droplet RT-PCR (dd RT-PCR) using RdRp, gene E and gene N as targets. None of the human and animal swab samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, while detection was achieved in 20 of the 77 sponge samples (26%) using dd RT-PCR. Traces of the RdRp gene, gene E and gene N were found in 17/77 samples (22%, average concentration 31.2 g.c./cm2, range 5.6 to 132 g.c./cm2), 8/77 samples (10%, average concentration 15.1 g.c./cm2, range 6 to 36 g.c./cm2), and in 1/77 (1%, concentration 7.2 g.c./cm2). Higher detection rates were associated with sampling in animal farms and on public transport buses (32% and 30%) compared to the supermarket (21%) and the hotel (no detection). The result of the study suggests that the risk of contamination of surfaces with SARS-CoV-2 increases in environments in which sanitation strategies are not suitable and/or in highly frequented locations, such as public transportation. Considering the analytical methods, the dd RT-PCR was the only approach achieving detection of SARS-CoV-2 traces in environmental samples. Thus, dd RT-PCR emerges as a reliable tool for sensitive SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Cardinale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Maria Tafuro
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Andrea Mancusi
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.); (Y.T.R.P.)
| | - Santa Girardi
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.); (Y.T.R.P.)
| | - Federico Capuano
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.); (Y.T.R.P.)
| | - Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.); (Y.T.R.P.)
| | - Federica Corrado
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Jacopo Luigi D’Auria
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Annachiara Coppola
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Rofrano
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Palmiero Volzone
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Pio Galdi
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Sabato De Vita
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Alfonso Gallo
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Biancamaria Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Maria Morgante
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale Avellino, 83100 Avellino, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stobnicka-Kupiec A, Gołofit-Szymczak M, Cyprowski M, Górny RL. Detection and identification of potentially infectious gastrointestinal and respiratory viruses at workplaces of wastewater treatment plants with viability qPCR/RT-qPCR. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4517. [PMID: 35296727 PMCID: PMC8924946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the prevalence of the most common respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses in the air, surface swab, and influent/effluent samples collected in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Application of qPCR/RT-qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction/reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction) assays combined with PMA (propidium monoazide) dye pretreatment allowed detecting the potentially infectious and disintegrated viral particles in collected samples. In the air at workplaces in WWTPs, the most frequent isolation with the highest concentrations (reaching up to 103 gc/m3 of potentially infectious intact viral particles) were observed in case of adenoviruses (AdVs) and rotaviruses (RoVs), followed by noroviruses (NoVs). Viruses were significantly more often detected in the air samples collected with Coriolis μ impinger, than with MAS-100NT impactor. The temperature negatively (Spearman correlation: –1 < R < 0; p < 0.05), while RH (relative humidity) positively (0 < R < 1; p < 0.05) affected airborne concentrations of potentially infectious viral particles. In turn, the predominant viruses on studied surfaces were RoVs and noroviruses GII (NoV GII) with concentrations of potentially infectious virions up to 104 gc/100 cm2. In the cases of SARS-CoV-2 and presumptive SARS-CoV-2 or other coronaviruses, their concentrations reached up to 103 gc/100 cm2. The contamination level of steel surfaces in WWTPs was similar to this on plastic ones. This study revealed that the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses at workplaces in WWTPs is important for proper exposure assessment and needs to be included in risk management in occupational environment with high abundance of microbial pollutants derived from wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Stobnicka-Kupiec
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Gołofit-Szymczak
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Cyprowski
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał L Górny
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramlal PS, Lin J, Buckley CA, Stenström TA, Amoah ID. An assessment of the health risks associated with shared sanitation: a case study of the community ablution blocks in Durban, South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:166. [PMID: 35142880 PMCID: PMC9035208 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09815-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Shared sanitation facilities have been hailed as an innovative approach to solve the challenge with sanitation access. However, these facilities may act as hotspots for disease transmission due to unhygienic conditions. In this study we used quantitative (based on Escherichia coli contamination) techniques to assess the health risks associated with the use of community ablution blocks (CABs). The most contaminated surfaces were the cistern handle (5.7 Log10 cfu/cm2) and internal pull latch (5.8 Log10 cfu/cm2). Based on the E. coli contamination, at least two people out of 100 CAB users might be potentially infected when they touch "hot" surfaces. These risks were modelled assuming transfer of potentially pathogenic E. coli from these surfaces to the mouth. The incorporation of risk-reduction measures, such as wiping of these surfaces or washing of hands, could potentially result in significant reduction of infection risks. The most significant risk-reduction intervention was determined to be wiping of the contact surfaces, especially twice prior to contact. A combination of risk-reduction interventions could further reduce the risks. This study shows that contamination of contact surfaces within shared CABs could lead to increased risks of infections, requiring measures aimed at reducing the associated risks. The risk assessment framework used in this study could therefore be applied in similar settings to estimate associated health risks with the use of such facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preshod S Ramlal
- eThekwini Municipality Health Department, 9 Archie Gumede Place, 4001, Durban, South Africa.
