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Guo L, Yang Z, Zhang L, Wang S, Bai T, Xiang Y, Long E. Systematic review of the effects of environmental factors on virus inactivation: implications for coronavirus disease 2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : IJEST 2021; 18:2865-2878. [PMID: 34306118 PMCID: PMC8286163 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-021-03495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors such as temperature and relative humidity can affect the inactivation and transmission of coronaviruses. By reviewing medical experiments on virus survival and virus transmission between infected and susceptible species in different temperature and humidity conditions, this study explores the influence of temperature and relative humidity on the survival and transmission of viruses, and provides suggestions, with experimental evidence, for the environmental control measures of Coronavirus Disease 2019. The results indicated that (1) virus viability and infectivity is increased at a low temperature of 5 ℃ and reduced at higher temperatures. (2) Virus survival and transmission is highly efficient in a dry environment with low relative humidity, and also in a wet environment with high relative humidity, and it is minimal at intermediate relative humidity. Therefore, in indoor environments, the lack of heating in winter or overventilation, leading to low indoor temperature, can help virus survival and help susceptible people being infected. On the contrary, modulating the indoor relative humidity at an intermediate level is conducive to curb epidemic outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Institution of Disaster Management & Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- College of Culture and Art, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Z. Yang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - L. Zhang
- Department of Solid Waste Treatment Technology, Sichuan Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Pollution Control for Heavy Metals, Sichuan Academy of Environmental Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - S. Wang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - T. Bai
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Solid Waste Treatment Technology, Sichuan Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Pollution Control for Heavy Metals, Sichuan Academy of Environmental Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Y. Xiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Institution of Disaster Management & Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - E. Long
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Institution of Disaster Management & Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Solid Waste Treatment Technology, Sichuan Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Pollution Control for Heavy Metals, Sichuan Academy of Environmental Sciences, Chengdu, China
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252
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Kumaravel V, Nair KM, Mathew S, Bartlett J, Kennedy JE, Manning HG, Whelan BJ, Leyland NS, Pillai SC. Antimicrobial TiO 2 nanocomposite coatings for surfaces, dental and orthopaedic implants. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 416:129071. [PMID: 33642937 PMCID: PMC7899925 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.129071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Engineering of self-disinfecting surfaces to constrain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is a challenging task for the scientific community because the human coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets. Titania (TiO2) nanocomposite antimicrobial coatings is one of the ideal remedies to disinfect pathogens (virus, bacteria, fungi) from common surfaces under light illumination. The photocatalytic disinfection efficiency of recent TiO2 nanocomposite antimicrobial coatings for surfaces, dental and orthopaedic implants are emphasized in this review. Mostly, inorganic metals (e.g. copper (Cu), silver (Ag), manganese (Mn), etc), non-metals (e.g. fluorine (F), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P)) and two-dimensional materials (e.g. MXenes, MOF, graphdiyne) were incorporated with TiO2 to regulate the charge transfer mechanism, surface porosity, crystallinity, and the microbial disinfection efficiency. The antimicrobial activity of TiO2 coatings was evaluated against the most crucial pathogenic microbes such as Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Legionella pneumophila, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, T2 bacteriophage, H1N1, HCoV-NL63, vesicular stomatitis virus, bovine coronavirus. Silane functionalizing agents and polymers were used to coat the titanium (Ti) metal implants to introduce superhydrophobic features to avoid microbial adhesion. TiO2 nanocomposite coatings in dental and orthopaedic metal implants disclosed exceptional bio-corrosion resistance, durability, biocompatibility, bone-formation capability, and long-term antimicrobial efficiency. Moreover, the commercial trend, techno-economics, challenges, and prospects of antimicrobial nanocomposite coatings are also discussed briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Kumaravel
- Nanotechnology and Bio-Engineering Research Group, Department of Environmental Science, School of Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Keerthi M Nair
- Nanotechnology and Bio-Engineering Research Group, Department of Environmental Science, School of Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Snehamol Mathew
- Nanotechnology and Bio-Engineering Research Group, Department of Environmental Science, School of Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
| | - John Bartlett
- Nanotechnology and Bio-Engineering Research Group, Department of Environmental Science, School of Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | - Suresh C Pillai
- Nanotechnology and Bio-Engineering Research Group, Department of Environmental Science, School of Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
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253
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Marzoli F, Bortolami A, Pezzuto A, Mazzetto E, Piro R, Terregino C, Bonfante F, Belluco S. A systematic review of human coronaviruses survival on environmental surfaces. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146191. [PMID: 33714096 PMCID: PMC7927581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The current pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led people to implement preventive measures, including surface disinfection and use of alcohol-based hand gel, in order to avoid viral transmission via fomites. However, the role of surface transmission is still debated. The present systematic review aims to summarize all the evidence on surface survival of coronaviruses infecting humans. The analysis of 18 studies showed the longest coronavirus survival time is 28 days at room temperature (RT) on different surfaces: polymer banknotes, vinyl, steel, glass, and paper banknotes. Concerning SARS-CoV-2 human infection from contaminated surfaces, dangerous viral load on surfaces for up to 21 days was determined on polymer banknotes, steel, glass and paper banknotes. For viruses other than SARS-CoV-2, the longest period of survival was 14 days, recorded on glass. Environmental conditions can affect virus survival, and indeed, low temperatures and low humidity support prolonged survival of viruses on contaminated surfaces independently of surface type. Furthermore, it has been shown that exposure to sunlight significantly reduces the risk of surface transmission. Although studies are increasingly investigating the topic of coronavirus survival, it is difficult to compare them, given the methodology differences. For this reason, it is advisable to define a reference working protocol for virus survival trials, but, as an immediate measure, there is also a need for further investigations of coronavirus survival on surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Marzoli
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Alessio Bortolami
- Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pezzuto
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Eva Mazzetto
- Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Roberto Piro
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonfante
- Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Simone Belluco
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
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254
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Rallapalli S, Aggarwal S, Singh AP. Detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA prone clusters in a municipal wastewater network using fuzzy-Bayesian optimization model to facilitate wastewater-based epidemiology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146294. [PMID: 33714094 PMCID: PMC7938789 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The current pandemic disease coronavirus (COVID-19) has not only become a worldwide health emergency, but also devoured the global economy. Despite appreciable research, identification of targeted populations for testing and tracking the spread of COVID-19 at a larger scale is an intimidating challenge. There is a need to quickly identify the infected individual or community to check the spread. The diagnostic testing done at large-scale for individuals has limitations as it cannot provide information at a swift pace in large populations, which is pivotal to contain the spread at the early stage of its breakouts. Recently, scientists are exploring the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the faeces discharged in municipal wastewater. Wastewater sampling could be a potential tool to expedite the early identification of infected communities by detecting the biomarkers from the virus. However, it needs a targeted approach to choose optimized locations for wastewater sampling. The present study proposes a novel fuzzy based Bayesian model to identify targeted populations and optimized locations with a maximum probability of detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater networks. Consequently, real time monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater using autosamplers or biosensors could be deployed efficiently. Fourteen criteria such as population density, patients with comorbidity, quarantine and hospital facilities, etc. are analysed using the data of 14 lac individuals infected by COVID-19 in the USA. The uniqueness of the proposed model is its ability to deal with the uncertainty associated with the data and decision maker's opinions using fuzzy logic, which is fused with Bayesian approach. The evidence-based virus detection in wastewater not only facilitates focused testing, but also provides potential communities for vaccine distribution. Consequently, governments can reduce lockdown periods, thereby relieving human stress and boosting economic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Rallapalli
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, USA.
| | - Shubham Aggarwal
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
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255
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Maestre JP, Jarma D, Yu JRF, Siegel JA, Horner SD, Kinney KA. Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 RNA signal in a home with COVID-19 positive occupants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146201. [PMID: 34030356 PMCID: PMC7942153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although many COVID-19 patients isolate and recover at home, the dispersal of SARS-CoV-2 onto surfaces and dust within the home environment remains poorly understood. To investigate the distribution and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in a home with COVID-19 positive occupants, samples were collected from a household with two confirmed COVID-19 cases (one adult and one child). Home surface swab and dust samples were collected two months after symptom onset (and one month after symptom resolution) in the household. The strength of the SARS-CoV-2 molecular signal in fomites varied as a function of sample location, surface material and cleaning practices. Notably, the SARS-CoV-2 RNA signal was detected at several locations throughout the household although cleaning appears to have attenuated the signal on many surfaces. Of the 24 surfaces sampled, 46% were SARS-CoV-2 positive at the time of sampling. The SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in dust recovered from floor and HVAC filter samples ranged from 104 to 105 N2 gene copies/g dust. While detection of viral RNA does not imply infectivity, this study confirms that the SARS-CoV-2 RNA signal can be detected at several locations within a COVID-19 isolation home and can persist after symptoms have resolved. In addition, the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 (normalized per unit mass of dust) recovered in home HVAC filters may prove useful for estimating SARS-CoV-2 airborne levels in homes. In this work, using the quantitative filter forensics methodology, we estimated an average integrated airborne SARS-CoV-2 concentration of 69 ± 43 copies/m3. This approach can be used to help building scientists and engineers develop best practices in homes with COVID-19 positive occupants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Maestre
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - David Jarma
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jia-Rong F Yu
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Siegel
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon D Horner
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kerry A Kinney
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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256
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Lauzi S, Stranieri A, Giordano A, Lelli D, Elia G, Desario C, Ratti G, Decaro N, Paltrinieri S. Do Dogs and Cats Passively Carry SARS-CoV-2 on Hair and Pads? Viruses 2021; 13:1357. [PMID: 34372563 PMCID: PMC8310179 DOI: 10.3390/v13071357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological role of domestic animals in the spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans has been investigated in recent reports, but some aspects need to be further clarified. To date, only in rare cases have dogs and cats living with COVID-19 patients been found to harbour SARS-CoV-2, with no evidence of pet-to-human transmission. The aim of the present study was to verify whether dogs and cats act as passive mechanical carriers of SARS-CoV-2 when they live in close contact with COVID-19 patients. Cutaneous and interdigital swabs collected from 48 dogs and 15 cats owned by COVID-19 patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR. The time elapsed between owner swab positivity and sample collection from pets ranged from 1 to 72 days, with a median time of 23 days for dogs and 39 days for cats. All samples tested negative, suggesting that pets do not passively carry SARS-CoV-2 on their hair and pads, and thus they likely do not play an important role in the virus transmission to humans. This data may contribute to confirming that the direct contact with the hair and pads of pets does not represent a route for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.L.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.L.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.L.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Elia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; (G.E.); (C.D.); (N.D.)
