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Chaki SP, Kahl-McDonagh MM, Neuman BW, Zuelke KA. Validating the inactivation of viral pathogens with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 to safely transfer samples from high-containment laboratories. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1292467. [PMID: 38510962 PMCID: PMC10951993 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1292467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pathogen leak from a high-containment laboratory seriously threatens human safety, animal welfare, and environmental security. Transportation of pathogens from a higher (BSL4 or BSL3) to a lower (BSL2) containment laboratory for downstream experimentation requires complete pathogen inactivation. Validation of pathogen inactivation is necessary to ensure safety during transportation. This study established a validation strategy for virus inactivation. Methods SARS-CoV-2 wild type, delta, and omicron variants underwent heat treatment at 95°C for 10 minutes using either a hot water bath or a thermocycler. To validate the inactivation process, heat-treated viruses, and untreated control samples were incubated with A549-hACE2 and Vero E6-TMPRSS2-T2A-ACE2 cells. The cells were monitored for up to 72 hours for any cytopathic effects, visually and under a microscope, and for virus genome replication via RT-qPCR. The quality of post-treated samples was assessed for suitability in downstream molecular testing applications. Results Heat treatment at 95°C for 10 minutes effectively inactivated SARS-CoV-2 variants. The absence of cytopathic effects, coupled with the inability of virus genome replication, validated the efficacy of the inactivation process. Furthermore, the heat-treated samples proved to be qualified for COVID-19 antigen testing, RT-qPCR, and whole-genome sequencing. Discussion By ensuring the safety of sample transportation for downstream experimentation, this validation approach enhances biosecurity measures. Considerations for potential limitations, comparisons with existing inactivation methods, and broader implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankar Prasad Chaki
- Global Health Research Complex, Division of Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Melissa M. Kahl-McDonagh
- Global Health Research Complex, Division of Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Benjamin W. Neuman
- Global Health Research Complex, Division of Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Kurt A. Zuelke
- Global Health Research Complex, Division of Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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2
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Martín-Quintero I, Cervera-Sabater A, Cortés-Bretón Brinkmann J, Aragoneses-Lamas JM, Flores-Fraile J, Santos-Marino J. Reduction by air purifier of particulate concentration during orthodontic procedures: a pilot study. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:199. [PMID: 38326811 PMCID: PMC10848394 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-03956-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of air quality. This pilot study arose from the need to reduce the concentration of particulate matter in the dental office during orthodontic procedures. To evaluate the efficacy of using an air purifier during orthodontic care in the dental office to reduce the concentration of ambient particulate matter. RESULTS Significant reductions in particle numbers were obtained for all particle sizes except the largest particles counted (10 μm) through use of the air filter. A marked association between higher humidity levels and higher particle counts was also observed. CONCLUSIONS Using an air purifier during dental care achieves a significant reduction in the concentration of ambient particles in the dental office. There is a correlation between higher relative humidity and higher particle concentration. The probability of obtaining a maximum particulate concentration level of 0.3 and 0.5 μm is 1000 times lower when using an air purifier.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Cervera-Sabater
- Department of Dental Clinical Specialties, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Jorge Cortés-Bretón Brinkmann
- Department of Dental Clinical Specialties, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
| | | | - Javier Flores-Fraile
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain
| | - Juan Santos-Marino
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain
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3
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Boydston JA, Biryukov J, Yeager JJ, Zimmerman HA, Williams G, Green B, Reese AL, Beck K, Bohannon JK, Miller D, Freeburger D, Graham A, Wahl V, Hevey MC, Dabisch PA. Aerosol Particle Size Influences the Infectious Dose and Disease Severity in a Golden Syrian Hamster Model of Inhalational COVID-19. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2023; 36:235-245. [PMID: 37262184 PMCID: PMC10615081 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2022.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Significant evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted via respiratory aerosols, which are known to vary as a function of respiratory activity. Most animal models examine disease presentation following inhalation of small-particle aerosols similar to those generated during quiet breathing or speaking. However, despite evidence that particle size can influence dose-infectivity relationships and disease presentation for other microorganisms, no studies have examined the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 contained in larger particle aerosols similar to those produced during coughing, singing, or talking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the influence of aerodynamic diameter on the infectivity and virulence of aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 in a hamster model of inhalational COVID-19. Methods: Dose-response relationships were assessed for two different aerosol particle size distributions, with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMADs) of 1.3 and 5.2 μm in groups of Syrian hamsters exposed to aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2. Results: Disease was characterized by viral shedding in oropharyngeal swabs, increased respiratory rate, decreased activity, and decreased weight gain. Aerosol particle size significantly influenced the median doses to induce seroconversion and viral shedding, with both increasing ∼30-fold when the MMAD was increased. In addition, disease presentation was dose-dependent, with seroconversion and viral shedding occurring at lower doses than symptomatic disease characterized by increased respiratory rate and decreased activity. Conclusions: These results suggest that aerosol particle size may be an important factor influencing the risk of COVID-19 transmission and needs to be considered when developing animal models of disease. This result agrees with numerous previous studies with other microorganisms and animal species, suggesting that it would be generally translatable across different species. However, it should be noted that the absolute magnitude of the observed shifts in the median doses obtained with the specific particle sizes utilized herein may not be directly applicable to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A. Boydston
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer Biryukov
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - John J. Yeager
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather A. Zimmerman
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory Williams
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Green
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy L. Reese
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Katie Beck
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan K. Bohannon
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - David Miller
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Denise Freeburger
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda Graham
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria Wahl
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael C. Hevey
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul A. Dabisch
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Lotfi H, Mazar MG, Ei NMH, Fahim M, Yazdi NS. Vaccination is the most effective and best way to avoid the disease of COVID-19. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e946. [PMID: 37647441 PMCID: PMC10408370 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of the vaccines that are effective against SARS-CoV-2 have used the following functional strategies: inactivated viruses, live attenuated viruses, viral vector-based vaccines, subunit vaccines, recombinant proteins, and DNA/RNA vaccines. Among the vaccines that stimulate the host's immune system with the help of DNA are: undergoing Phase 2/3 trials including INO-4800 (International Vaccine Institute; Inovio Pharmaceuticals), Symvivo, Canada-COVID19 (AnGes, Inc.); GX-19 (Genexine, Inc.). BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines were made by BioNTech/Pfizer/Fosun Pharma group and Moderna/NIAID group, respectively, which are considered as types of RNA vaccines. Vaccines that are based on the viral vector are AstraZeneca, Sputonium, and Johnson-Jensen. Among the inactive viral vaccines, the following can be mentioned: CoronaVac (Sinovac) WIBP vaccine (Wuhan Institute of Biological Products, Sinopharm), BBIBPCorV (Beijing Institute of Biological Products, Sinopharm), BBV152/Covaxin (Bharat Biotech, ICMR, National Institute of Virology) And among the protein-based/subunit vaccines, the following can be counted: NVX-CoV2373: (Novavax); SCB-2019 vaccine (Clover Biopharmaceuticals AUS Pty Ltd.); Covax-19 (GeneCure Biotechnologies; Vaxine Pty Ltd.) mRNA vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and protein subunit vaccines cannot cause disease because these vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against virus proteins instead of the virus itself (or its antigen). MRNA vaccines increase SARS-CoV-2 proteins and ultimately stimulate the production of T and B lymphocytes. The epidemic of HCoVs and their destructive and harmful effects on life has caused the scientific community to seek the production of an effective and efficient vaccine before its catastrophic release. We all need to know that none of us will be healed until the other is healed. The purpose of this review article is to present a selection of existing knowledge in the field of fighting and preventing the coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Lotfi
- Leishmaniasis Research CenterSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
| | - Mina G. Mazar
- Department of Medical Laboratory ScienceVarastegan Institute for Medical ScienceMashhadIran
| | - Negar M. H. Ei
- Department of Medical Laboratory ScienceVarastegan Institute for Medical ScienceMashhadIran