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, 4001, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Johnson Lin
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, 4001, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christopher A Buckley
- WASH Research and Development Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, 4001, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thor Axel Stenström
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Isaac D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces in Households of Persons with COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158184. [PMID: 34360477 PMCID: PMC8345969 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 transmission from contaminated surfaces, or fomites, has been a concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Households have been important sites of transmission throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is limited information on SARS-CoV-2 contamination of surfaces in these settings. We describe environmental detection of SARS-CoV-2 in households of persons with COVID-19 to better characterize the potential risks of fomite transmission. Ten households with ≥1 person with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and with ≥2 members total were enrolled in Utah, U.S.A. Nasopharyngeal and anterior nasal swabs were collected from members and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Fifteen surfaces were sampled in each household and tested for presence and viability of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 23 (15%) of 150 environmental swab samples, most frequently on nightstands (4/6; 67%), pillows (4/23; 17%), and light switches (3/21; 14%). Viable SARS-CoV-2 was cultured from one sample. All households with SARS-CoV-2-positive surfaces had ≥1 person who first tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 ≤ 6 days prior to environmental sampling. SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination occurred early in the course of infection when respiratory transmission is most likely, notably on surfaces in close, prolonged contact with persons with COVID-19. While fomite transmission might be possible, risk is low.
Collapse
|
7
|
Overbey KN, Zachos NC, Coulter C, Jacangelo J, Schwab KJ. Recovery of Infectious Human Norovirus GII.4 Sydney From Fomites via Replication in Human Intestinal Enteroids. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:693090. [PMID: 34307195 PMCID: PMC8294327 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.693090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of fomites by human norovirus (HuNoV) can initiate and prolong outbreaks. Fomite swabbing is necessary to predict HuNoV exposure and target interventions. Historically, swab recovered HuNoV has been measured by molecular methods that detect viral RNA but not infectious HuNoV. The recent development of HuNoV cultivation in human intestinal enteroids (HIEs) enables detection of infectious HuNoV. It is unknown if the swabbing process and swab matrix will allow for cultivation of fomite recovered HuNoV. We used HIEs to culture swab-recovered HuNoV GII.4 Sydney from experimentally infected surfaces—a hospital bed tray (N = 32), door handle (N = 10), and sanitizer dispenser (N = 11). Each surface was swabbed with macrofoam swabs premoistened in PBS plus 0.02% Tween80. Swab eluate was tested for infectious HuNoV by cultivation in HIE monolayers. Infectious HuNoV can be recovered from surfaces inoculated with at least 105 HuNoV genome equivalents/3 cm2. In total, 57% (N = 53) of recovered swabs contained infectious HuNoV detected by HIEs. No difference in percent positive swabs was observed between the three surfaces at p = 0.2. We demonstrate that fomite swabbing can be combined with the HIE method to cultivate high titer infectious HuNoV from the environment, filling a significant gap in HuNoV detection. Currently, high titers of HuNoV are required to measure growth in HIEs and the HIE system precludes absolute quantification of infectious viruses. However, the HIE system can provide a binary indication of infectious HuNoV which enhances existing detection methods. Identification of infectious HuNoVs from swabs can increase monitoring accuracy, enhance risk estimates, and help prevent outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie N Overbey
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicholas C Zachos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Caroline Coulter
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joseph Jacangelo
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Stantec, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Kellogg J Schwab
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Amoah ID, Pillay L, Deepnarian N, Awolusi O, Pillay K, Ramlal P, Kumari S, Bux F. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on contact surfaces within shared sanitation facilities. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 236:113807. [PMID: 34265632 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-89199/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of contact surfaces with SARS-CoV-2 has been reported as a potential route for the transmission of COVID-19. This could be a major issue in developing countries where access to basic sanitation is poor, leading to the sharing of toilet facilities. In this study, we report SARS-CoV-2 contamination of key contact surfaces in shared toilets and the probabilistic risks of COVID-19 infections based on detection and quantification of the nucleic acid on the surfaces. We observed that 54-69% of the contact surfaces were contaminated, with SARS-CoV-2 loads ranging from 28.1 to 132.7 gene copies per cm2. Toilet seats had the highest contamination, which could be attributed to shedding of the virus in feces and urine. We observed a significant reduction in viral loads on the contaminated surfaces after cleaning, showing the potential of effective cleaning on the reduction of contamination. The pattern of contamination indicates that the most contaminated surfaces are those that are either commonly touched by users of the shared toilets or easily contaminated with feces and urine. These surfaces were the toilet seats, cistern handles and tap handles. The likelihood (probability) of infection with COVID-19 on these surfaces was highest on the toilet seat (1.76 × 10-4(1.58 × 10-6)) for one time use of the toilet. These findings highlight the potential risks for COVID-19 infections in the event that intact infectious viral particles are deposited on these contact surfaces. Therefore, this study shows that shared toilet facilities in densely populated areas could lead to an increase in risks of COVID-19 infections. This calls for the implementation of risk reduction measures, such as regular washing of hands with soap, strict adherence to wearing face masks, and effective and regular cleaning of shared facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Dennis Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Leanne Pillay