| | - Costantina Desario
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; (G.E.); (C.D.); (N.D.)
| | - Gabriele Ratti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.L.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; (G.E.); (C.D.); (N.D.)
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.L.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.)
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257
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A pilot metagenomic study reveals that community derived mobile phones are reservoirs of viable pathogenic microbes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14102. [PMID: 34239006 PMCID: PMC8266881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93622-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing attention focussed on the risks associated with mobile phones possibly serving as ‘Trojan Horse’ fomites for microbial transmission in healthcare settings. However, little is reported on the presence of microbes on community derived mobile phones which in 2021, numbered in the billions in circulation with majority being used on a daily basis. Identify viable microbial organisms swabbed from smartphones on a university campus. Entire surfaces of 5 mobile phones were swabbed and examined for their microbial content using pre-agar-based growths followed by downstream DNA metagenomic next-generation sequencing analysis. All phones were contaminated with viable microbes. 173 bacteria, 8 fungi, 8 protists, 53 bacteriophages, 317 virulence factor genes and 41 distinct antibiotic resistant genes were identified. While this research represents a pilot study, the snapshot metagenomic analysis of samples collected from the surface of mobile phones has revealed the presence of a large population of viable microbes and an array of antimicrobial resistant factors. With billions of phones in circulation, these devices might be responsible for the rise of community acquired infections. These pilot results highlight the importance of public health authorities considering mobile phones as ‘Trojan Horse’ devices for microbial transmission and ensure appropriate decontamination campaigns are implemented.
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258
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Gamble A, Fischer RJ, Morris DH, Yinda KC, Munster VJ, Lloyd-Smith JO. Heat-treated virus inactivation rate depends strongly on treatment procedure: illustration with SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2020.08.10.242206. [PMID: 32793913 PMCID: PMC7425175 DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.10.242206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Decontamination helps limit environmental transmission of infectious agents. It is required for the safe re-use of contaminated medical, laboratory and personal protective equipment, and for the safe handling of biological samples. Heat treatment is a common decontamination method, notably used for viruses. We show that for liquid specimens (here, solution of SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture medium), virus inactivation rate under heat treatment at 70°C can vary by almost two orders of magnitude depending on the treatment procedure, from a half-life of 0.86 min (95% credible interval: [0.09, 1.77]) in closed vials in a heat block to 37.00 min ([12.65, 869.82]) in uncovered plates in a dry oven. These findings suggest a critical role of evaporation in virus inactivation via dry heat. Placing samples in open or uncovered containers may dramatically reduce the speed and efficacy of heat treatment for virus inactivation. Given these findings, we reviewed the literature temperature-dependent coronavirus stability and found that specimen containers, and whether they are closed, covered, or uncovered, are rarely reported in the scientific literature. Heat-treatment procedures must be fully specified when reporting experimental studies to facilitate result interpretation and reproducibility, and must be carefully considered when developing decontamination guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Gamble
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert J. Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Dylan H. Morris
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, NJ, USA
| | - Kwe Claude Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Vincent J. Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - James O. Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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259
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Griffin GD. Does Covera-19 know 'when to hold 'em or 'when to fold 'em? A translational thought experiment. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 6:12. [PMID: 34226878 PMCID: PMC8243045 DOI: 10.1186/s41231-021-00090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The function of proteins depends on their structure. The structural integrity of proteins is dynamic and depends on interacting nearby neighboring moieties that influence their properties and induce folding and structural changes. The conformational changes induced by these nearby neighbors in the micro-environmental milieu at that moment are guided by chemical or electrical bonding attractions. There are few literature references that describe the potential for environmental milieu changes to disfavor SARS-CoV-2 attachment to a receptor for survival outside of a host. There are many studies on the effects of pH (acid and base balance) supporting its importance for protein structure and function, but few focus on pH role in extracellular or intracellular protein or actionable requirements of Covera-19. 'Fold 'em or Hold 'em' is seen by the various functions and effects of furin as it seeks an acidic milieu for action or compatible amino acid sequences which is currently aided by its histidine component and the structural changes of proteins as they enter or exit the host. Questions throughout the text are posed to focus on current thoughts as reviewing applicable COVID-19 translational research science in order to understand the complexities of Covid-19. The pH needs of COVID-19 players and its journey through the human host and environment as well as some efficacious readily available repurposed drugs and out-of-the box and easily available treatments are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Dieter Griffin
- Adjunct Faculty, School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA USA
- Adjunct Faculty, School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, The University of the Pacific, 123 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
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260
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A comparison of persistence of SARS-CoV-2 variants on stainless steel. J Hosp Infect 2021; 114:163-166. [PMID: 34098048 PMCID: PMC8233449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The survival of newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 on a representative surface has been compared to the established UK circulating isolate to determine whether enhanced environmental stability could play a part in their increased transmissibility. Stainless steel coupons were inoculated with liquid cultures of the three variants, with coupons recovered over seven days and processed for recoverable viable virus using plaque assay. After drying, there was no significant difference in inactivation rates between variants, indicating that there is no increased environmental persistence from the new variants.
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261
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Nimer R, Swedan S, Kofahi H, Khabour O. Increased Adherence to Infection Control Practices Among Medical Laboratory Technicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Self-Reported Survey Study. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:56. [PMID: 34221909 PMCID: PMC8231461 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The adherence of medical laboratory technicians (MLT) to infection control guidelines is essential for reducing the risk of exposure to infectious agents. This study explored the adherence of MLT towards infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method The study population consisted of MLT (n = 444) who worked in private and government health sectors in Jordan. A self-reported survey was used to collect data from participants. Findings More than 87% of the participants reported adherence to hand-washing guidelines and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with patients (74.5%), and handling clinical samples (70.0%). Besides, 88.1%, 48.2%, and 7.7% reported wearing of lab coats, face masks, and goggles, at all times, respectively. The majority reported increased adherence to infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes increased PPE use at the workplace (94.2%), increased frequency of disinfection of laboratory surfaces (92.4%) and laboratory equipment (86.7%), and increased frequency of handwashing/use of antiseptics (94.6%). Having a graduate degree was significantly associated with increased adherence of participants to the daily use of goggles/eye protection (p = 0.002), and the use of PPE while handling clinical samples (p = 0.011). Having work experience of >10 years was associated with increased adherence to the use of PPE while handling clinical samples (p = 0.001). Conclusion MLT reported very good adherence with most assessed infection control practices. In addition, they reported increased conformity with infection control guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refat Nimer
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Samer Swedan
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Hassan Kofahi
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Omar Khabour
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
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262
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Persistence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Virus and Viral RNA in Relation to Surface Type and Contamination Concentration. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0052621. [PMID: 33962986 PMCID: PMC8231718 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00526-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is likely to occur through a number of routes, including contact with contaminated surfaces. Many studies have used reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces, but seldom has viable virus been detected. This paper investigates the viability over time of SARS-CoV-2 dried onto a range of materials and compares viability of the virus to RNA copies recovered and whether virus viability is concentration dependent. Viable virus persisted for the longest time on surgical mask material and stainless steel, with a 99.9% reduction in viability by 122 and 114 h, respectively. Viability of SARS-CoV-2 reduced the fastest on a polyester shirt, with a 99.9% reduction within 2.5 h. Viability on the bank note was reduced second fastest, with 99.9% reduction in 75 h. RNA on all surfaces exhibited a 1-log reduction in genome copy number recovery over 21 days. The findings show that SARS-CoV-2 is most stable on nonporous hydrophobic surfaces. RNA is highly stable when dried on surfaces, with only 1-log reduction in recovery over 3 weeks. In comparison, SARS-CoV-2 viability reduced more rapidly, but this loss in viability was found to be independent of starting concentration. Expected levels of SARS-CoV-2 viable environmental surface contamination would lead to undetectable levels within 2 days. Therefore, when RNA is detected on surfaces, it does not directly indicate the presence of viable virus, even at low cycle threshold values. IMPORTANCE This study shows the impact of material type on the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces. It demonstrates that the decay rate of viable SARS-CoV-2 is independent of starting concentration. However, RNA shows high stability on surfaces over extended periods. This has implications for interpretation of surface sampling results using RT-PCR to determine the possibility of viable virus from a surface, where RT-PCR is not an appropriate technique to determine viable virus. Unless sampled immediately after contamination, it is difficult to align RNA copy numbers to quantity of viable virus on a surface.