| | | | - Nafiseh S. Yazdi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of MedicineSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
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Abelson S, Penso J, Alsuliman B, Babler K, Sharkey M, Stevenson M, Grills G, Mason CE, Solo-Gabriele H, Kumar N. COVID-19 Case and Mortality Surveillance using Daily SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater Samples adjusting for Meteorological Conditions and Sample pH. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.12.23292570. [PMID: 37502918 PMCID: PMC10370245 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.12.23292570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Wastewater monitoring is increasingly used for community surveillance of infectious diseases, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic as the genomic footprints of pathogens shed by infected individuals can be traced in the environment. However, detection and concentration of pathogens in the environmental samples and their efficacy in predicting infectious diseases can be influenced by meteorological conditions and quality of samples. Objectives This research examines whether meteorological conditions and sample pH affect SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater samples, and whether the association of SARS-CoV-2 with COVID-19 cases and mortality improves when adjusted for meteorological conditions and sample pH value in Miami-Dade County, FL. Methods Daily wastewater samples were collected from Miami-Dade Wastewater Treatment Plant in Key Biscayne, Florida from August 2021 to August 2022. The samples were analyzed for pH and spiked with OC43. RNA was extracted from the concentrated wastewater sample and SARS-CoV-2 was quantified using qPCR. COVID-19 and mortality data were acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and meteorological data from the National Climatic Data Center. COVID-19 case and mortality rates were modelled with respect to time-lagged wastewater SARS-CoV-2 adjusting for meteorological conditions, and sample pH value and OC43 recovery. Results Temperature, dew point, pH values and OC43 recovery showed significant associations with wastewater SARS-CoV-2. Time-lagged wastewater SARS-CoV-2 showed significant associations with COVID-19 case and mortality incidence rates. This association improved when wastewater SARS-CoV-2 levels were adjusted for (or instrumented on) meteorological conditions, OC43 recovery, and sample pH. A 0.47% change in COVID-19 case incidence rate was associated with 1% change in wastewater SARS-CoV-2 (β ~ 0.47; 95% CI = 0.29 - 0.64; p < 0.001). A 0.12 % change in COVID-19 mortality rate was associated with 1 % change in SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater 44 days prior. A 0.07% decline in COVID-19 mortality rate was associated with a unit increase in ambient temperature 28 days prior. Discussion Time lagged wastewater SARS-CoV-2 (and its adjustment for sample pH and RNA recovery) and meteorological conditions can be used for the surveillance of COVID-19 case and mortality. These findings can be extrapolated to improve the surveillance of other infectious diseases by proactive measurements of infectious agent(s) in the wastewater samples, adjusting for meteorological conditions and sample pH value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Abelson
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Johnathon Penso
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Bader Alsuliman
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Kristina Babler
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Mark Sharkey
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, US
| | - Mario Stevenson
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, US
| | - George Grills
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, US
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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6
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Spena A, Palombi L, Carestia M, Spena VA, Biso F. SARS-CoV-2 Survival on Surfaces. Measurements Optimisation for an Enthalpy-Based Assessment of the Risk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6169. [PMID: 37372756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The present work, based on the results found in the literature, yields a consistent model of SARS-CoV-2 survival on surfaces as environmental conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity, change simultaneously. The Enthalpy method, which has recently been successfully proposed to investigate the viability of airborne viruses using a holistic approach, is found to allow us to take a reasoned reading of the data available on surfaces in the literature. This leads us to identify the domain of conditions of lowest SARS-CoV-2 viability, in a specific enthalpy range between 50 and 60 kJ/Kgdry-air. This range appears well-superimposed with the results we previously obtained from analyses of coronaviruses' behaviour in aerosols, and may be helpful in dealing with the spread of infections. To steer future investigations, shortcomings and weaknesses emerging from the assessment of viral measurement usually carried out on surfaces are also discussed in detail. Once demonstrated that current laboratory procedures suffer from both high variability and poor standardisation, targeted implementations of standards and improvement of protocols for future investigations are then proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Spena
- Department of Enterprise Engineering, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Palombi
- Catholic University of "Our Lady of Good Counsel", 1001 Tirana, Albania
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Carestia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Andrea Spena
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Biso
- Department of Enterprise Engineering, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
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7
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Harapan H, Johar E, Maroef CN, Sriyani IY, Iqhrammullah M, Kusuma HI, Syukri M, Razali R, Hamdani H, Kurniawan R, Irwansyah I, Sofyan SE, Myint KS, Mahlia TI, Rizal S. Effect of elevated temperature on SARS-CoV-2 viability. F1000Res 2023; 11:403. [PMID: 37745627 PMCID: PMC10517306 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.110305.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide disruption of global health putting healthcare workers at high risk. To reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, in particular during treating the patients, our team aims to develop an optimized isolation chamber. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of temperature elevation against SARS-CoV-2 viability, where the information would be used to build the isolation chamber. 0.6 mL of the Indonesian isolate of SARS-CoV-2 strain 20201012747 (approximately 10 13 PFU/mL) was incubated for one hour with a variation of temperatures: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65°C in digital block heater as well as at room temperature (21-23°C) before used to infect Vero E6 cells. The viability was determined using a plaque assay. Our data found a significant reduction of the viral viability from 10 13 PFU/mL to 10 9 PFU/mL after the room temperature was increase to 40°C. Further elevation revealed that 55°C and above resulted in the total elimination of the viral viability. Increasing the temperature 40°C to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 survival could create mild hyperthermia conditions in a patient which could act as a thermotherapy. In addition, according to our findings, thermal sterilization of the vacant isolation chamber could be conducted by increasing the temperature to 55°C. In conclusion, elevating the temperature of the isolation chamber could be one of the main variables for developing an optimized isolation chamber for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harapan Harapan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Edison Johar
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | | | - Ida Yus Sriyani
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Iqhrammullah
- Graduate School of Mathematics and Applied Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Hendrix Indra Kusuma
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Maimun Syukri
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Razali Razali
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Hamdani Hamdani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Rudi Kurniawan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Irwansyah Irwansyah
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Sarwo Edhy Sofyan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Khin Saw Myint
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - T.M. Indra Mahlia
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Samsul Rizal
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
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Bandara S, Oishi W, Kadoya SS, Sano D. Decay rate estimation of respiratory viruses in aerosols and on surfaces under different environmental conditions. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 251:114187. [PMID: 37210848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Majority of the viral outbreaks are super-spreading events established within 2-10 h, dependent on a critical time interval for successful transmission between humans, which is governed by the decay rates of viruses. To evaluate the decay rates of respiratory viruses over a short span, we calculated their decay rate values for various surfaces and aerosols. We applied Bayesian regression and ridge regression and determined the best estimation for respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); the decay rate values in aerosols for these viruses were 4.83 ± 5.70, 0.40 ± 0.24, 0.11 ± 0.04, 2.43 ± 5.94, and 1.00 ± 0.50 h-1, respectively. The highest decay rate values for each virus type differed according to the surface type. According to the model performance criteria, the Bayesian regression model was better for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, whereas ridge regression was better for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. A simulation using a better estimation will help us find effective non-pharmaceutical interventions to control virus transmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sewwandi Bandara
- Department of Frontier Science for Advanced Environment, Graduate School of Environment Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8572, Japan
| | - Wakana Oishi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Syun-Suke Kadoya
- Department of Urban Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8654, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sano
- Department of Frontier Science for Advanced Environment, Graduate School of Environment Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8572, Japan; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan.