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Nashia Deepnarian
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Oluyemi Awolusi
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Kriveshin Pillay
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Preshod Ramlal
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4001, South Africa; eThekwini Health Department, eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, 4001, South Africa
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao P, Li Y. Modeling and Experimental Validation of Microbial Transfer via Surface Touch. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4148-4161. [PMID: 33378200 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Surface touch spreads disease-causing microbes, but the measured rates of microbial transfer vary significantly. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying microbial transfer via surface touch are unknown. In this study, a new physical model was proposed to accurately evaluate the microbial transfer rate in a finger-surface touch, based on the mechanistic effects of important physical factors, including surface roughness, surface wetness, touch force, and microbial transfer direction. Four surface-touch modes were distinguished, namely, a single touch, sequential touches (by different recipients), repeated touches (by the same recipient), and a touch with rubbing. The tested transfer rates collated from 26 prior studies were compared with the model predictions based on their experimental parameters, and studies in which the transfer rates were more consistent with our model predictions were identified. New validation experiments were performed by accurately controlling the parameters involved in the model. Four types of microbes were used to transfer between the naked finger and metal surface with the assistance of a purpose-made touch machine. The measured microbial transfer rate data in our new experiments had a smaller standard deviation than those reported from prior studies and were closer to the model prediction. Our novel predictive model sheds light on possible future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jin M, Wu S, Kong X, Xie H, Fu J, He Y, Feng W, Liu N, Li J, Rainey JJ, Hall AJ, Vinjé J, Duan Z. Norovirus Outbreak Surveillance, China, 2016-2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:437-445. [PMID: 32091361 PMCID: PMC7045832 DOI: 10.3201/eid2603.191183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
CaliciNet China, a network of provincial, county, and city laboratories coordinated by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was launched in October 2016 to monitor the epidemiology and genotype distribution of norovirus outbreaks in China. During October 2016–September 2018, a total of 556 norovirus outbreaks were reported, and positive fecal samples from 470 (84.5%) outbreaks were genotyped. Most of these outbreaks were associated with person-to-person transmission (95.1%), occurred in childcare centers or schools (78.2%), and were reported during November–March of each year (63.5%). During the 2-year study period, 81.2% of all norovirus outbreaks were typed as GII.2[P16]. In China, most norovirus outbreaks are reported by childcare centers or schools; GII.2[P16] is the predominant genotype. Ongoing surveillance by CaliciNet China will provide information about the evolving norovirus genotype distribution and outbreak characteristics important for the development of effective interventions, including vaccines.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chhabra P, Browne H, Huynh T, Diez-Valcarce M, Barclay L, Kosek MN, Ahmed T, Lopez MR, Pan CY, Vinjé J. Single-step RT-PCR assay for dual genotyping of GI and GII norovirus strains. J Clin Virol 2020; 134:104689. [PMID: 33260046 PMCID: PMC7816162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noroviruses are the major cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in people of all ages globally. Standardized genotyping is key for outbreak investigations and surveillance networks. OBJECTIVE Here we describe the validation of a one-step conventional RT-PCR assay for sequence-based dual typing of GI and GII noroviruses. This polymerase (P) and capsid (C) dual typing assay uses a combination of previously published oligonucleotide primers amplifying a genomic region spanning the 3'-end of ORF1 and 5'end of ORF2 resulting in a 579 bp product for GI and 570 bp product for GII viruses. RESULTS The limit of detection of the assay ranged from 5 to 50 copies of viral RNA per reaction for GI and GII. To validate the assay, we tested 2,663 noroviruspositive stool samples from outbreaks and sporadic cases of AGE in Bangladesh, Guatemala, Peru, and USA collected between 2010-2019, of which 2,392 (90 %) were genotyped successfully. Most of the known genotypes infecting humans (GI (n = 9) and GII (n = 23)) and P types (GI (n = 15), GII, (n = 20)) could be detected. The remaining 270 samples had low viral load (Ct > 30) by real-time RT-PCR. A panel of 166 samples positive for other enteric viruses (rotavirus, astrovirus, sapovirus, adenovirus type 40/41) tested negative. CONCLUSION The use of broadly reactive genotyping assays greatly strengthens exchange of standardized genotype data globally to monitor trends in genotype diversity which is important for both the development of vaccines and to measure their impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Chhabra
- Viral Gastroenteritis Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Hannah Browne
- National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thalia Huynh
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | - Leslie Barclay