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Coil DA, Albertson T, Banerjee S, Brennan G, Campbell AJ, Cohen SH, Dandekar S, Díaz-Muñoz SL, Eisen JA, Goldstein T, Jose IR, Juarez M, Robinson BA, Rothenburg S, Sandrock C, Stoian AMM, Tompkins DG, Tremeau-Bravard A, Haczku A. SARS-CoV-2 detection and genomic sequencing from hospital surface samples collected at UC Davis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253578. [PMID: 34166421 PMCID: PMC8224861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE There is little doubt that aerosols play a major role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The significance of the presence and infectivity of this virus on environmental surfaces, especially in a hospital setting, remains less clear. OBJECTIVES We aimed to analyze surface swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and infectivity, and to determine their suitability for sequence analysis. METHODS Samples were collected during two waves of COVID-19 at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, in COVID-19 patient serving and staff congregation areas. qRT-PCR positive samples were investigated in Vero cell cultures for cytopathic effects and phylogenetically assessed by whole genome sequencing. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Improved cleaning and patient management practices between April and August 2020 were associated with a substantial reduction of SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR positivity (from 11% to 2%) in hospital surface samples. Even though we recovered near-complete genome sequences in some, none of the positive samples (11 of 224 total) caused cytopathic effects in cultured cells suggesting this nucleic acid was either not associated with intact virions, or they were present in insufficient numbers for infectivity. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 genomes of the positive samples were derived from hospitalized patients. Genomic sequences isolated from qRT-PCR negative samples indicate a superior sensitivity of viral detection by sequencing. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the low likelihood that SARS-CoV-2 contamination on hospital surfaces contains infectious virus, disputing the importance of fomites in COVID-19 transmission. Ours is the first report on recovering near-complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences directly from environmental surface swabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Coil
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Timothy Albertson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Shefali Banerjee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Greg Brennan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - A. J. Campbell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Stuart H. Cohen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Satya Dandekar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Samuel L. Díaz-Muñoz
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences, 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
| | - Tracey Goldstein
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Ivy R. Jose
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Maya Juarez
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Brandt A. Robinson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Stefan Rothenburg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Christian Sandrock
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Ana M. M. Stoian
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel G. Tompkins
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | | | - Angela Haczku
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
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264
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Abraham J, Dowling K, Florentine S. Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections? MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:3444. [PMID: 34206230 PMCID: PMC8269470 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infection control has not, as yet, been achieved. However, based on traditional use in many cultures, the introduction of copper products and surfaces to significantly and positively retard pathogen transmission invites further investigation. For example, many microbes are rendered unviable upon contact exposure to copper or copper alloys, either immediately or within a short time. In addition, many disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, hospital superbugs, and several viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) are also susceptible to exposure to copper surfaces. It is thus suggested that replacing common touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places (including public transport) with copper or alloys of copper may substantially contribute to limiting transmission. Subsequent hospital admissions and mortality rates will consequently be lowered, with a concomitant saving of lives and considerable levels of resources. This consideration is very significant in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming epidemics, as it is becoming clear that all forms of possible infection control measures should be practiced in order to protect community well-being and promote healthy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji Abraham
- School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Mt Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia;
| | - Kim Dowling
- School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Mt Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia;
- Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - Singarayer Florentine
- Future Regions Research Centre, School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia;
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265
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Olsen M, Lohning A, Campos M, Jones P, McKirdy S, Alghafri R, Tajouri L. Mobile phones of paediatric hospital staff are never cleaned and commonly used in toilets with implications for healthcare nosocomial diseases. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12999. [PMID: 34155278 PMCID: PMC8217495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92360-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An ever-increasing number of medical staff use mobile phones as a work aid, yet this may pose nosocomial diseases. To assess and report via a survey the handling practices and the use of phones by paediatric wards healthcare workers. 165 paediatric healthcare workers and staff filled in a questionnaire consisting of 14 questions (including categorical, ordinal and numerical data). Analysis of categorical data used non-parametric techniques such as the Chi-squared test. Although 98% of respondents (165 in total) report that their phones may be contaminated, 56% have never cleaned their devices. Of the respondents that clean their devices, 10% (17/165) had done so with alcohol swabs or disinfectant within that day or week; and an additional 12% respondents (20/165) within that month. Of concern, 52% (86/165) of the respondents use their phones in the bathroom, emphasising the unhygienic environments in which mobile phones/smartphones are constantly used. Disinfecting phones is a practice that only a minority of healthcare workers undertake appropriately. Mobile phones, present in billions globally, are therefore Trojan Horses if contaminated with microbes and potentially contributing to the spread and propagation of micro-organisms as per the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Olsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Anna Lohning
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Mariana Campos
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter Jones
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon McKirdy
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Rashed Alghafri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
- Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
- Dubai Future Council on Community Security, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lotti Tajouri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia.
- Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
- Dubai Future Council on Community Security, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Genomics and Molecular Biology, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4229, Australia.
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266
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Hosseini M, Behzadinasab S, Benmamoun Z, Ducker WA. The viability of SARS-CoV-2 on solid surfaces. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 55:101481. [PMID: 34149298 PMCID: PMC8205552 DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2021.101481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on life in 2020 and 2021. One method of transmission occurs when the causative virus, SARS-CoV-2, contaminates solids. Understanding and controlling the interaction with solids is thus potentially important for limiting the spread of the disease. We review work that describes the prevalence of the virus on common objects, the longevity of the virus on solids, and surface coatings that are designed to inactivate the virus. Engineered coatings have already succeeded in producing a large reduction in viral infectivity from surfaces. We also review work describing inactivation on facemasks and clothing and discuss probable mechanisms of inactivation of the virus at surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Hosseini
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Saeed Behzadinasab
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Zachary Benmamoun
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
| | - William A Ducker
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
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267
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Wurtzer S, Waldman P, Ferrier-Rembert A, Frenois-Veyrat G, Mouchel JM, Boni M, Maday Y, Marechal V, Moulin L. Several forms of SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in wastewaters: Implication for wastewater-based epidemiology and risk assessment. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117183. [PMID: 33962244 DOI: 10.1101/2020.12.19.20248508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a public health emergency of international concern. Although SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be mainly transmitted by inhalation of contaminated droplets and aerosols, SARS-CoV-2 is also detected in human feces and to a less extent in urine, and in raw wastewaters (to date viral RNA only) suggesting that other routes of infection may exist. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 genomes in wastewaters has been proposed as a complementary approach for tracing the dynamics of virus transmission within human population connected to wastewater network. The understanding on SARS-CoV-2 transmission through wastewater surveillance, the development of epidemic modeling and the evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from contaminated wastewater are largely limited by our knowledge on viral RNA genome persistence and virus infectivity preservation in such an environment. Using an integrity based RT-qPCR assay this study led to the discovery that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can persist under several forms in wastewaters, which provides important information on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in raw wastewaters and associated risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wurtzer
- Eau de Paris, R&D and Water quality department, 33 avenue Jean Jaurès, F-94200 Ivry sur Seine, France.
| | - P Waldman
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, EPHE, UMR 7619 Metis, e-LTER Zone Atelier Seine, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - A Ferrier-Rembert
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Microbiology & Infectious diseases, Virology unit, 1 place Valérie André, F-91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - G Frenois-Veyrat
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Microbiology & Infectious diseases, Virology unit, 1 place Valérie André, F-91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - J M Mouchel
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, EPHE, UMR 7619 Metis, e-LTER Zone Atelier Seine, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - M Boni
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Microbiology & Infectious diseases, Virology unit, 1 place Valérie André, F-91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Y Maday
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Université de Paris, Laboratoire Jacques-Louis Lions (LJLL), F-75005 Paris, France
| | - V Marechal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - L Moulin
- Eau de Paris, R&D and Water quality department, 33 avenue Jean Jaurès, F-94200 Ivry sur Seine, France
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268
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Wurtzer S, Waldman P, Ferrier-Rembert A, Frenois-Veyrat G, Mouchel JM, Boni M, Maday Y, Marechal V, Moulin L. Several forms of SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in wastewaters: Implication for wastewater-based epidemiology and risk assessment. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117183. [PMID: 33962244 PMCID: PMC8060898 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a public health emergency of international concern. Although SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be mainly transmitted by inhalation of contaminated droplets and aerosols, SARS-CoV-2 is also detected in human feces and to a less extent in urine, and in raw wastewaters (to date viral RNA only) suggesting that other routes of infection may exist. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 genomes in wastewaters has been proposed as a complementary approach for tracing the dynamics of virus transmission within human population connected to wastewater network. The understanding on SARS-CoV-2 transmission through wastewater surveillance, the development of epidemic modeling and the evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from contaminated wastewater are largely limited by our knowledge on viral RNA genome persistence and virus infectivity preservation in such an environment. Using an integrity based RT-qPCR assay this study led to the discovery that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can persist under several forms in wastewaters, which provides important information on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in raw wastewaters and associated risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wurtzer
- Eau de Paris, R&D and Water quality department, 33 avenue Jean Jaurès, F-94200 Ivry sur Seine, France.