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Aganovic A. pH-dependent endocytosis mechanisms for influenza A and SARS-coronavirus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1190463. [PMID: 37234537 PMCID: PMC10206014 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1190463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the influenza epidemics have revived the interest in understanding how these highly contagious enveloped viruses respond to alterations in the physicochemical properties of their microenvironment. By understanding the mechanisms and conditions by which viruses exploit the pH environment of the host cell during endocytosis, we can gain a better understanding of how they respond to pH-regulated anti-viral therapies but also pH-induced changes in extracellular environments. This review provides a detailed explanation of the pH-dependent viral structural changes preceding and initiating viral disassembly during endocytosis for influenza A (IAV) and SARS coronaviruses. Drawing upon extensive literature from the last few decades and latest research, I analyze and compare the circumstances in which IAV and SARS-coronavirus can undertake endocytotic pathways that are pH-dependent. While there are similarities in the pH-regulated patterns leading to fusion, the mechanisms and pH activation differ. In terms of fusion activity, the measured activation pH values for IAV, across all subtypes and species, vary between approximately 5.0 to 6.0, while SARS-coronavirus necessitates a lower pH of 6.0 or less. The main difference between the pH-dependent endocytic pathways is that the SARS-coronavirus, unlike IAV, require the presence of specific pH-sensitive enzymes (cathepsin L) during endosomal transport. Conversely, the conformational changes in the IAV virus under acidic conditions in endosomes occur due to the specific envelope glycoprotein residues and envelope protein ion channels (viroporins) getting protonated by H+ ions. Despite extensive research over several decades, comprehending the pH-triggered conformational alterations of viruses still poses a significant challenge. The precise mechanisms of protonation mechanisms of certain during endosomal transport for both viruses remain incompletely understood. In absence of evidence, further research is needed.
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Wang Y, Lyu Y, Tong S, Ding C, Wei L, Zhai M, Xu K, Hao R, Wang X, Li N, Luo Y, Li Y, Wang J. Association between meteorological factors and COVID-19 transmission in low- and middle-income countries: A time-stratified case-crossover study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116088. [PMID: 37169140 PMCID: PMC10166718 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence is limited regarding the association between meteorological factors and COVID-19 transmission in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVE To investigate the independent and interactive effects of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the spread of COVID-19 in LMICs. METHODS We collected daily data on COVID-19 confirmed cases, meteorological factors and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in 2143 city- and district-level sites from 6 LMICs during 2020. We applied a time-stratified case-crossover design with distributed lag nonlinear model to evaluate the independent and interactive effects of meteorological factors on COVID-19 transmission after controlling NPIs. We generated an overall estimate through pooling site-specific relative risks (RR) using a multivariate meta-regression model. RESULTS There was a positive, non-linear, association between temperature and COVID-19 confirmed cases in all study sites, while RH and UV showed negative non-linear associations. RR of the 90th percentile temperature (28.1 °C) was 1.14 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.28] compared with the 50th percentile temperature (24.4 °C). RR of the10th percentile UV was 1.41 (95% CI: 1.29, 1.54). High temperature and high RH were associated with increased risks in temperate climate but decreased risks in tropical climate, while UV exhibited a consistent, negative association across climate zones. Temperature, RH, and UV interacted to affect COVID-19 transmission. Temperature and RH also showed higher risks in low NPIs sites. CONCLUSION Temperature, RH, and UV appeared to independently and interactively affect the transmission of COVID-19 in LMICs but such associations varied with climate zones. Our results suggest that more attention should be paid to meteorological variation when the transmission of COVID-19 is still rampant in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yiran Lyu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shilu Tong
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China; Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China; School of Public Health, Institute of Environment and Population Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4000, Australia
| | - Cheng Ding
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lan Wei
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Mengying Zhai
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Kaiqiang Xu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China; School of Public Health, Hebei University, Hebei, 071000, China
| | - Ruiting Hao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Na Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yueyun Luo
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yonghong Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
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11
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Balboni E, Filippini T, Rothman KJ, Costanzini S, Bellino S, Pezzotti P, Brusaferro S, Ferrari F, Orsini N, Teggi S, Vinceti M. The influence of meteorological factors on COVID-19 spread in Italy during the first and second wave. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115796. [PMID: 37019296 PMCID: PMC10069087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The relation between meteorological factors and COVID-19 spread remains uncertain, particularly with regard to the role of temperature, relative humidity and solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To assess this relation, we investigated disease spread within Italy during 2020. The pandemic had a large and early impact in Italy, and during 2020 the effects of vaccination and viral variants had not yet complicated the dynamics. We used non-linear, spline-based Poisson regression of modeled temperature, UV and relative humidity, adjusting for mobility patterns and additional confounders, to estimate daily rates of COVID-19 new cases, hospital and intensive care unit admissions, and deaths during the two waves of the pandemic in Italy during 2020. We found little association between relative humidity and COVID-19 endpoints in both waves, whereas UV radiation above 40 kJ/m2 showed a weak inverse association with hospital and ICU admissions in the first wave, and a stronger relation with all COVID-19 endpoints in the second wave. Temperature above 283 K (10 °C/50 °F) showed a strong non-linear negative relation with COVID-19 endpoints, with inconsistent relations below this cutpoint in the two waves. Given the biological plausibility of a relation between temperature and COVID-19, these data add support to the proposition that temperature above 283 K, and possibly high levels of solar UV radiation, reduced COVID-19 spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Balboni
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Health Physics Unit, Modena Policlinico University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sofia Costanzini
- Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Bellino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pezzotti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvio Brusaferro
- Presidency, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Orsini
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergio Teggi
- Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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12
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Jung S, Yeo D, Wang Z, Woo S, Seo Y, Hossain MI, Choi C. Viability of SARS-CoV-2 on lettuce, chicken, and salmon and its inactivation by peracetic acid, ethanol, and chlorine dioxide. Food Microbiol 2023; 110:104164. [PMID: 36462820 PMCID: PMC9560751 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the first SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Wuhan, China, there has been continued concern over the link between SARS-CoV-2 transmission and food. However, there are few studies on the viability and removal of SARS-CoV-2 contaminating food. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on food matrices, depending on storage temperature, and inactivate the virus contaminating food using disinfectants. Two SARS-CoV-2 strains (L and S types) were used to contaminate lettuce, chicken, and salmon, which were then stored at 20,4 and -40 °C. The half-life of SARS-CoV-2 at 20 °C was 3-7 h but increased to 24-46 h at 4 °C and exceeded 100 h at -40 °C. SARS-CoV-2 persisted longer on chicken or salmon than on lettuce. Treatment with 70% ethanol for 1 min inactivated 3.25 log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 inoculated on lettuce but not on chicken and salmon. ClO2 inactivated up to 2 log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 on foods. Peracetic acid was able to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 from all foods. The virucidal effect of all disinfectants used in this study did not differ between the two SARS-CoV-2 strains; therefore, they could also be effective against other SARS-CoV-2 variants. This study demonstrated that the viability of SARS-CoV-2 can be extended at 4 and -40 °C and peracetic acid can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on food matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soontag Jung