- Viral Gastroenteritis Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margaret N Kosek
- University of Virginia Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Chao-Yang Pan
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Jan Vinjé
- Viral Gastroenteritis Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mascuch SJ, Fakhretaha-Aval S, Bowman JC, Ma MTH, Thomas G, Bommarius B, Ito C, Zhao L, Newnam GP, Matange KR, Thapa HR, Barlow B, Donegan RK, Nguyen NA, Saccuzzo EG, Obianyor CT, Karunakaran SC, Pollet P, Rothschild-Mancinelli B, Mestre-Fos S, Guth-Metzler R, Bryksin AV, Petrov AS, Hazell M, Ibberson CB, Penev PI, Mannino RG, Lam WA, Garcia AJ, Kubanek J, Agarwal V, Hud NV, Glass JB, Williams LD, Lieberman RL. A blueprint for academic laboratories to produce SARS-CoV-2 quantitative RT-PCR test kits. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:15438-15453. [PMID: 32883809 PMCID: PMC7667971 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Widespread testing for the presence of the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals remains vital for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic prior to the advent of an effective treatment. Challenges in testing can be traced to an initial shortage of supplies, expertise, and/or instrumentation necessary to detect the virus by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), the most robust, sensitive, and specific assay currently available. Here we show that academic biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories equipped with appropriate expertise and infrastructure can replicate commercially available SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR test kits and backfill pipeline shortages. The Georgia Tech COVID-19 Test Kit Support Group, composed of faculty, staff, and trainees across the biotechnology quad at Georgia Institute of Technology, synthesized multiplexed primers and probes and formulated a master mix composed of enzymes and proteins produced in-house. Our in-house kit compares favorably with a commercial product used for diagnostic testing. We also developed an environmental testing protocol to readily monitor surfaces for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Our blueprint should be readily reproducible by research teams at other institutions, and our protocols may be modified and adapted to enable SARS-CoV-2 detection in more resource-limited settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Mascuch
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sara Fakhretaha-Aval
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica C. Bowman
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Minh Thu H. Ma
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gwendell Thomas
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bettina Bommarius
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chieri Ito
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Liangjun Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gary P. Newnam
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kavita R. Matange
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hem R. Thapa
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brett Barlow
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca K. Donegan
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nguyet A. Nguyen
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily G. Saccuzzo
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chiamaka T. Obianyor
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Suneesh C. Karunakaran
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Pamela Pollet
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Santi Mestre-Fos
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca Guth-Metzler
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anton V. Bryksin
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anton S. Petrov
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mallory Hazell
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carolyn B. Ibberson
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Petar I. Penev
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert G. Mannino
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wilbur A. Lam
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrés J. Garcia
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julia Kubanek
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Vinayak Agarwal
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicholas V. Hud
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Glass
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Loren Dean Williams
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Raquel L. Lieberman
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mascuch SJ, Fakhretaha-Aval S, Bowman JC, Ma MTH, Thomas G, Bommarius B, Ito C, Zhao L, Newnam GP, Matange KR, Thapa HR, Barlow B, Donegan RK, Nguyen NA, Saccuzzo EG, Obianyor CT, Karunakaran SC, Pollet P, Rothschild-Mancinelli B, Mestre-Fos S, Guth-Metzler R, Bryksin AV, Petrov AS, Hazell M, Ibberson CB, Penev PI, Mannino RG, Lam WA, Garcia AJ, Kubanek JM, Agarwal V, Hud NV, Glass JB, Williams LD, Lieberman RL. A blueprint for academic labs to produce SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR test kits. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.07.29.20163949. [PMID: 32766604 PMCID: PMC7402063 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.29.20163949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Widespread testing for the presence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in individuals remains vital for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic prior to the advent of an effective treatment. Challenges in testing can be traced to an initial shortage of supplies, expertise and/or instrumentation necessary to detect the virus by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the most robust, sensitive, and specific assay currently available. Here we show that academic biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories equipped with appropriate expertise and infrastructure can replicate commercially available SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR test kits and backfill pipeline shortages. The Georgia Tech COVID-19 Test Kit Support Group, composed of faculty, staff, and trainees across the biotechnology quad at Georgia Institute of Technology, synthesized multiplexed primers and probes and formulated a master mix composed of enzymes and proteins produced in-house. Our in-house kit compares favorably to a commercial product used for diagnostic testing. We also developed an environmental testing protocol to readily monitor surfaces across various campus laboratories for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Our blueprint should be readily reproducible by research teams at other institutions, and our protocols may be modified and adapted to enable SARS-CoV-2 detection in more resource-limited settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Mascuch