| | - P Waldman
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, EPHE, UMR 7619 Metis, e-LTER Zone Atelier Seine, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - A Ferrier-Rembert
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Microbiology & Infectious diseases, Virology unit, 1 place Valérie André, F-91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - G Frenois-Veyrat
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Microbiology & Infectious diseases, Virology unit, 1 place Valérie André, F-91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - J M Mouchel
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, EPHE, UMR 7619 Metis, e-LTER Zone Atelier Seine, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - M Boni
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Microbiology & Infectious diseases, Virology unit, 1 place Valérie André, F-91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Y Maday
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Université de Paris, Laboratoire Jacques-Louis Lions (LJLL), F-75005 Paris, France
| | - V Marechal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - L Moulin
- Eau de Paris, R&D and Water quality department, 33 avenue Jean Jaurès, F-94200 Ivry sur Seine, France
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269
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Fang FC, Benson CA, del Rio C, Edwards KM, Fowler VG, Fredricks DN, Limaye AP, Murray BE, Naggie S, Pappas PG, Patel R, Paterson DL, Pegues DA, Petri WA, Schooley RT. COVID-19-Lessons Learned and Questions Remaining. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:2225-2240. [PMID: 33104186 PMCID: PMC7797746 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, the editors of Clinical Infectious Diseases review some of the most important lessons they have learned about the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection and identify essential questions about COVID-19 that remain to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferric C Fang
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Microbiology, and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Constance A Benson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Carlos del Rio
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kathryn M Edwards
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Vance G Fowler
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| | - David N Fredricks
- Department of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Ajit P Limaye
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Microbiology, and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Barbara E Murray
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Susanna Naggie
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| | - Peter G Pappas
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Robin Patel
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - David L Paterson
- Department of Medicine, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD Australia
| | - David A Pegues
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Robert T Schooley
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA USA
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270
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Abstract
Controversy continues about the significance of fomite transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent papers continue to advocate concern. However, designs of studies showing virus survival on surfaces under laboratory conditions are unsuitable for extrapolation to real life. Although viral RNA is frequently found on real-life surfaces, actual tests for infectious virus are almost entirely negative, even in hospitals with COVID-19 patients. Fomite transmission should be regarded as no more than a very minor component of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Goldman
- Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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271
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Simulated sunlight decreases the viability of SARS-CoV-2 in mucus. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253068. [PMID: 34111204 PMCID: PMC8191973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread into a pandemic since its emergence in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. This has been facilitated by its high transmissibility within the human population and its ability to remain viable on inanimate surfaces for an extended period. To address the latter, we examined the effect of simulated sunlight on the viability of SARS-CoV-2 spiked into tissue culture medium or mucus. The study revealed that inactivation took 37 minutes in medium and 107 minutes in mucus. These times-to-inactivation were unexpected since they are longer than have been observed in other studies. From this work, we demonstrate that sunlight represents an effective decontamination method but the speed of decontamination is variable based on the underlying matrix. This information has an important impact on the development of infection prevention and control protocols to reduce the spread of this deadly pathogen.
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272
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Rowan NJ, Moral RA. Disposable face masks and reusable face coverings as non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants that cause coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Role of new sustainable NPI design innovations and predictive mathematical modelling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 772:145530. [PMID: 33581526 PMCID: PMC7848491 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Best-published evidence supports the combined use of vaccines with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), to reduce the relative risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19; this will enable a safe transition to achieving herd immunity. Albeit complex, the strategic public health goal is to bundle NPIs to keep the basic reproduction number R0 below one. However, validation of these NPIs is conducted using random clinical trials, which is challenging in a swiftly moving pandemic given the need for recruiting large participant cohort over a longitudinal analysis period. This review highlights emerging innovations for potentially improving the design, functionality and improved waste management of disposable face masks such as filtering facepiece (FFPs) respirators, medical masks, and reusable face coverings to help prevent COVID-19. It describes use of different mathematical models under varying scenarios to inform efficacy of single and combined use of NPIs as important counter-measures to break the cycle of COVID-19 infection including new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Demand for face masks during COVID-19 pandemic keeps increasing, especially for FFPs worn by medical workers. Collaborative and well-conducted randomised controlled trials across borders are required to generate robust data to inform common and consistent policies for COVID-19 and future pandemic planning and management; however, current use of systematic reviews of best available evidence can be considered to guide interim policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Rowan
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland; Centre for Disinfection, Sterilization and Biosecurity, Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland; Empower Eco Sustainability Hub, Lough Boora, Co. Offaly, Ireland; School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
| | - Rafael A Moral
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Maynooth University, Ireland
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273
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SARS-CoV-2 in hospital indoor environments is predominantly non-infectious. Virol J 2021; 18:109. [PMID: 34078386 PMCID: PMC8170062 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01556-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has spread rapidly worldwide and disease prevention is more important than ever. In the absence of a vaccine, knowledge of the transmission routes and risk areas of infection remain the most important existing tools to prevent further spread. Methods Here we investigated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the hospital environment at the Uppsala University Hospital Infectious Disease ward by RT-qPCR and determined the infectivity of the detected virus in vitro on Vero E6 cells. Results SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in several areas, although attempts to infect Vero E6 cells with positive samples were unsuccessful. However, RNase A treatment of positive samples prior to RNA extraction did not degrade viral RNA, indicating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsids or complete virus particles protecting the RNA as opposed to free viral RNA. Conclusion Our results show that even in places where a moderate concentration (Ct values between 30 and 38) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found; no infectious virus could be detected. This suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the hospital environment subsides in two states; as infectious and as non-infectious. Future work should investigate the reasons for the non-infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 virions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12985-021-01556-6.
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274
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Radhi AS. Uncommon Presentation of COVID-19 With Long Incubation Period and Only Gastrointestinal Symptoms in a Fully Vaccinated Patient: Is There a Relation? Cureus 2021; 13:e16028. [PMID: 34336515 PMCID: PMC8320968 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infectious disease that caused a worldwide pandemic in December 2019. It affected millions of people across the world and forced nations to lockdown their borders and implement curfews to control the spread of the disease. Unusual manifestations of the disease should be reported and be kept in mind among physicians. We report a case of a 33-year-old man who was fully vaccinated with two doses of Pfizer vaccine and presented with fever, epigastric pain, and diarrhea without any respiratory symptoms. The patient had a longer than usual incubation period of 16 days without reporting any signs of respiratory infection for the period of his infection. His laboratory investigations and chest X-ray were all normal. The patient did not require any treatment and his COVID-19 infection lasted for 10 days. Clinicians should understand that post-vaccination COVID-19 cases might present with a longer incubation period than usual and might present with gastrointestinal symptoms as the sole complaint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Radhi
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, SAU
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275
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Positive no-touch surfaces and undetectable SARS-CoV-2 aerosols in long-term care facilities: An attempt to understand the contributing factors and the importance of timing in air sampling campaigns. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:701-706. [PMID: 33587983 PMCID: PMC7879049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term care facilities (LTCF) are environments particularly favorable to coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic outbreaks, due to the at-risk population they welcome and the close proximity of residents. Yet, the transmission dynamics of the disease in these establishments remain unclear. METHODS Air and no-touch surfaces of 31 rooms from 7 LTCFs were sampled and SARS-CoV-2 was quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS Air samples were negative but viral genomes were recovered from 20 of 62 surface samples at concentrations ranging from 13 to 36,612 genomes/surface. Virus isolation (culture) from surface samples (n = 7) was negative. CONCLUSIONS The presence of viral RNA on no-touch surfaces is evidence of viral dissemination through air, but the lack of airborne viral particles in air samples suggests that they were not aerosolized in a significant manner during air sampling sessions. The air samples were collected 8 to 30 days after the residents' symptom onset, which could indicate that viruses are aerosolized early in the infection process. Additional research is needed to evaluate viral viability conservation and the potential role of direct contact and aerosols in SARS-CoV-2 transmission in these institutions.