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
| | - Daseul Yeo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhaoqi Wang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyoung Woo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeeun Seo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Iqbal Hossain
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsun Choi
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Chu B, Chen R, Liu Q, Wang H. Effects of High Temperature on COVID-19 Deaths in U.S. Counties. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000705. [PMID: 36852181 PMCID: PMC9958002 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The United States of America (USA) was afflicted by extreme heat in the summer of 2021 and some states experienced a record-hot or top-10 hottest summer. Meanwhile, the United States was also one of the countries impacted most by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Growing numbers of studies have revealed that meteorological factors such as temperature may influence the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. However, the associations between temperature and COVID-19 severity differ in various study areas and periods, especially in periods of high temperatures. Here we choose 119 US counties with large counts of COVID-19 deaths during the summer of 2021 to examine the relationship between COVID-19 deaths and temperature by applying a two-stage epidemiological analytical approach. We also calculate the years of life lost (YLL) owing to COVID-19 and the corresponding values attributable to high temperature exposure. The daily mean temperature is approximately positively correlated with COVID-19 deaths nationwide, with a relative risk of 1.108 (95% confidence interval: 1.046, 1.173) in the 90th percentile of the mean temperature distribution compared with the median temperature. In addition, 0.02 YLL per COVID-19 death attributable to high temperature are estimated at the national level, and distinct spatial variability from -0.10 to 0.08 years is observed in different states. Our results provide new evidence on the relationship between high temperature and COVID-19 deaths, which might help us to understand the underlying modulation of the COVID-19 pandemic by meteorological variables and to develop epidemic policy response strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Chu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System SciencesSchool of Atmospheric SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Renjie Chen
- School of Public HealthKey Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and National Health Commission Key Lab of Health Technology AssessmentFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qi Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System SciencesSchool of Atmospheric SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Climate ChangeNanjingChina
| | - Haikun Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System SciencesSchool of Atmospheric SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Climate ChangeNanjingChina
- Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material CyclingNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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14
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Norvihoho LK, Yin J, Zhou ZF, Han J, Chen B, Fan LH, Lichtfouse E. Mechanisms controlling the transport and evaporation of human exhaled respiratory droplets containing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:1701-1727. [PMID: 36846189 PMCID: PMC9944801 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 is still ongoing despite mass vaccination, lockdowns, and other drastic measures to control the pandemic. This is due partly to our lack of understanding on the multiphase flow mechanics that control droplet transport and viral transmission dynamics. Various models of droplet evaporation have been reported, yet there is still limited knowledge about the influence of physicochemical parameters on the transport of respiratory droplets carrying the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Here we review the effects of initial droplet size, environmental conditions, virus mutation, and non-volatile components on droplet evaporation and dispersion, and on virus stability. We present experimental and computational methods to analyze droplet transport, and factors controlling transport and evaporation. Methods include thermal manikins, flow techniques, aerosol-generating techniques, nucleic acid-based assays, antibody-based assays, polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, field-effect transistor-based assay, and discrete and gas-phase modeling. Controlling factors include environmental conditions, turbulence, ventilation, ambient temperature, relative humidity, droplet size distribution, non-volatile components, evaporation and mutation. Current results show that medium-sized droplets, e.g., 50 µm, are sensitive to relative humidity. Medium-sized droplets experience delayed evaporation at high relative humidity, and increase airborne lifetime and travel distance. By contrast, at low relative humidity, medium-sized droplets quickly shrink to droplet nuclei and follow the cough jet. Virus inactivation within a few hours generally occurs at temperatures above 40 °C, and the presence of viral particles in aerosols impedes droplet evaporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Kojo Norvihoho
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Fu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Hong Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
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15
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Gu Z, Han J, Zhang L, Wang H, Luo X, Meng X, Zhang Y, Niu X, Lan Y, Wu S, Cao J, Lichtfouse E. Unanswered questions on the airborne transmission of COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:725-739. [PMID: 36628267 PMCID: PMC9816530 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01557-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Policies and measures to control pandemics are often failing. While biological factors controlling transmission are usually well explored, little is known about the environmental drivers of transmission and infection. For instance, respiratory droplets and aerosol particles are crucial vectors for the airborne transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causation agent of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19). Once expectorated, respiratory droplets interact with atmospheric particulates that influence the viability and transmission of the novel coronavirus, yet there is little knowledge on this process or its consequences on virus transmission and infection. Here we review the effects of atmospheric particulate properties, vortex zones, and air pollution on virus survivability and transmission. We found that particle size, chemical constituents, electrostatic charges, and the moisture content of airborne particles can have notable effects on virus transmission, with higher survival generally associated with larger particles, yet some viruses are better preserved on small particles. Some chemical constituents and surface-adsorbed chemical species may damage peptide bonds in viral proteins and impair virus stability. Electrostatic charges and water content of atmospheric particulates may affect the adherence of virion particles and possibly their viability. In addition, vortex zones and human thermal plumes are major environmental factors altering the aerodynamics of buoyant particles in air, which can strongly influence the transport of airborne particles and the transmission of associated viruses. Insights into these factors may provide explanations for the widely observed positive correlations between COVID-19 infection and mortality with air pollution, of which particulate matter is a common constituent that may have a central role in the airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10311-022-01557-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Gu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xilian Luo
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangzhao Meng
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Architecture, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Niu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Lan