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sara Fakhretaha-Aval
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica C. Bowman
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Minh Thu H. Ma
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gwendell Thomas
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bettina Bommarius
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chieri Ito
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Liangjun Zhao
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gary P. Newnam
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kavita R. Matange
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hem R. Thapa
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brett Barlow
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca K. Donegan
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nguyet A. Nguyen
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily G. Saccuzzo
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chiamaka T. Obianyor
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Pamela Pollet
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Santi Mestre-Fos
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Guth-Metzler
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anton V. Bryksin
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anton S. Petrov
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mallory Hazell
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carolyn B. Ibberson
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Petar I. Penev
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert G. Mannino
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wilbur A. Lam
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrés J. Garcia
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julia M. Kubanek
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vinayak Agarwal
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicholas V. Hud
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Glass
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Loren Dean Williams
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Raquel L. Lieberman
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sung H, Roh KH, Hong KH, Seong MW, Ryoo N, Kim HS, Lee J, Kim SY, Ryu SW, Kim MN, Han MG, Lee SW, Lee H, Yoo CK. COVID-19 Molecular Testing in Korea: Practical Essentials and Answers From Experts Based on Experiences of Emergency Use Authorization Assays. Ann Lab Med 2020; 40:439-447. [PMID: 32539299 PMCID: PMC7295959 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2020.40.6.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Early detection of COVID-19 and immediate isolation of infected patients from the naive population are important to prevent further pandemic spread of the infection. Real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA is currently the most reliable diagnostic method for confirming COVID-19 worldwide. Guidelines for clinical laboratories on the COVID-19 diagnosis have been recently published by Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, these formal guidelines do not address common practical laboratory issues related to COVID-19 real-time RT-PCR testing and their solutions. Therefore, this guideline is intended as a practical and technical supplement to the “Guidelines for Laboratory Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Korea”.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heungsup Sung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Ho Roh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Health Insurance Service, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Ki Ho Hong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moon-Woo Seong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Namhee Ryoo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jaehyeon Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sook Won Ryu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Mi-Na Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung Guk Han
- Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Osong, Korea
| | - Sang Won Lee
- Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Osong, Korea
| | - Hyukmin Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cheon Kwon Yoo
- Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Osong, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Park GW, Ng TFF, Freeland AL, Marconi VC, Boom JA, Staat MA, Montmayeur AM, Browne H, Narayanan J, Payne DC, Cardemil CV, Treffiletti A, Vinjé J. CrAssphage as a Novel Tool to Detect Human Fecal Contamination on Environmental Surfaces and Hands. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:1731-1739. [PMID: 32511090 PMCID: PMC7392416 DOI: 10.3201/eid2608.200346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CrAssphage is a recently discovered human gut–associated bacteriophage. To validate the potential use of crAssphage for detecting human fecal contamination on environmental surfaces and hands, we tested stool samples (n = 60), hand samples (n = 30), and environmental swab samples (n = 201) from 17 norovirus outbreaks for crAssphage by real-time PCR. In addition, we tested stool samples from healthy persons (n = 173), respiratory samples (n = 113), and animal fecal specimens (n = 68) and further sequenced positive samples. Overall, we detected crAssphage in 71.4% of outbreak stool samples, 48%–68.5% of stool samples from healthy persons, 56.2% of environmental swabs, and 60% of hand rinse samples, but not in human respiratory samples or animal fecal samples. CrAssphage sequences could be grouped into 2 major genetic clusters. Our data suggest that crAssphage could be used to detect human fecal contamination on environmental surfaces and hands.