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276
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Microbial contamination of powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) used by healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: an in situ microbiological study. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:707-712. [PMID: 33587982 PMCID: PMC7880844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.02.006] [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: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) are an option for healthcare workers requiring respiratory protection during the current COVID-19 pandemic; they are shared between multiple people. PAPR hoods are intended for multiple uses by a single user and may pose an infection risk between wearers. Methods Internal components of PAPR hoods and corrugated air supply hoses were swabbed for evidence of bacterial, fungal, common respiratory viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) contamination. Results Twenty-five PAPR hoods were swabbed; 10 (40%) returned positive results. Bacterial growth was detected on six PAPR; five of the PAPR tested positive for fungal growth; all tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 and common respiratory viruses. Conclusions Bacteria and fungi can remain on internal components of PAPR hoods and air supply hoses despite following recommended disinfection procedures. PAPR hoods have the potential to act as fomites, cross-infecting wearers, and patients. Current guidelines for disinfecting PAPR hoods may not be effective for use in high risk healthcare environments.
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277
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Moschovis PP, Yonker LM, Shah J, Singh D, Demokritou P, Kinane TB. Aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by children and adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatr Pulmonol 2021; 56:1389-1394. [PMID: 33624927 PMCID: PMC8014227 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted via respiratory droplets, aerosols, and to a lesser extent, fomites. Defining the factors driving infectivity and transmission is critical for infection control and containment of this pandemic. We outline the major methods of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, focusing on aerosol transmission. We review principles of aerosol science and discuss their implications for mitigating the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Moschovis
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lael M Yonker
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jhill Shah
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dilpreet Singh
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - T Bernard Kinane
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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278
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Haque MS, Sharif S, Masnoon A, Rashid E. SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-induced PPE and single-use plastic waste generation scenario. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2021; 39:3-17. [PMID: 33407011 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x20980828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has demonstrated both positive and negative effects on the environment. Major concerns over personal hygiene, mandated and ease in lockdown actions and slackening of some policy measures have led to a massive surge in the use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) and other single-use plastic items. This generated an enormous amount of plastic waste from both healthcare and household units, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Apart from the healthcare workers, the general public have become accustomed to using PPE. These habits are threatening the land and marine environment with immense loads of plastic waste, due to improper disposal practices across the world, especially in developing nations. Contaminated PPE has already made its way to the oceans which will inevitably produce plastic particles alongside other pathogen-driven diseases. This study provided an estimation-based approach in quantifying the amount of contaminated plastic waste that can be expected daily from the massive usage of PPE (e.g. facemasks) because of the countrywide mandated regulations on PPE usage. The situation of Bangladesh has been analysed and projections revealed that a total of 3.4 billion pieces of single-use facemask, hand sanitizer bottles, hand gloves and disposable polyethylene bags will be produced monthly, which will give rise to 472.30 t of disposable plastic waste per day. The equations provided for the quantification of waste from used single-use plastic and PPE can be used for other countries for rough estimations. Then, the discussed recommendations will help concerned authorities and policy makers to design effective response plans. Sustainable plastic waste management for the current and post-pandemic period can be imagined and acted upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sazzadul Haque
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North South University, Bangladesh
| | - Shafkat Sharif
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North South University, Bangladesh
| | - Aseer Masnoon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North South University, Bangladesh
| | - Ebne Rashid
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Asia Pacific, Bangladesh
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279
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Efstratiou MA, Tzoraki O. Coronavirus survival on beach sand: Sun vs COVID-19. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112270. [PMID: 33773419 PMCID: PMC7969872 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The disinfecting properties of sun (heat and UV radiation) are adequate in warm sunny regions to rid beach sand of coronavirus particles, if present. Here we detail the mechanism of natural disinfection offered by the sun on coronaviral particles that may find their way onto beach sand. We conclude that heat and UV radiation generated by the sun destroy the virus infection ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Adamantia Efstratiou
- Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, Mytilene 81100, Greece.
| | - Ourania Tzoraki
- Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, Mytilene 81100, Greece.
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280
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Peddinti BST, Downs SN, Yan J, Smith SD, Ghiladi RA, Mhetar V, Tocchetto R, Griffiths A, Scholle F, Spontak RJ. Rapid and Repetitive Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Coronavirus on Self-Disinfecting Anionic Polymers. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2003503. [PMID: 34105286 PMCID: PMC7994973 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affirms an urgent global need for effective vaccines as second and third infection waves are spreading worldwide and generating new mutant virus strains, it has also revealed the importance of mitigating the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the introduction of restrictive social practices. Here, it is demonstrated that an architecturally- and chemically-diverse family of nanostructured anionic polymers yield a rapid and continuous disinfecting alternative to inactivate coronaviruses and prevent their transmission from contact with contaminated surfaces. Operating on a dramatic pH-drop mechanism along the polymer/pathogen interface, polymers of this archetype inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as a human coronavirus surrogate (HCoV-229E), to the minimum detection limit within minutes. Application of these anionic polymers to frequently touched surfaces in medical, educational, and public-transportation facilities, or personal protection equipment, can provide rapid and repetitive protection without detrimental health or environmental complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sierra N. Downs
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases LaboratoriesBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA02118USA
| | - Jiaqi Yan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
| | - Steven D. Smith
- Corporate Research & DevelopmentThe Procter & Gamble CompanyCincinnatiOH45224USA
| | - Reza A. Ghiladi
- Department of ChemistryNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
- Center for Advanced Virus ExperimentationNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
| | - Vijay Mhetar
- Kraton Innovation CenterKraton CorporationHoustonTX77084USA
| | | | - Anthony Griffiths
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases LaboratoriesBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA02118USA
| | - Frank Scholle
- Center for Advanced Virus ExperimentationNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
| | - Richard J. Spontak
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
- Center for Advanced Virus ExperimentationNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
- Department of Materials Science & EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
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281
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Ganegoda NC, Wijaya KP, Amadi M, Erandi KKWH, Aldila D. Interrelationship between daily COVID-19 cases and average temperature as well as relative humidity in Germany. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11302. [PMID: 34050241 PMCID: PMC8163835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90873-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic continues to obstruct social lives and the world economy other than questioning the healthcare capacity of many countries. Weather components recently came to notice as the northern hemisphere was hit by escalated incidence in winter. This study investigated the association between COVID-19 cases and two components, average temperature and relative humidity, in the 16 states of Germany. Three main approaches were carried out in this study, namely temporal correlation, spatial auto-correlation, and clustering-integrated panel regression. It is claimed that the daily COVID-19 cases correlate negatively with the average temperature and positively with the average relative humidity. To extract the spatial auto-correlation, both global Moran's [Formula: see text] and global Geary's [Formula: see text] were used whereby no significant difference in the results was observed. It is evident that randomness overwhelms the spatial pattern in all the states for most of the observations, except in recent observations where either local clusters or dispersion occurred. This is further supported by Moran's scatter plot, where states' dynamics to and fro cold and hot spots are identified, rendering a traveling-related early warning system. A random-effects model was used in the sense of case-weather regression including incidence clustering. Our task is to perceive which ranges of the incidence that are well predicted by the existing weather components rather than seeing which ranges of the weather components predicting the incidence. The proposed clustering-integrated model associated with optimal barriers articulates the data well whereby weather components outperform lag incidence cases in the prediction. Practical implications based on marginal effects follow posterior to model diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naleen Chaminda Ganegoda
- grid.267198.30000 0001 1091 4496Department of Mathematics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250 Sri Lanka
| | | | - Miracle Amadi
- grid.12332.310000 0001 0533 3048Department of Mathematics and Physics, Lappeenranta University of Technology, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - K. K. W. Hasitha Erandi
- grid.8065.b0000000121828067Department of Mathematics, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00300 Sri Lanka
| | - Dipo Aldila
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Department of Mathematics, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, 16424 Indonesia
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282
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Selwyn GS, Ye C, Bradfute SB. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity of Surgical Masks Infused with Quaternary Ammonium Salts. Viruses 2021; 13:v13060960. [PMID: 34067345 PMCID: PMC8224633 DOI: 10.3390/v13060960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the need for protective and effective personal protective equipment (PPE). Research has shown that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on personal protective equipment, such as commonly used surgical masks. Methods are needed to inactivate virus on contaminated material. We show here that embedding viral-disinfecting compounds during the manufacturing of surgical masks inactivates a high dose (up to 1 × 105 pfu) of live, authentic SARS-CoV-2 within minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary S. Selwyn
- Green Theme Technologies Inc., Rio Rancho, NM 87124, USA
- Correspondence: (G.S.S.); (S.B.B.); Tel.: +1-505-577-4447 (G.S.S.); +1-505-272-9368 (S.B.B.)
| | - Chunyan Ye
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA;
| | - Steven B. Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA;
- Correspondence: (G.S.S.); (S.B.B.); Tel.: +1-505-577-4447 (G.S.S.); +1-505-272-9368 (S.B.B.)