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Wu
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Junji Cao
- Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
- CNRS, IRD, INRAE, CEREGE, Aix-Marseille University, 13100, Aix-en-Provence, France
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16
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COVID 19 virus elimination from food using microwave oven. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9794489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2022.100522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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17
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Langan LM, O’Brien M, Lovin LM, Scarlett KR, Davis H, Henke AN, Seidel SE, Archer N, Lawrence E, Norman RS, Bojes HK, Brooks BW. Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Wastewater of Two Counties in Texas, United States. ACS ES&T WATER 2022; 2:2211-2224. [PMID: 37552718 PMCID: PMC9291321 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
After its emergence in late November/December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly spread globally. Recognizing that this virus is shed in feces of individuals and that viral RNA is detectable in wastewater, testing for SARS-CoV-2 in sewage collections systems has allowed for the monitoring of a community's viral burden. Over a 9 month period, the influents of two regional wastewater treatment facilities were concurrently examined for wild-type SARS-CoV-2 along with variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 incorporated as they emerged. Epidemiological data including new confirmed COVID-19 cases and associated hospitalizations and fatalities were tabulated within each location. RNA from SARS-CoV-2 was detectable in 100% of the wastewater samples, while variant detection was more variable. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) results align with clinical trends for COVID-19 cases, and increases in COVID-19 cases were positively related with increases in SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in wastewater, although the strength of this relationship was location specific. Our observations demonstrate that clinical and wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 wild type and constantly emerging variants of concern can be combined using RT-qPCR to characterize population infection dynamics. This may provide an early warning for at-risk communities and increases in COVID-19 related hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Langan
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - Megan O’Brien
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Department of Public Health, Baylor
University, One Bear Place #97343, Waco, Texas 76798, United
States
| | - Lea M. Lovin
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - Kendall R. Scarlett
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - Haley Davis
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
| | - Abigail N. Henke
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Department of Biology, Baylor
University, One Bear Place #97388, Waco, Texas 76798, United
States
| | - Sarah E. Seidel
- Center for Health
Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
78756, United States
| | - Natalie Archer
- Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries
Section, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin,
Texas 78756, United States
| | - Eric Lawrence
- Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries
Section, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin,
Texas 78756, United States
| | - R. Sean Norman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of
Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly
Street Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Heidi K. Bojes
- Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries
Section, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin,
Texas 78756, United States
| | - Bryan W. Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97266, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research,
Baylor University, One Bear Place #97178, Waco, Texas 76798,
United States
- Department of Public Health, Baylor
University, One Bear Place #97343, Waco, Texas 76798, United
States
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18
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Featherstone AB, Brown AC, Chitlapilly Dass S. Murine Hepatitis Virus, a Biosafety Level 2 Model for SARS-CoV-2, Can Remain Viable on Meat and Meat Packaging Materials for at Least 48 Hours. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0186222. [PMID: 36069589 PMCID: PMC9603800 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01862-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020 and 2021, many meat processing plants faced temporary closures due to outbreaks of COVID-19 cases among the workers. There are several factors that could potentially contribute to the increased numbers of COVID-19 cases in meat processing plants: the survival of viable SARS-CoV-2 on meat and meat packaging materials, difficulties in maintaining workplace physical distancing, personal hygiene, and crowded living and transportation conditions. In this study, we used murine hepatitis virus (MHV) as a biosafety level 2 (BSL2) surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 to determine viral survival on the surface of meat, namely, stew-cut beef and ground beef, and commonly used meat packaging materials, such as plastic wrap, meat-absorbent material, and Styrofoam. From our studies, we observed the infectivity of MHV inoculated on ground beef and stew-cut beef for 48 h and saw no significant loss in infectivity for MHV from 0 to 6 h postinoculation (hpi) (unpaired t test). However, beginning at 9 hpi, viral infectivity steadily decreased, resulting in a 1.12-log reduction for ground beef and a 0.46-log reduction for stew-cut beef by 48 hpi. We also observed a significant persistence of MHV on meat packaging materials, with Styrofoam supporting the highest viability (3.25 × 103 ± 9.57 × 102 PFU/mL, a 0.91-log reduction after 48 hpi), followed by meat-absorbent material (75 ± 50 PFU/mL, a 1.10-log reduction after 48 hpi), and lastly, plastic wrap (no detectable PFU after 3 hpi, a 3.12-log reduction). Despite a notable reduction in infectivity, the virus was able to survive and remain infectious for up to 48 h at 7°C on four of the five test surfaces. Our results provide evidence that coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, could potentially survive on meat, meat-absorbent materials. and Styrofoam for up to 2 days, and potentially longer. IMPORTANCE The meat industry has been faced with astronomical challenges with the rampant spread of COVID-19 among meat processing plant workers. This has resulted in meat processing and packaging plant closures, creating bottlenecks everywhere in the chain, from farms to consumers, subsequently leading to much smaller production outputs and higher prices for all parties involved. This study tested the viability of meat and meat packaging materials as potential reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2, allowing the virus to survive and potentially spread among the workers. We used murine hepatitis virus (MHV) as a biosafety level 2 (BSL2) surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. Our results suggest that ground beef, stew-cut beef, meat-absorbent material, and Styrofoam can harbor coronavirus particles, which can remain viable for at least 48 h. Furthermore, our study provides evidence that the environmental and physical conditions within meat processing facilities can facilitate the survival of viable virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Claire Brown
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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19
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Effects of electromagnetic waves on pathogenic viruses and relevant mechanisms: a review. Virol J 2022; 19:161. [PMID: 36224556 PMCID: PMC9555253 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01889-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic viral infections have become a serious public health issue worldwide. Viruses can infect all cell-based organisms and cause varying injuries and damage, resulting in diseases or even death. With the prevalence of highly pathogenic viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is urgent to develop efficient and safe approaches to inactivate pathogenic viruses. Traditional methods of inactivating pathogenic viruses are practical but have several limitations. Electromagnetic waves, with high penetration capacity, physical resonance, and non-contamination, have emerged as a potential strategy to inactivate pathogenic viruses and have attracted increasing attention. This paper reviews the recent literature on the effects of electromagnetic waves on pathogenic viruses and their mechanisms, as well as promising applications of electromagnetic waves to inactivate pathogenic viruses, to provide new ideas and methods for this inactivation.