Collapse
|
16
|
Stobnicka-Kupiec A, Gołofit-Szymczak M, Górny RL, Cyprowski M. Prevalence of Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) and Bovine Adenovirus (BAdV) genomes among air and surface samples in dairy production. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2020; 17:312-323. [PMID: 32255403 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2020.1742914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the occurrence of bovine viruses (bovine leukemia virus-BLV and bovine adenovirus-BAdV) at workplaces in traditional dairies and to evaluate the potential role of airborne and surface contamination in spreading of these viruses derived from raw milk. The total amount of 122 samples-including 37 air (bioaerosol), 40 surface, and 45 milk samples-were checked for the presence of BLV and BAdV genomes using RT-qPCR/qPCR method. The study showed that the viruses were present in 7 air (among them 71.4% were BLV-positive and 28.6% were BAdV-positive), 14 surface (among them 85.7% were BLV-positive and 14.3% were BAdV-positive), and 34 milk (all were BLV-positive only) samples. Statistical analysis revealed that both the air and surfaces in studied occupational environment were more frequently contaminated with BLV than with BAdV (Chi-square test: p = 0.002, Fisher's Exact test: p = 0.002). Kruskal-Wallis tests showed significant differences in BLV genome concentrations in the air (p = 0.045) as well as in BLV and BAdV genome concentrations on surfaces (p = 0.005 and p = 0.040, respectively) between studied processing areas. In units of genome copies (gc) per area, the highest concentrations of BLV and BAdV genomes in the air (9.8 × 101 ± 1.14 × 102 gc/m3 and 5.4 × 101 ± 9.1 × 101 gc/m3, respectively) and on surfaces (9.83 × 102 ± 7.41 × 102 gc/100cm2 and 2.30 × 102 ± 3.8 × 102 gc/100cm2, respectively) were observed in milk reception area. The air and surfaces of pre-production zones were also significantly more contaminated with BAdV genomes compared to production areas (Mann-Whitney test: p = 0.039 and p = 0.029, respectively). This study showed that dairy workers may be exposed to bovine viruses through the inhalation of bioaerosols and contact with contaminated surfaces. To reduce the probability of virus transmission from the raw milk to humans, efficient surface cleaning procedures degrading viral particles should be introduced and the use of personal protection equipment, especially within pre-production zones, should be required. As the raw milk may be a source of bovine viruses, the development of strategies for both the control and eradication of BLV and BAdV among cattle seems to be also urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rafał L Górny
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Cyprowski
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li B, Xiao D, Li Y, Wu X, Qi L, Tang W, Li Q. Epidemiological analysis of norovirus infectious diarrhea outbreaks in Chongqing, China, from 2011 to 2016. J Infect Public Health 2019; 13:46-50. [PMID: 31548166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of norovirus infection from 2011 to 2016 in Chongqing, China, in order to provide evidence for strategies on epidemic prevention and control. METHODS We collected data on norovirus infectious diarrhea epidemics in 38 districts and counties, and analyzed the information using descriptive epidemiological methods. RESULTS In 2011, the first case of norovirus infectious diarrhea in Chongqing was reported. From 2011 to 2015, 38 districts and counties in Chongqing reported a total of 4 epidemics. In 2016, however, the city reported 117 outbreaks. From 2011 to 2016, there were 1637 cases of norovirus infection but no deaths. In 2016, most outbreaks occurred over a 5-month period with a clear peak in December and higher incidence in major urban areas than smaller communities (83.61% vs. 16.39%). Of these 1637 cases, 99.18% occurred in urban schools and nurseries, and 80% were transmitted person-to-person. Infection by genogroup II genotype 2 (GII.2) viruses accounted for 98.71% of cases. Leukocytes were increased in 67.81% of patients, neutrophils in 65%, and lymphocytes in 50%. Medical treatment was sought by 70% of patients or guardians but only 3.66% of cases were hospitalized. The most frequent misdiagnosis was "suspected food poisoning". CONCLUSION The frequency of norovirus infectious diarrhea epidemics increased over 20-fold from 2011 to 2016 in Chongqing, China. These epidemics occurred predominantly in urban schools and nurseries. However, epidemics showed little spread to outlying districts and counties, so prevention and control pressures were relatively high. SUGGESTIONS Healthcare professionals and institutions should strengthen health education for groups at high-risk of norovirus infection, such as school children, and increase norovirus testing capacity to further improve emergency investigation. Prevention and control knowledge should be disseminated to the general public to reduce transmission risk and total disease burden. Finally, governments and health administrative departments should invest special funds to prevent and control norovirus epidemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baisong Li
- Infectious Disease Control Office, The Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Dayong Xiao
- Infectious Disease Control Office, The Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yanlin Li
- Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570100, China
| | - Xianlan Wu
- The Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400000, China
| | - Li Qi
- Infectious Disease Control Office, The Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Wenge Tang
- Infectious Disease Control Office, The Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Qin Li