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283
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Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Grudlewska-Buda K, Wałecka-Zacharska E, Kwiecińska-Piróg J, Radtke L, Gospodarek-Komkowska E, Skowron K. SARS-CoV-2 in the environment-Non-droplet spreading routes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145260. [PMID: 33513500 PMCID: PMC7825822 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first identified in Wuhan (China) in December 2019, represents the same family as the Serve Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1). These viruses spread mainly via the droplet route. However, during the pandemic of COVID-19 other reservoirs, i.e., water (surface and ground), sewage, garbage, or soil, should be considered. As the infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles are also present in human excretions, such a non-droplet transmission is also possible. A significant problem is the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital environment, including patients' rooms, medical equipment, everyday objects and the air. Relevant is selecting the type of equipment in the COVID-19 hospital wards on which the virus particles persist the shortest or do not remain infectious. Elimination of plastic objects/equipment from the environment of the infected person seems to be of great importance. It is particularly relevant in water reservoirs contaminated with raw discharges. Wastewater may contain coronaviruses and therefore there is a need for expanding Water-Based Epidemiology (WBE) studies to use obtained values as tool in determination of the actual percentage of the SARS-CoV-2 infected population in an area. It is of great importance to evaluate the available disinfection methods to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. Exposure of SARS-CoV-2 to 65-70% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite has effectively eliminated the virus from the surfaces. Since there are many unanswered questions about the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the research on this topic is still ongoing. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the SARS-CoV-2 transmission and elucidate the viral survival in the environment, with particular emphasis on the possibility of non-droplet transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Ewa Wałecka-Zacharska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Consumer Health, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 31 C.K. Norwida St., 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Kwiecińska-Piróg
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Laura Radtke
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Al. prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
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284
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Ortiz-Prado E, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Rivera-Olivero IA, Lozada T, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among food delivery riders. A case study from Quito, Ecuador. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145225. [PMID: 33513511 PMCID: PMC7813502 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
AIM COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented pressure on health systems and economies worldwide. Delivery services have grown as an alternative source of revenue for many people. Consumers generally perceive that delivery services are safer than going into a restaurant, because they reduce exposure to other people and their risk of SARS-CoV-2 contagion. There are no studies analyzing viral load or the burden of COID-19 within this population. This study aims to describe the presence of SARS-CoV-2 among food delivery riders in the city of Quito, Ecuador. STUDY DESIGN From July and August 2020, bike and motorbike riders self-employed in two of the main online delivery services in Quito, Ecuador, were invited for RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 detection during the compulsory lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) RT-qPCR Diagnostic Panel was used to identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs. All samples were processed in the BSL2 certified molecular biology laboratory at Universidad de Las Americas. RESULTS A total of 22 out of 145 delivery workers (15.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The majority of workers were men (n = 138), the average age of male workers was 32 years-old (±7.3) and 38 years-old (± 10.6) for females. The presence of mild symptoms was reported in only 9 subjects (6%). The calculated viral load was higher among males with 1.31E+08 copies/mL vs 2.30E+06 in females, although this difference was not statistically significant (p value: 0.68, [CI: -53 to -79]). CONCLUSIONS The self-employed food delivery riders have a high incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in relation to the national average. It is important to point out that this is the first study of its kind in Latin-American and probably one of the very few in the world. The results emphasize the need for policy makers to look at the pandemic from as many population's sub-groups as possible. Delivery riders are a highly moving population that offer their services to a wide range of clients, including vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those less likely to leave their house for basic needs stoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador.
| | | | - Ismar A Rivera-Olivero
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Tannya Lozada
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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285
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Ludwig-Begall LF, Wielick C, Jolois O, Dams L, Razafimahefa RM, Nauwynck H, Demeuldre PF, Napp A, Laperre J, Thiry E, Haubruge E. "Don, doff, discard" to "don, doff, decontaminate"-FFR and mask integrity and inactivation of a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate and a norovirus following multiple vaporised hydrogen peroxide-, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation-, and dry heat decontaminations. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251872. [PMID: 34010337 PMCID: PMC8133425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251872] [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: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic accelerates, the supply of personal protective equipment remains under strain. To combat shortages, re-use of surgical masks and filtering facepiece respirators has been recommended. Prior decontamination is paramount to the re-use of these typically single-use only items and, without compromising their integrity, must guarantee inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and other contaminating pathogens. AIM We provide information on the effect of time-dependent passive decontamination (infectivity loss over time during room temperature storage in a breathable bag) and evaluate inactivation of a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate and a non-enveloped model virus as well as mask and respirator integrity following active multiple-cycle vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP), ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), and dry heat (DH) decontamination. METHODS Masks and respirators, inoculated with infectious porcine respiratory coronavirus or murine norovirus, were submitted to passive decontamination or single or multiple active decontamination cycles; viruses were recovered from sample materials and viral titres were measured via TCID50 assay. In parallel, filtration efficiency tests and breathability tests were performed according to EN standard 14683 and NIOSH regulations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Infectious porcine respiratory coronavirus and murine norovirus remained detectable on masks and respirators up to five and seven days of passive decontamination. Single and multiple cycles of VHP-, UVGI-, and DH were shown to not adversely affect bacterial filtration efficiency of masks. Single- and multiple UVGI did not adversely affect respirator filtration efficiency, while VHP and DH induced a decrease in filtration efficiency after one or three decontamination cycles. Multiple cycles of VHP-, UVGI-, and DH slightly decreased airflow resistance of masks but did not adversely affect respirator breathability. VHP and UVGI efficiently inactivated both viruses after five, DH after three, decontamination cycles, permitting demonstration of a loss of infectivity by more than three orders of magnitude. This multi-disciplinal approach provides important information on how often a given PPE item may be safely reused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa F. Ludwig-Begall
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Constance Wielick
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Jolois
- Centexbel Textile Research Centre, Grace-Hollogne, Belgium
| | - Lorène Dams
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ravo M. Razafimahefa
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Hans Nauwynck
- Laboratory of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Aurore Napp
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, The University Hospital Center, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jan Laperre
- Centexbel Textile Research Centre, Grace-Hollogne, Belgium
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Eric Haubruge
- TERRA Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Liège University, Gembloux, Belgium
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286
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Abstract
Since the beginning of March 2020, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been the cause of millions of deaths worldwide. The need to better define the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) as well as to provide the correct statistical records concerning deaths related to this virus, inevitably involves the role of forensic pathology and routine autopsy practice. Currently, some data on macroscopic and microscopic features in autopsies performed in suspected Covid-19 cases are reported in the literature. The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in cadavers has not yet been elucidated and only a few reports have emphasized the importance of evaluating the Virus RNA in post-mortem tissues. In this preliminary study, we observed that SARS-CoV-2 survives in multiple cadaver tissues many days after death despite some extreme conditions of post-mortem body preservation. The results of this on-going analysis could help improve the safety of working practices for pathologists as well as understanding the possible interaction between microbiological agents and the cadaver tissue's supravital reactions.