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20
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Tang SGH, Hadi MHH, Arsad SR, Ker PJ, Ramanathan S, Afandi NAM, Afzal MM, Yaw MW, Krishnan PS, Chen CP, Tiong SK. Prerequisite for COVID-19 Prediction: A Review on Factors Affecting the Infection Rate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12997. [PMID: 36293576 PMCID: PMC9602751 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192012997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the year 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as the dominant topic of discussion in the public and research domains. Intensive research has been carried out on several aspects of COVID-19, including vaccines, its transmission mechanism, detection of COVID-19 infection, and its infection rate and factors. The awareness of the public related to the COVID-19 infection factors enables the public to adhere to the standard operating procedures, while a full elucidation on the correlation of different factors to the infection rate facilitates effective measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection by policy makers and enforcers. Hence, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive and analytical review of different factors affecting the COVID-19 infection rate. Furthermore, this review analyses factors which directly and indirectly affect the COVID-19 infection risk, such as physical distance, ventilation, face masks, meteorological factor, socioeconomic factor, vaccination, host factor, SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the availability of COVID-19 testing. Critical analysis was performed for the different factors by providing quantitative and qualitative studies. Lastly, the challenges of correlating each infection risk factor to the predicted risk of COVID-19 infection are discussed, and recommendations for further research works and interventions are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Gee Hoon Tang
- Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Haziq Hasnul Hadi
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Siti Rosilah Arsad
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Pin Jern Ker
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Santhi Ramanathan
- Faculty of Business, Multimedia University, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, Malacca 75450, Malaysia
| | - Nayli Aliah Mohd Afandi
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Madihah Mohd Afzal
- Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Mei Wyin Yaw
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Prajindra Sankar Krishnan
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Chai Phing Chen
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Sieh Kiong Tiong
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
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21
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Cimolai N. Disinfection and decontamination in the context of SARS-CoV-2-specific data. J Med Virol 2022; 94:4654-4668. [PMID: 35758523 PMCID: PMC9350315 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Given the high transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as witnessed early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, concerns arose with the existing methods for virus disinfection and decontamination. The need for SARS-CoV-2-specific data stimulated considerable research in this regard. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 is practically and equally susceptible to approaches for disinfection and decontamination that have been previously found for other human or animal coronaviruses. The latter have included techniques utilizing temperature modulation, pH extremes, irradiation, and chemical treatments. These physicochemical methods are a necessary adjunct to other prevention strategies, given the environmental and patient surface ubiquity of the virus. Classic studies of disinfection have also allowed for extrapolation to the eradication of the virus on human mucosal surfaces by some chemical means. Despite considerable laboratory study, practical field assessments are generally lacking and need to be encouraged to confirm the correlation of interventions with viral eradication and infection prevention. Transparency in the constitution and use of any method or chemical is also essential to furthering practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevio Cimolai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of MedicineThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineChildren's and Women's Health Centre of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
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22
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Nagpal D, Nagpal S, Kaushik D, Kathuria H. Current clinical status of new COVID-19 vaccines and immunotherapy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:70772-70807. [PMID: 36063274 PMCID: PMC9442597 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a positive-strand RNA belonging to Coronaviridae family, along with MERS and SARS. Since its first report in 2019 in Wuhan, China, it has affected over 530 million people and led to 6.3 million deaths worldwide until June 2022. Despite eleven vaccines being used worldwide already, new variants are of concern. Therefore, the governing bodies are re-evaluating the strategies for achieving universal vaccination. Initially, the WHO expected that vaccines showing around 50-80% efficacy would develop in 1-2 years. However, US-FDA announced emergency approval of the two m-RNA vaccines within 11 months of vaccine development, which enabled early vaccination for healthcare workers in many countries. Later, in January 2021, 63 vaccine candidates were under human clinical trials and 172 under preclinical development. Currently, the number of such clinical studies is still increasing. In this review, we have summarized the updates on the clinical status of the COVID-19 and the available treatments. Additionally, COVID-19 had created negative impacts on world's economy; affected agriculture, industries, and tourism service sectors; and majorly affected low-income countries. The review discusses the clinical outcomes, latest statistics, socio-economic impacts of pandemic and treatment approaches against SARS-CoV-2, and strategies against the new variant of concern. The review will help understand the current status of vaccines and other therapies while also providing insights about upcoming vaccines and therapies for COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Nagpal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001 India
| | - Shakti Nagpal
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543 Republic of Singapore
| | - Deepak Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001 India
| | - Himanshu Kathuria
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543 Republic of Singapore
- Nusmetics Pte Ltd, Makerspace, i4 building, 3 Research Link, Singapore, 117602 Republic of Singapore
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23
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Wang K, Ho KF, Leung LYT, Chow KM, Cheung YY, Tsang D, Lai RWM, Xu RH, Yeoh EK, Hung CT. Risk of air and surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in isolation wards and its relationship with patient and environmental characteristics. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113740. [PMID: 35687998 PMCID: PMC9167918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Air and surface contamination of the SARS-CoV-2 have been reported by multiple studies. However, the evidence is limited for the change of environmental contamination of this virus in the surrounding of patients with COVID-19 at different time points during the course of disease and under different conditions of the patients. Therefore, this study aims to understand the risk factors associated with the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 through the period when the patients were staying in the isolation wards. In this study, COVID-19 patients admitted to the isolation wards were followed up for up to 10 days for daily collection of air and surface samples in their surroundings. The positivity rate of the environmental samples at different locations was plotted, and multiple multi-level mixed-effect logistic regressions were used to examine the association between the positivity of environmental samples and their daily health conditions and environmental factors. It found 6.6 % of surface samples (133/2031 samples) and 2.1 % of air samples (22/1075 samples) were positive, and the positivity rate reached to peak during 2-3 days after admission to the ward. The virus was more likely to present at bedrail, patients' personal items and medical equipment, while less likely to be detected in the air outside the range of 2 m from the patients. It also revealed that higher positivity rate is associated with lower environmental temperature, fever and cough at the day of sampling, lower Ct values of latest test for respiratory tract samples, and pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The finding can be used to guide the hospital infection control strategies by identifying high-risk areas and patients. Extra personal hygiene precautions and equipment for continuously environmental disinfection can be used for these high-risk areas and patients to reduce the risk of hospital infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailu Wang
- Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JCSPHPC, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China; The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin-Fai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Larry Yung-Tim Leung
- Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JCSPHPC, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China; The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kai-Ming Chow
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuk-Yam Cheung
- Public Health Laboratory Centre, Centre for Health Protection, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dominic Tsang
- Public Health Laboratory Centre, Centre for Health Protection, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Raymond Wai-Man Lai
- Department of Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Richard Huan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health and Social Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eng-Kiong Yeoh
- Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JCSPHPC, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China; The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Tim Hung
- Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JCSPHPC, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China; The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China.
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24
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Córdoba-Lanús E, García-Pérez O, Rodríguez-Esparragón F, Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, Torres-Mata LB, Blanco A, Villar J, Sanz O, Díaz JJ, Martín-Barrasa JL, Serrano-Aguilar P, Piñero JE, Clavo B, Lorenzo-Morales J. Ozone treatment effectively eliminates SARS-CoV-2 from infected face masks. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271826. [PMID: 35867641 PMCID: PMC9307172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic is causing profound health, economic, and social problems worldwide. The global shortage of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE) in specialized centers during the outbreak demonstrated the need for efficient methods to disinfect and recycle them in times of emergency. We have previously described that high ozone concentrations destroyed viral RNA in an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 strain within a few minutes. However, the efficient ozone dosages for active SARS-CoV-2 are still unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the systematic effects of ozone exposure on face masks from hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Face masks from COVID-19 patients were collected and treated with a clinical ozone generator at high ozone concentrations in small volumes for short periods. The study focused on SARS-CoV-2 gene detection (assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)) and on the virus inactivation by in vitro studies. We assessed the effects of different high ozone concentrations and exposure times on decontamination efficiency. We showed that high ozone concentrations (10,000, 2,000, and 4,000 ppm) and short exposure times (10, 10, and 2 minutes, respectively), inactivated both the original strain and the B.1.1.7 strain of SARS-CoV-2 from 24 contaminated face masks from COVID-19 patients. The validation results showed that the best condition for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation was a treatment of 4,000 ppm of ozone for 2 minutes. Further studies are in progress to advance the potential applications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Córdoba-Lanús
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Interna Dermatología y Psiquiatría Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red Cooperativa de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (EC-L); (BC)
| | - Omar García-Pérez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Interna Dermatología y Psiquiatría Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red Cooperativa de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Esparragón
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
| | - Carlos J. Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Laura B. Torres-Mata
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), BioPharm Group Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Angeles Blanco