- Infectious Disease Control Office, The Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 400010, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mugyia AE, Ndze VN, Akoachere JFTK, Browne H, Boula A, Ndombo PK, Cannon JL, Vinjé J, Ndip LM. Molecular epidemiology of noroviruses in children under 5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis in Yaoundé, Cameroon. J Med Virol 2019; 91:738-743. [PMID: 30570784 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Norovirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among children in developing countries. Limited data on the prevalence and genetic variability of norovirus are available in Cameroon, where early childhood mortality due to AGE is common. We tested 902 fecal specimens from children younger than 5 years of age hospitalized with AGE between January 2010 and December 2013. Overall, 76 (8.4%) samples tested positive for norovirus, of which 83% (63/76) were among children below 12 months old. Most of the noroviruses detected were in children infected between July and December of each year. All norovirus-positive specimens were genotyped, with 80% (61/76) being GII.4 (three variants detected). Genotypes GI.2, GI.6, GII.1, GII.2, GII.3, GII.6, GII.16, GII.17, and GII.21 were also detected. Interestingly, GII.4 Sydney and GII.17 Kawasaki viruses were found as early as 2010, years before their emergence globally. This study suggests norovirus is a significant cause of moderate to severe gastroenteritis among young children in Cameroon. The results are important to highlight appropriate prevention and control strategies for reducing the burden of norovirus disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akongnwi E Mugyia
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Valentine N Ndze
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Metabiota, Cameroon
| | | | - Hannah Browne
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - Angeline Boula
- Deparment of Virology, Rotavirus National Reference Laboratory, Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Paul Koki Ndombo
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Deparment of Virology, Rotavirus National Reference Laboratory, Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Jan Vinjé
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lucy M Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mi X, Lucier EM, Turpeinen DG, Yeo ELL, Kah JCY, Heldt CL. Mannitol-induced gold nanoparticle aggregation for the ligand-free detection of viral particles. Analyst 2019; 144:5486-5496. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an00830f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Addition of osmolytes causes viruses-coated AuNPs to aggregate and not protein-coated AuNPs. Ligand-free detection of virus was developed without the need for prior knowledge of the specific virus target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Mi
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Michigan Technological University
- USA
| | | | | | - Eugenia Li Ling Yeo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore
| | - James Chen Yong Kah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore
| | - Caryn L. Heldt
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Michigan Technological University
- USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lee C, Park S, Cho K, Yoo JE, Lee S, Ko G. Comparison of Swab Sampling Methods for Norovirus Recovery on Surfaces. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:378-385. [PMID: 30094754 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-018-9353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) can be easily transferred by the contacts of humans or fomites. Swab sampling methods are widely used for recovering HuNoVs from small surfaces of various fomites or hard-to-reach locations and swab sampling conditions are important for the accurate detection of HuNoVs, which have a low infectious dose and relatively long persistence under a range of environmental conditions. Therefore, to determine the suitable swab sampling method for recovering HuNoVs from various surfaces, we evaluated combinations of four swab materials (cotton, microdenier polyester [a type of microfiber], polyurethane foam, and rayon) and three elution buffer solutions (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS], PBS with 0.2% Tween-80, and 3% beef extract-50 mM glycine [pH 9.5]). First, we inoculated HuNoVs or murine noroviruses (MuNoVs), the surrogate of HuNoVs, onto test coupons (10 × 10 cm) consisting of three common surface materials (high-density polyethylene, stainless steel, and wood). Coupons were swabbed using a combination of each swab material and elution buffer, and the viral recovery was measured by real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or plaque assay. By RT-qPCR, we confirmed that the cotton swab-PBS and microdenier polyester-PBS combinations had recovery efficiencies greater than 80% for viruses on plastic and stainless steel surfaces. The cotton swab-PBS combination had the highest recovery efficiency on all surface materials via the plaque assay. Therefore, a cotton or a microdenier polyester swab with PBS could be a useful method for sampling HuNoVs on various surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheonghoon Lee
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - SungJun Park
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- N-Bio, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuseon Cho
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Eun Yoo
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghee Lee
- N-Bio, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - GwangPyo Ko
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- N-Bio, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Human and Environmental Microbiome, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Stobnicka A, Gołofit-Szymczak M, Wójcik-Fatla A, Zając V, Korczyńska-Smolec J, Górny RL. Prevalence of Human Parainfluenza Viruses and Noroviruses Genomes on Office Fomites. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:133-140. [PMID: 29196954 PMCID: PMC5951877 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-017-9327-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of office fomites in respiratory (human parainfluenza virus 1-HPIV1, human parainfluenza virus 3-HPIV3) and enteric (norovirus GI-NoV GI, norovirus GII-NoV GII) viruses transmission by assessing the occurrence of these viruses on surfaces in office buildings. Between 2016 and 2017, a total of 130 surfaces from open-space and non-open-space rooms in office buildings located in one city were evaluated for HPIV1, HPIV3, NoV GI, and NoV GII viral RNA presence. Detection of viruses was performed by RT-qPCR method. Study revealed 27 positive samples, among them 59.3% were HPIV3-positive, 25.9% HPIV1-positive, and 14.8% NoV GII-positive. All tested surfaces were NoV GI-negative. Statistical analysis of obtained data showed that the surfaces of office equipment including computer keyboards and mice, telephones, and desktops were significantly more contaminated with respiratory viruses than the surfaces of building equipment elements such as door handles, light switches, or ventilation tracts (χ 2 p = 0.006; Fisher's Exact p = 0.004). All examined surfaces were significantly more contaminated with HPIVs than NoVs (χ 2 p = 0.002; Fisher's Exact p = 0.003). Office fomites in open-space rooms were more often contaminated with HPIVs than with NoVs (χ 2 p = 0.016; Fisher's Exact p = 0.013). The highest average concentration of HPIVs RNA copies was observed on telephones (1.66 × 102 copies/100 cm2), while NoVs on the light switches (1.40 × 102 copies/100 cm2). However, the Kruskal-Wallis test did not show statistically significant differences in concentration levels of viral RNA copies on surfaces between the all tested samples. This study unequivocally showed that individuals in office environment may have contact with both respiratory and enteric viral particles present on frequently touched surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Stobnicka