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287
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Fukuta M, Mao ZQ, Morita K, Moi ML. Stability and Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and Viral RNA in Water, Commercial Beverages, and Bodily Fluids. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:667956. [PMID: 34025624 PMCID: PMC8131666 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.667956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The stability and infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in liquid samples are of great concern to virus transmission via common beverages and sewage water. Here, we investigated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in 32 liquids including common beverages, bodily fluids, and commonly used viral transport media. Our results showed that the infectious virus could be recovered up to 77-days from common beverages including milk and water. Viral RNA could be detected at high levels in all samples up to 28-days, indicating that while viral RNA demonstrates higher stability than infectivity, viral RNA levels do not reflect the infectious capability of SARS-CoV-2. These results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is highly stable in optimal conditions and a sufficient control measure is needed in reducing the risk of exposure and controlling and preventing future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Fukuta
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Zhan Qiu Mao
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kouichi Morita
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,WHO Global Reference Laboratory for COVID-19, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Tropical and Emerging Virus Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Meng Ling Moi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,WHO Global Reference Laboratory for COVID-19, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Tropical and Emerging Virus Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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288
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Sakr MM, Elsayed NS, El-Housseiny GS. Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 genomic characterization, drug, and vaccine development; a comprehensive bioinformatics review. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104809. [PMID: 33647446 PMCID: PMC7910145 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, several bioinformatic analyses have been conducted on SARS-CoV-2 virus genome. Numerous studies rushed to fill the gap about this novel virus. Comparison with other related sequences, structural predictions of the produced proteins, determination of variations in amino acid residues and depiction of possible drug and vaccine targets have been the focus of scientific research from the beginning of this year. In addition to discussing the viral taxonomy, clinical features, life cycle, and genome organization, this review will focus on the recent updates in genome and viral proteins characterization and potential therapeutic and vaccine candidates developed so far. Comparative studies with related genomes and proteins provide understanding for the viral molecular mechanisms and suggest targets for therapeutics and vaccinology trials to stop the escalation of this new virus. This pandemic, with its resulting social and economic afflictions, will definitely have significant marks on our lives in the following years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masarra M Sakr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Organization of African Unity St., 11566, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha S Elsayed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Organization of African Unity St., 11566, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ghadir S El-Housseiny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Organization of African Unity St., 11566, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
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289
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Peterson K. Best practices to reduce COVID-19 transmission via contact with environmental surfaces. Nursing 2021; 51:18-19. [PMID: 33885426 DOI: 10.1097/01.nurse.0000734028.53447.c7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Peterson
- Kathleen Peterson is a professor and chair of the nursing department at the State University of New York, Brockport in Brockport, N.Y
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290
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Albert S, Amarilla AA, Trollope B, Sng JDJ, Setoh YX, Deering N, Modhiran N, Weng SH, Melo MC, Hutley N, Nandy A, Furlong MJ, Young PR, Watterson D, Grinham AR, Khromykh AA. Assessing the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle spraying of aqueous ozone as an outdoor disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110944. [PMID: 33647300 PMCID: PMC7908847 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed gaps in our understanding of safe, effective and efficient means of disinfecting high use public spaces. Whilst this creates an opportunity for development and application of innovative approaches such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based disinfection, unregulated outdoor disinfection using chlorine has led to environmental and public health risks. This study has quantified the efficiency, safety and efficacy of UAV-based spraying of aqueous ozone. Optimised UAV flight characteristics of 4.7 km/h at 1.7 m elevation spraying 2.4 L/min were able to provide >97% and >92% coverage of a 1 m and 2 m wide swath respectively. During spraying operations using 1 mg/L aqueous ozone, atmospheric concentrations of ozone remained within background levels (<0.04 ppm). Highly efficient inactivation of two different isolates of SARS-CoV-2 virus was achieved at aqueous ozone concentrations of 0.75 mg/L after an incubation period of only 5 min, with 0.375 mg/L achieving 82-91.5% inactivation in this time. Exposure of diamondback moth larvae and parasitic wasps to 1 mg/L aqueous ozone did not significantly affect their survivorship. These results indicate for the first time that aqueous ozone may provide the required balance between human and environmental safety and viral inactivation efficacy for targeted application in high risk outdoor settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Albert
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Alberto A Amarilla
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Trollope
- The Ripper Group Pty Ltd, Level 5/50 York Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Julian D J Sng
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yin Xiang Setoh
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Nathaniel Deering
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sung-Hsia Weng
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Maria C Melo
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas Hutley
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Avik Nandy
- Remote Sensing Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Michael J Furlong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Paul R Young
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Watterson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Alistair R Grinham
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Alexander A Khromykh
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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291
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Luk AOY, Ng SSS, Holt RIG. Impact of diabetes on COVID-19 and other infection: Report from the 22nd Hong Kong Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Factors-East Meets West Symposium. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14547. [PMID: 33615546 PMCID: PMC7995062 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed enormous challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. The negative impact of COVID-19 is widespread and includes not only people who contracted the disease but also those with chronic morbidities such as diabetes whose care is compromised due to diversion of medical resources. People with diabetes are generally more susceptible to infection as a result of altered immunity. People with diabetes have a worse prognosis from COVID-19 and there is evidence to suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may directly affect pancreatic function precipitating hyperglycaemic crises. In the United Kingdom, one of the most heavily affected countries, guidelines are in place to unify the management of people with diabetes hospitalized for COVID-19. Diabetes services are re-organized to ensure that medical care of people with diabetes is maintained despite resource and other practical constraints. Public health measures including social distancing, hand hygiene and the use of face masks are crucial in containing community transmission of the virus. Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated city in the world, is particularly vulnerable and has in place a stringent containment policy and aggressive contact tracing to ensure public safety during this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea O. Y. Luk
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionPeople’s Republic of China
| | - Susanna S. S. Ng
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionPeople’s Republic of China
| | - Richard I. G. Holt
- Human Development and HealthFaculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
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292
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Kwon T, Gaudreault NN, Richt JA. Seasonal Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in Biological Fluids. Pathogens 2021; 10:540. [PMID: 33946190 PMCID: PMC8147080 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs by close contact with infected persons through droplets, the inhalation of infectious aerosols, and the exposure to contaminated surfaces. Previously, we determined the virus stability on different types of surfaces under indoor and seasonal climatic conditions. SARS-CoV-2 survived the longest on surfaces under winter conditions, followed by spring/fall and summer conditions, suggesting the seasonal pattern of stability on surfaces. However, under natural conditions, the virus is secreted in various biological fluids from infected humans. In this respect, it remains unclear how long the virus survives in various types of biological fluids. This study explores SARS-CoV-2 stability in virus-spiked human biological fluids under different environmental conditions by determining the virus half-life. The virus was stable for up to 21 days in nasal mucus, sputum, saliva, tear, urine, blood, and semen; it remained infectious significantly longer under winter and spring/fall conditions than under summer conditions. In contrast, the virus was only stable up to 24 h in feces and breast milk. These findings demonstrate the potential risk of infectious biological fluids in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and have implications for its seasonality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (T.K.); (N.N.G.)
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293
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Owen L, Shivkumar M, Laird K. The Stability of Model Human Coronaviruses on Textiles in the Environment and during Health Care Laundering. mSphere 2021; 6:e00316-21. [PMID: 33910996 PMCID: PMC8092140 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00316-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) persists on stainless steel and plastic for up to 7 days, suggesting that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could be spread by fomite transmission. There is limited research on the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on textiles, with the risk of textiles acting as fomites not being well understood. To date, there does not appear to be any published research on the stability of coronaviruses during laundering, which is required to determine the efficacy of current laundering policies in the decontamination of health care textiles. The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental stability of human coronaviruses HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E on different textile fiber types and the persistence of HCoV-OC43 on textiles during domestic and industrial laundering. This study demonstrated that human coronaviruses (5 log10 50% tissue culture infective doses [TCID50]) remain infectious on polyester for ≥72 h, cotton for ≥24 h, and polycotton for ≥6 h; HCoV-OC43 was also able to transfer from polyester to PVC or polyester after 72 h. Under clean conditions, HCoV-OC43 was not detectable on cotton swatches laundered with industrial and domestic wash cycles without temperature and detergent (≥4.57-log10-TCID50 reduction), suggesting that the dilution and agitation of wash cycles are sufficient to remove human coronaviruses from textiles. In the presence of interfering substances (artificial saliva), ≤1.78 log10 TCID50 HCoV-OC43 was detected after washing domestically without temperature and detergent, unlike industrial laundering, where the virus was completely removed. However, no infectious HCoV-OC43 was detected when washed domestically with detergent.IMPORTANCE Synthetic textiles such as polyester could potentially act as fomites of human coronaviruses, indicating the importance of infection control procedures during handling of contaminated textiles prior to laundering. This study provides novel evidence that human coronaviruses can persist on textiles for up to 3 days and are readily transferred from polyester textile to other surfaces after 72 h of incubation. This is of particular importance for the domestic laundering of contaminated textiles such as health care uniforms in the United Kingdom and United States, where there may be a risk of cross-contaminating the domestic environment. It was demonstrated that human coronaviruses are removed from contaminated textiles by typical domestic and commercial wash cycles, even at low temperatures without detergent, indicating that current health care laundering policies are likely sufficient in the decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 from textiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Owen
- Infectious Disease Research Group, The Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Maitreyi Shivkumar
- Infectious Disease Research Group, The Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Laird
- Infectious Disease Research Group, The Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
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294
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Immediate and Delayed Meteorological Effects on COVID-19 Time-Varying Infectiousness in Tropical Cities. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12040513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, which was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has been spreading globally at an unprecedented rate, leading to the virus being declared a global pandemic by the WHO on 12 March 2020. The clinical disease, COVID-19, associated with the pandemic is caused by the pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Aside from the inherent transmission dynamics, environmental factors were found to be associated with COVID-19. However, most of the evidence documenting the association was from temperate locations. In this study, we examined the association between meteorological factors and the time-varying infectiousness of COVID-19 in the Philippines. We obtained the daily time series from 3 April 2020 to 2 September 2020 of COVID-19 confirmed cases from three major cities in the Philippines, namely Manila, Quezon, and Cebu. Same period city-specific daily average temperature (degrees Celsius; °C), dew point (degrees Celsius; °C), relative humidity (percent; %), air pressure (kilopascal; kPa), windspeed (meters per second; m/s) and visibility (kilometer; km) data were obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—National Climatic Data Center. City-specific COVID-19-related detection and intervention measures such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and community quarantine measures were extracted from online public resources. We estimated the time-varying reproduction number (Rt) using the serial interval information sourced from the literature. The estimated Rt was used as an outcome variable for model fitting via a generalized additive model, while adjusting for relevant covariates. Results indicated that a same-day and the prior week’s air pressure was positively associated with an increase in Rt by 2.59 (95% CI: 1.25 to 3.94) and 2.26 (95% CI: 1.02 to 3.50), respectively. Same-day RT-PCR was associated with an increase in Rt, while the imposition of community quarantine measures resulted in a decrease in Rt. Our findings suggest that air pressure plays a role in the infectiousness of COVID-19. The determination of the association of air pressure on infectiousness, aside from the testing frequency and community quarantine measures, may aide the current health systems in controlling the COVID-19 infectiousness by integrating such information into an early warning platform.