- Chemical Engineering & Materials Department, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Villar
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at the St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oscar Sanz
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Juan J. Díaz
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José L. Martín-Barrasa
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- Animal Infectious Diseases and Ictiopathology, Universitary Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Aguilar
- RETIC de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Evaluación y Planificación del Servicio Canario de Salud (SESCS), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Red de Agencias de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias y Prestaciones del Sistema Nacional de Salud (RedETS), Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Enrique Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red Cooperativa de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Bernardino Clavo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- RETIC de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Pain Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- * E-mail: (EC-L); (BC)
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red Cooperativa de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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25
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Cardinale D, Tafuro M, Mancusi A, Girardi S, Capuano F, Proroga YTR, Corrado F, D’Auria JL, Coppola A, Rofrano G, Volzone P, Galdi P, De Vita S, Gallo A, Suffredini E, Pierri B, Cerino P, Morgante M. Sponge Whirl-Pak Sampling Method and Droplet Digital RT-PCR Assay for Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces in Public and Working Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105861. [PMID: 35627397 PMCID: PMC9141805 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 can spread directly via saliva, respiratory aerosols and droplets, and indirectly by contact through contaminated objects and/or surfaces and by air. In the context of COVID-19 fomites can be an important vehicle of virus transmission and contribute to infection risk in public environments. The aim of the study was to analyze through surface sampling (sponge method) the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in public and working environments, in order to evaluate the risk for virus transmission. Seventy-seven environmental samples were taken using sterile sponges in 17 animal farms, 4 public transport buses, 1 supermarket and 1 hotel receptive structure. Furthermore, 246 and 93 swab samples were taken in the farms from animals and from workers, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 detection was conducted by real-time RT-PCR and by digital droplet RT-PCR (dd RT-PCR) using RdRp, gene E and gene N as targets. None of the human and animal swab samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, while detection was achieved in 20 of the 77 sponge samples (26%) using dd RT-PCR. Traces of the RdRp gene, gene E and gene N were found in 17/77 samples (22%, average concentration 31.2 g.c./cm2, range 5.6 to 132 g.c./cm2), 8/77 samples (10%, average concentration 15.1 g.c./cm2, range 6 to 36 g.c./cm2), and in 1/77 (1%, concentration 7.2 g.c./cm2). Higher detection rates were associated with sampling in animal farms and on public transport buses (32% and 30%) compared to the supermarket (21%) and the hotel (no detection). The result of the study suggests that the risk of contamination of surfaces with SARS-CoV-2 increases in environments in which sanitation strategies are not suitable and/or in highly frequented locations, such as public transportation. Considering the analytical methods, the dd RT-PCR was the only approach achieving detection of SARS-CoV-2 traces in environmental samples. Thus, dd RT-PCR emerges as a reliable tool for sensitive SARS-CoV-2 detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Cardinale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Maria Tafuro
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Andrea Mancusi
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.); (Y.T.R.P.)
| | - Santa Girardi
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.); (Y.T.R.P.)
| | - Federico Capuano
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.); (Y.T.R.P.)
| | - Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.); (Y.T.R.P.)
| | - Federica Corrado
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Jacopo Luigi D’Auria
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Annachiara Coppola
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Rofrano
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Palmiero Volzone
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Pio Galdi
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Sabato De Vita
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Alfonso Gallo
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Biancamaria Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.C.); (M.T.); (F.C.); (J.L.D.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (P.V.); (P.G.); (S.D.V.); (A.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Maria Morgante
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale Avellino, 83100 Avellino, Italy;
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Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infections and exposure in surfaces, points and wastewaters: A global one health perspective. CASE STUDIES IN CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 5. [PMID: 37520285 PMCID: PMC8785403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 or its RNA on surfaces, points, or wastewaters may increase the risk of transmission of this virus. Therefore, we conducted this review to discuss the places and surfaces with the highest potential for infection and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several common and public areas, hospitals, elevators, public transport, local markets, and surfaces such as public toilets, door handles, untreated and treated wastewaters, wastewater plants, and public washrooms are also considered major points for spreading of SARS-CoV-2. Highly contaminated surfaces or places often have materials or contain items made of materials on which the SARS-CoV-2 virus can persist (e.g., metal, wood, and plastic). For example, SARS-CoV-2 can exist up to 4 days on doorknobs made by those materials. For public places such as public transports, elevators, and local markets, crowding and enclosed spaces are major source for transmission. Several measures such as using copper alloy surfaces instead of metal surfaces, disinfectants, and suitable personal protective equipment have been suggested. Our research could be the basis to help develop studies on the existence and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 as well as its RNA to take measures to prevent and limit the harmful effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dobrynin D, Polishchuk I, Portal L, Zlotver I, Sosnik A, Pokroy B. Adsorption of SARS CoV-2 spike proteins on various functionalized surfaces correlates with the high transmissibility of Delta and Omicron variants. Mater Today Bio 2022; 14:100265. [PMID: 35465145 PMCID: PMC9017064 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged at the end of 2019 and rapidly developed several mutated variants, specifically the Delta and Omicron, which demonstrate higher transmissibility and escalating infection cases worldwide. The dominant transmission pathway of this virus is via human-to-human contact and aerosols which once inhaled interact with the mucosal tissue, but another possible route is through contact with surfaces contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, often exhibiting long-term survival. Here we compare the adsorption capacities of the S1 and S2 subunits of the spike (S) protein from the original variant to that of the S1 subunit from the Delta and Omicron variants on self-assembled monolayers by Quartz Crystal Microbalance. The results clearly show a significant difference in adsorption capacity between the different variants, as well as between the S1 and S2 subunits. Overall, our study demonstrates that while the Omicron variant is able to adsorb much more successfully than the Delta, both variants show enhanced adsorption capacity than that of the original strain. We also examined the influence of pH conditions on the adsorption ability of the S1 subunit and found that adsorption was strongest at pH 7.4, which is the physiological pH. The main conclusion of this study is that there is a strong correlation between the adsorption capacity and the transmissibility of the various SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dobrynin
- Bio-Inspired Surface Engineering and Biomineralization Lab, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Iryna Polishchuk
- Bio-Inspired Surface Engineering and Biomineralization Lab, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lotan Portal
- Bio-Inspired Surface Engineering and Biomineralization Lab, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ivan Zlotver
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanomaterials Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alejandro Sosnik
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanomaterials Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Boaz Pokroy
- Bio-Inspired Surface Engineering and Biomineralization Lab, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 32000, Haifa, Israel
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28
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Mariam SH. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic: Are Africa's Prevalence and Mortality Rates Relatively Low? Adv Virol 2022; 2022:3387784. [PMID: 35256885 PMCID: PMC8898136 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3387784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), has been rapidly spreading since December 2019, and within a few months, it turned out to be a global pandemic. The disease affects primarily the lungs, but its pathogenesis spreads to other organs as well. However, its mortality rates vary, and in the majority of infected people, there are no serious consequences. Many factors including advanced age, preexisting health conditions, and genetic predispositions are believed to exacerbate outcomes of COVID-19. The virus contains several structural proteins including the spike (S) protein with subunits for binding, fusion, and internalization into host cells following interaction with host cell receptors and proteases (ACE2 and TMPRSS2, respectively) to cause the subsequent pathology. Although the pandemic has spread into all countries, most of Africa is thought of as having relatively less prevalence and mortality. Several hypotheses have been forwarded as reasons for this and include warmer weather conditions, vaccination with BCG (i.e., trained immunity), and previous malaria infection. From genetics or metabolic points of view, it has been proposed that most African populations could be protected to some degree because they lack some genetic susceptibility risk factors or have low-level expression of allelic variants, such as ACE2 and TMPRSS2 that are thought to be involved in increased infection risk or disease severity. The frequency of occurrence of α-1 antitrypsin (an inhibitor of a tissue-degrading protease, thereby protecting target host tissues including the lung) deficiency is also reported to be low in most African populations. More recently, infections in Africa appear to be on the rise. In general, there are few studies on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease in African contexts, and the overall costs and human life losses due to the pandemic in Africa will be determined by all factors and conditions interacting in complex ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon H. Mariam
- Infectious Diseases Program, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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29
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Myers R, Ruszkiewicz DM, Meister A, Atkar-Khattra S, Bartolomeu CL, Thomas CLP, Lam S. Breath collection protocol for SARs-CoV-2 testing in an ambulatory setting. J Breath Res 2022; 16. [DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/ac4e2c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Breath research during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic offers an opportunity for discovery of a rapid point-of-care screening test, but also introduces a hazard to researchers collecting, transporting and analyzing breath samples not only for COVID -19 research, but all human breath-related research during the ongoing pandemic. Safe workflows to protect study participants and staff collecting and analysing the samples must be determined. We developed a SARS-CoV-2 breath test protocol for collection and processing of breath samples in ambulatory care COVID-19 testing sites and prospectively evaluated the protocol. 528 breath samples from 393 participants at COVID-19 testing sites were safely collected, transported, stored, and analysed with zero transmission to staff. Our method development for the safe collection of samples included the examination of 2 different filters for added safety. We discovered the use of filters leads to increased sample contamination and/or reduction of endogenous features in breath samples. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for all breath collection while SARS-CoV-2 remains wide-spread through the general population. We have demonstrated that use of completely disposable breath collection devices and PPE, are sufficient for safe collection. Filters in the workflow add complexity to an already complex breath matrix and may compromise bio-safety.