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, 00-701, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Gołofit-Szymczak
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, 00-701, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angelina Wójcik-Fatla
- Department of Health Biohazards and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2 Street, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Violetta Zając
- Department of Health Biohazards and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2 Street, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Rafał L Górny
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, 00-701, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Alamer S, Eissa S, Chinnappan R, Zourob M. A rapid colorimetric immunoassay for the detection of pathogenic bacteria on poultry processing plants using cotton swabs and nanobeads. Mikrochim Acta 2018; 185:164. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-018-2696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
23
|
Chhabra P, Gregoricus N, Weinberg GA, Halasa N, Chappell J, Hassan F, Selvarangan R, Mijatovic-Rustempasic S, Ward ML, Bowen M, Payne DC, Vinjé J. Comparison of three multiplex gastrointestinal platforms for the detection of gastroenteritis viruses. J Clin Virol 2017; 95:66-71. [PMID: 28889082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viruses are major etiological agents of childhood gastroenteritis. In recent years, several molecular platforms for the detection of viral enteric pathogens have become available. OBJECTIVE/STUDY DESIGN We evaluated the performance of three multiplex platforms including Biofire's Gastrointestinal Panel (FilmArray), Luminex xTAG® Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel (GPP), and the TaqMan Array Card (TAC) for the detection of five gastroenteritis viruses using a coded panel of 300 archived stool samples. RESULTS The FilmArray detected a virus in 199 (96.1%) and the TAC in 172 (83.1%) of the 207 samples (187 samples positive for a single virus and 20 samples positive for more than one virus) whereas the GPP detected a virus in 100 (78.7%) of the 127 (97 positive for one virus and three positive for more than one virus) samples. Overall the clinical accuracy was highest for the FilmArray (98%) followed by TAC (97.2%) and GPP (96.9%). The sensitivity of the FilmArray, GPP and TAC platforms was highest for rotavirus (100%, 95.8%, and 89.6%, respectively) and lowest for adenovirus type 40/41 (97.4%, 57.9% and 68.4%). The specificity of the three platforms ranged from 95.6% (rotavirus) to 99.6% (norovirus/sapovirus) for the FilmArray, 99.6% (norovirus) to 100% (rotavirus/adenovirus) for GPP, and 98.9% (astrovirus) to 100% (rotavirus/sapovirus) for TAC. CONCLUSION The FilmArray demonstrated the best analytical performance followed by TAC. In recent years, the availability of multi-enteric molecular testing platforms has increased significantly and our data highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Chhabra
- Synergy America, Inc., Atlanta, GA, United States; Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nicole Gregoricus
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Geoffrey A Weinberg
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Golisano Children's Hospital, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Natasha Halasa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - James Chappell
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ferdaus Hassan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospitals, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Rangaraj Selvarangan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospitals, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Slavica Mijatovic-Rustempasic
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - M Leanne Ward
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael Bowen
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Daniel C Payne
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jan Vinjé
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Genetic and Epidemiologic Trends of Norovirus Outbreaks in the United States from 2013 to 2016 Demonstrated Emergence of Novel GII.4 Recombinant Viruses. J Clin Microbiol 2017; 55:2208-2221. [PMID: 28490488 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00455-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Noroviruses are the most frequent cause of epidemic acute gastroenteritis in the United States. Between September 2013 and August 2016, 2,715 genotyped norovirus outbreaks were submitted to CaliciNet. GII.4 Sydney viruses caused 58% of the outbreaks during these years. A GII.4 Sydney virus with a novel GII.P16 polymerase emerged in November 2015, causing 60% of all GII.4 outbreaks in the 2015-2016 season. Several genotypes detected were associated with more than one polymerase type, including GI.3, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4 Sydney, GII.13, and GII.17, four of which harbored GII.P16 polymerases. GII.P16 polymerase sequences associated with GII.2 and GII.4 Sydney viruses were nearly identical, suggesting common ancestry. Other common genotypes, each causing 5 to 17% of outbreaks in a season, included GI.3, GI.5, GII.2, GII.3, GII.6, GII.13, and GII.17 Kawasaki 308. Acquisition of alternative RNA polymerases by recombination is an important mechanism for norovirus evolution and a phenomenon that was shown to occur more frequently than previously recognized in the United States. Continued molecular surveillance of noroviruses, including typing of both polymerase and capsid genes, is important for monitoring emerging strains in our continued efforts to reduce the overall burden of norovirus disease.
Collapse
|