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295
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Tai L, Wong K, Wang L, Di LJ. From impossible to possible: the lessons from the control of recent COVID-19 outbreaks in China. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1600-1612. [PMID: 33907524 PMCID: PMC8071760 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.58906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has catastrophically impacted the world. Before the success in vaccination, this virus shows no sign of stop spreading. Nearly all the countries have implemented stringent approaches to slow down the transmission of the virus, but the virus still caused over 2 million deaths and the number is increasing. Therefore, preventing the virus spreading is still necessary to protect most people, especially the ones with pre-conditions. Mainland China has successfully eradicated the COVID-19 virus infection in Wuhan in 2020. After that, several small-scale outbreaks occurred in many cities in China, but none of these COVID-19 virus infections caused the widespread. In this review, we would like to give a detailed presentation of the approaches that were implemented by the China government to suppress the virus spreading by considering the unique characteristics of this virus and the paths of the virus transmission. Both the pros and cons of these strategies will also be analyzed. The experiences and lessons learned during the virus-fighting in China, expectedly, will be a useful source of reference for other regions in overcoming the threat caused by the COVID-19 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Tai
- Cancer center, Faculty of health sciences, University of Macau
- Institute of translational medicine, Faculty of health sciences, University of Macau
| | - Kengieng Wong
- Cancer center, Faculty of health sciences, University of Macau
- Institute of translational medicine, Faculty of health sciences, University of Macau
| | - Li Wang
- Cancer center, Faculty of health sciences, University of Macau
- Metabolomics core, Faculty of health sciences, University of Macau
| | - Li-jun Di
- Cancer center, Faculty of health sciences, University of Macau
- Institute of translational medicine, Faculty of health sciences, University of Macau
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296
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Kwon T, Gaudreault NN, Richt JA. Seasonal stability of SARS-CoV-2 in biological fluids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.04.07.438866. [PMID: 33851167 PMCID: PMC8043457 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.07.438866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs by close contact with infected persons through droplets, the inhalation of infectious aerosols and the exposure to contaminated surface. Previously, we determined the virus stability on different types of surfaces under indoor and seasonal climatic conditions. SARS-CoV-2 survived the longest on surfaces under winter conditions, followed by spring/fall and summer conditions, suggesting the seasonal pattern of stability on surfaces. However, under natural conditions, the virus is secreted in various biological fluids from infected humans. In this respect, it remains unclear how long the virus survives in various types of biological fluids. This study explored the SARS-CoV-2 stability in human biological fluids under different environmental conditions and estimated the half-life. The virus was stable for up to 21 days in nasal mucus, sputum, saliva, tear, urine, blood, and semen; it remained infectious significantly longer under winter and spring/fall conditions than under summer conditions. In contrast, the virus was only stable up to 24 hours in feces and breast milk. These findings demonstrate the potential risk of infectious biological fluids in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and have implications for its seasonality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyong Kwon
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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297
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Liu YN, Lv ZT, Yang SY, Liu XW. Optical Tracking of the Interfacial Dynamics of Single SARS-CoV-2 Pseudoviruses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4115-4122. [PMID: 33566596 PMCID: PMC7885801 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The frequent detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in healthcare environments, accommodations, and wastewater has attracted great attention to the risk of viral transmission by environmental fomites. However, the process of SARS-CoV-2 adsorption to exposed surfaces in high-risk environments remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the interfacial dynamics of single SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses with plasmonic imaging technology. Through the use of this technique, which has high spatial and temporal resolution, we tracked the collision of viruses at a surface and differentiated their stable adsorption and transient adsorption. We determined the effect of the electrostatic force on virus adhesion by correlating the solution and surface chemistry with the interfacial diffusion velocity and equilibrium position. Viral adsorption was found to be enhanced in real scenarios, such as in simulated saliva. This work not only describes a plasmonic imaging method to examine the interfacial dynamics of a single virus but also provides direct measurements of the factors that regulate the interfacial adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Such information is valuable for understanding virus transport and environmental transmission and even for designing anticontamination surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Nan Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Urban
Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering,
University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026,
China
| | - Zhen-Ting Lv
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Urban
Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering,
University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026,
China
| | - Si-Yu Yang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Urban
Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering,
University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026,
China
| | - Xian-Wei Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Urban
Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering,
University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026,
China
- Department of Applied Chemistry,
University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026,
China
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298
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Goodwin L, Hayward T, Krishan P, Nolan G, Nundy M, Ostrishko K, Attili A, Cárceles SB, Epelle EI, Gabl R, Pappa EJ, Stajuda M, Zen S, Dozier M, Anderson N, Viola IM, McQuillan R. Which factors influence the extent of indoor transmission of SARS-CoV-2? A rapid evidence review. J Glob Health 2021; 11:10002. [PMID: 33828849 PMCID: PMC8021073 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.10002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This rapid evidence review identifies and integrates evidence from epidemiology, microbiology and fluid dynamics on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor environments. Methods Searches were conducted in May 2020 in PubMed, medRxiv, arXiv, Scopus, WHO COVID-19 database, Compendex & Inspec. We included studies reporting data on any indoor setting except schools, any indoor activities and any potential means of transmission. Articles were screened by a single reviewer, with rejections assessed by a second reviewer. We used Joanna Briggs Institute and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools for evaluating epidemiological studies and developed bespoke tools for the evaluation of study types not covered by these instruments. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by a single reviewer. We conducted a meta-analysis of secondary attack rates in household transmission. Otherwise, data were synthesised narratively. Results We identified 1573 unique articles. After screening and quality assessment, fifty-eight articles were retained for analysis. Experimental evidence from fluid mechanics and microbiological studies demonstrates that aerosolised transmission is theoretically possible; however, we found no conclusive epidemiological evidence of this occurring. The evidence suggests that ventilation systems have the potential to decrease virus transmission near the source through dilution but to increase transmission further away from the source through dispersal. We found no evidence for faecal-oral transmission. Laboratory studies suggest that the virus survives for longer on smooth surfaces and at lower temperatures. Environmental sampling studies have recovered small amounts of viral RNA from a wide range of frequently touched objects and surfaces; however, epidemiological studies are inconclusive on the extent of fomite transmission. We found many examples of transmission in settings characterised by close and prolonged indoor contact. We estimate a pooled secondary attack rate within households of 11% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 9, 13). There were insufficient data to evaluate the transmission risks associated with specific activities. Workplace challenges related to poverty warrant further investigation as potential risk factors for workplace transmission. Fluid mechanics evidence on the physical properties of droplets generated by coughing, speaking and breathing reinforce the importance of maintaining 2 m social distance to reduce droplet transmission. Conclusions This review provides a snap-shot of evidence on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor environments from the early months of the pandemic. The overall quality of the evidence was low. As the quality and quantity of available evidence grows, it will be possible to reach firmer conclusions on the risk factors for and mechanisms of indoor transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Goodwin
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Gemma Nolan
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Antonio Attili
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Roman Gabl
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Mateusz Stajuda
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simone Zen
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marshall Dozier
- Information Services, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Ignazio M Viola
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Galaitsi SE, Cegan JC, Volk K, Joyner M, Trump BD, Linkov I. The challenges of data usage for the United States' COVID-19 response. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 2021; 59:102352. [PMID: 33824545 PMCID: PMC8017563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
During the coronavirus pandemic, policy makers need to interpret available public health data to make decisions affecting public health. However, the United States’ coronavirus response faced data gaps, inadequate and inconsistent definitions of data across different governmental jurisdictions, ambiguous timing in reporting, problems in accessing data, and changing interpretations from scientific institutions. These present numerous problems for the decision makers relying on this information. This paper documents some of the data pitfalls in coronavirus public health data reporting, as identified by the authors in the course of supporting data management for New England’s coronavirus response. We provide recommendations for individuals to collect data more effectively during emergency situations such as a COVID-19 surge, as well as recommendations for institutions to provide more meaningful data for various users to access. Through this, we hope to motivate action to avoid data pitfalls during public health responses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Galaitsi
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS, United States
| | | | - Kaitlin Volk
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS, United States
| | - Matthew Joyner
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS, United States
| | | | - Igor Linkov
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS, United States
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300
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Dargahi A, Jeddi F, Vosoughi M, Karami C, Hadisi A, Ahamad Mokhtari S, Ghobadi H, Alighadri M, Haghighi SB, Sadeghi H. Investigation of SARS CoV-2 virus in environmental surface. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110765. [PMID: 33497684 PMCID: PMC7826054 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalent respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 probably persist for a long time on fomites and environmental surfaces. Some recent studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA on the surface of cell phones, door handles and other items in the inhabited sites of confirmed cases. For the aim of this study, a total of 50 environmental surface samples of SARS-CoV-2 was collected from Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil. Forty-one environmental surface samples were proved negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA while nine surface samples were positive. Our findings regarding surfaces contaminated with the virus are consistent with the results of recent similar researches as it was revealed that a number of different samples taken from hospital surfaces such as handles, cupboards, light switches, and door handles were positive for the presence of SARS-Cov-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Dargahi
- 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
| | - Mehdi Vosoughi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Chiman Karami
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran; Digestive Diseases Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Aidin Hadisi
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - S Ahamad Mokhtari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Hasan Ghobadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine and Allied Medical Sciences, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Morteza Alighadri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | | | - Hadi Sadeghi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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