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30
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Canpolat M, Bozkurt S, Şakalar Ç, Çoban AY, Karaçaylı D, Toker E. Rapid thermal inactivation of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2. J Virol Methods 2022; 301:114465. [PMID: 35033579 PMCID: PMC8757645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114465] [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] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the leading mechanisms of spread, especially in confined environments. The study aims to assess the thermal inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 at high temperatures in the time scale of seconds. An electric heater with a coiled resistance wire is located perpendicularly to the airflow direction inside an air tunnel. The airflow rate through the tunnel was 0.6 m3/h (10 L/ min). SARS-CoV-2 were suspended in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS), aerosolized by a nebulizer at a rate of 0.2 L/min and introduced to the airflow inside the heater with the use of a compressor and an aspirator. In the control experiment, with the heater off, SARS-CoV-2 passed through the system. In the virus inactivation test experiments, the heater’s outlet air temperature was set to 150 ± 5 °C and 220 ± 5 °C, and the air traveling through the tunnel was exposed to heat for 1.44 s. An inline gelatine filter harvested SARS-CoV-2 that passed through the system. The viral titer obtained from the gelatine filter in the control experiment was about 5.5 log10 TCID50. The virus's loss in viability in test experiments at 150 °C and 220 °C were 99.900 % and 99.999 %, respectively. The results indicate that high-temperature thermal inactivation substantially reduces the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in the air within seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Canpolat
- Biomedical Optics Research Unit, Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey.
| | - Serhat Bozkurt
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Çağrı Şakalar
- Antimikrop Ar-Ge ve Biyosidal Analiz Merkezi, Nasuh Akar Mah, Süleyman Hacıabdullahoğlu Cad. No: 37/1, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Yılmaz Çoban
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey; Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Deniz Karaçaylı
- Biomedical Optics Research Unit, Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Emre Toker
- College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Saguaro Hall 129, 110 E. South Campus Dr. Tucson Arizona, AZ 87571-0033, USA
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31
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Valsamatzi-Panagiotou A, Penchovsky R. Environmental factors influencing the transmission of the coronavirus 2019: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:1603-1610. [PMID: 35221835 PMCID: PMC8859930 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 pandemic, induced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has strongly altered healthcare systems and the economy worldwide. The lack of knowledge on this virus has led to the implementation of uncertain strategies and measures to fight the pandemic. Here, we review environmental factors that control viral transmission, such as air, temperature, humidity, food, water and sewage, insects, inanimate surfaces, hand hygiene, and social distancing. The main route of viral transmission is the respiratory tract through aerosols. Masks and social distancing are effective in ceasing air transmission. Proper cleaning of surfaces and hand disinfection are required, especially in healthcare units. Food should be handled properly, and food handlers should work based on hygienic protocols. Water and sewage transmission, and transmission through insects appear less important than other environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Valsamatzi-Panagiotou
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Robert Penchovsky
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
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32
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Kaczmarczyk LS, Marsay KS, Shevchenko S, Pilossof M, Levi N, Einat M, Oren M, Gerlitz G. Corona and polio viruses are sensitive to short pulses of W-band gyrotron radiation. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2021; 19:3967-3972. [PMID: 34456659 PMCID: PMC8385265 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01300-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has raised the need of versatile means for virus decontamination. Millimeter waves are used in biochemical research in dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance (DNP/NMR) spectroscopy. However, their efficiency in object decontamination for viruses has not been tested yet. Here we report the high efficiency of 95 GHz waves in killing both coronavirus 229E and poliovirus. An exposure of 2 s to 95 GHz waves reduced the titer of these viruses by 99.98% and 99.375%, respectively, and formed holes in the envelope of 229E virions as detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The ability of 95 GHz waves to reduce the coronavirus titer to a range of limited infective dose of SARS-CoV-2 for humans and animal models along with precise focusing capabilities for these waves suggest 95 GHz waves as an effective way to decontaminate objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz S. Kaczmarczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Kiryat Hamada, 40700 Ariel, Israel
- Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Katherine S. Marsay
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Kiryat Hamada, 40700 Ariel, Israel
| | - Sergey Shevchenko
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Faculty of Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Moritz Pilossof
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Faculty of Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Nehora Levi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Kiryat Hamada, 40700 Ariel, Israel
- Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Moshe Einat
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Faculty of Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Matan Oren
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Kiryat Hamada, 40700 Ariel, Israel
| | - Gabi Gerlitz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Kiryat Hamada, 40700 Ariel, Israel
- Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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33
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Jin T, Xu Y, Dai C, Zhou X, Xu Q, Wu Z. Cold atmospheric plasma: A non-negligible strategy for viral RNA inactivation to prevent SARS-CoV-2 environmental transmission. AIP ADVANCES 2021; 11:085019. [PMID: 34413992 PMCID: PMC8371919 DOI: 10.1063/5.0060530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), regarded as a powerful physics technology, displays antimicrobial, antitumor, and even antiviral properties, but the underlying mechanism is rarely studied. In this study, four CAP exposure doses (30, 60, 120, and 240 s) were applied to inactivate a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 like pseudovirus on a stainless steel disk, which comprised spike protein on its membrane and can express a green fluorescent protein. In order to unravel the potential effects of CAP irradiation on pseudovirus, infection assay, optical emission spectra analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and qPCR experiments were carried out. As a result, our study indicated that CAP irradiation can significantly decrease the infectivity of pseudovirus in a dose dependent manner through destroying the cell membrane and further damaging viral RNA, with the molecular weight and conformation of spike receptor binding domain protein unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jin
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Chenwei Dai
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, China
| | | | - Qinghua Xu
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Zhengwei Wu
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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