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Vincent R, Rapoport D, Balchandani P, Borrello J, Schotsaert M, Karlicek R, Laghlali G, Warang P, Park S, Singh G, Morgan I, Paredes J, Rathnasinghe R, Wolf J, Garcia-Sastre A. Portable UV-C Device to Treat High Flow of Infectious Aerosols Generated during Clinical Respiratory Care. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4648863. [PMID: 39108476 PMCID: PMC11302707 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4648863/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory interventions including noninvasive ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal oxygen generated infectious aerosols may increase risk of airborne disease (SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus) transmission to healthcare workers. We developed/tested a prototype portable UV-C254 device to sterilize high flows of viral-contaminated air from a simulated patient source at airflow rates of up to 100 l/m. Our device consisted of a central quartz tube surrounded 6 high-output UV-C254 lamps, within a larger cylinder allowing recirculation past the UV-C254 lamps a second time before exiting the device. Testing was with nebulized A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) influenza virus. RNA extraction and qRT-PCR showed virus transited through the prototype. Turning on varying numbers of lamps controlled the dose of UVC. Viability experiments at low, medium and high (100 l/min) flows of contaminated gas were conducted with 6, 4, 2 and 1 lamp activated (single-pass and recirculation were tested). Our data show 5-log reduction in particle forming units from a single lamp (single- pass and recirculated conditions) at high and low flows. UVC dose at 100 l/m was calculated at 11.6 mJ/cm2 single pass and 104 mJ/cm2 recirculated. The protype device shows high efficacy in killing nebulized influenza virus in a high flow of contaminated air.
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Krishna A, Tutt J, Grewal M, Bragdon S, Moreshead S. Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in a Rural Community Hospital during Omicron Predominance. Microorganisms 2024; 12:686. [PMID: 38674630 PMCID: PMC11051707 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040686] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has increased since the discovery of the Omicron variant. We describe a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the medicine-surgery unit of a rural community hospital at the time of high community transmission of Omicron variant in our county. The outbreak occurred in the medicine-surgery unit of an 89-bed rural community hospital in northern Maine. The characteristics of the patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) affected by the outbreak are described. Patient and HCW data collected as part of the outbreak investigation were used in this report. The outbreak control measures implemented are also described. A total of 24 people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 including 11 patients and 13 HCWs. A total of 12 of the 24 (50%) persons were symptomatic, and rhinorrhea was the most common symptom noted (8/12, 67%). None of the symptomatic persons had gastrointestinal symptoms or symptoms of a loss of sense of smell or taste. All HCWs were vaccinated and 8 of the 11 patients were vaccinated. Outbreak control measures in the affected unit included implementation of full PPE (N95 respirators, eye protection, gowns and gloves) during all patient care, serial testing of employees and patients in the affected unit, cohorting positive patients, closing visitation and thorough environmental cleaning including use of ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection. This outbreak exemplifies the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. The outbreak occurred despite a well-established infection control program. We noted that serial testing, use of N95 respirators during all patient care and UV disinfection were some of the measures that could be successful in outbreak control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Krishna
- Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, Presque Isle, ME 04769, USA; (J.T.); (M.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Julie Tutt
- Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, Presque Isle, ME 04769, USA; (J.T.); (M.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Mehr Grewal
- Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, Presque Isle, ME 04769, USA; (J.T.); (M.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Sheila Bragdon
- Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, Presque Isle, ME 04769, USA; (J.T.); (M.G.); (S.B.)
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Huang R, Ma C, Huangfu X, Ma J. Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Predicting UV Inactivation of Coronaviruses with Machine Learning. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13767-13777. [PMID: 37660353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The epidemic of coronaviruses has posed significant public health concerns in the last two decades. An effective disinfection scheme is critical to preventing ambient virus infections and controlling the spread of further outbreaks. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has been a widely used approach to inactivating pathogenic viruses. However, no viable framework or model can accurately predict the UV inactivation of coronaviruses in aqueous solutions or on environmental surfaces, where viruses are commonly found and spread in public places. By conducting a systematic literature review to collect data covering a wide range of UV wavelengths and various subtypes of coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we developed machine learning models for predicting the UV inactivation effects of coronaviruses in aqueous solutions and on environmental surfaces, for which the optimal test performance was obtained with R2 = 0.927, RMSE = 0.565 and R2 = 0.888, RMSE = 0.439, respectively. Besides, the required UV doses at different wavelengths to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 to 1 Log TCID50/mL titer from different initial titers were predicted for inactivation in protein-free water, saliva on the environmental surface, or the N95 respirator. Our models are instructive for eliminating the ongoing pandemic and controlling the spread of an emerging and unknown coronavirus outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Chengxue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xiaoliu Huangfu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
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Metolina P, de Oliveira LG, Ramos B, de Souza Angelo Y, Minoprio P, Teixeira ACSC. Evaluation of the effectiveness of UV-C dose for photoinactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in contaminated N95 respirator, surgical and cotton fabric masks. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:1915-1929. [PMID: 35864345 PMCID: PMC9303050 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As part of efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and decrease the high transmissibility of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, effective inactivation strategies, such as UV-C decontamination technologies, can be reliably disseminated and well-studied. The present study investigated the susceptibility of a high viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) N95, surgical mask, cotton fabric mask and N95 straps under three different doses of UV-C, applying both real-time PCR (qPCR) and plaque formation assays to quantify viral load reduction and virus infectivity, respectively. The results show that more than 95% of the amount of SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be reduced after 10 min of UV-C exposure (0.93 J cm-2 per side) in FFR N95 and surgical masks and, after 5 min of UV-C treatment (0.46 J cm-2 per side) in fabric masks. Furthermore, the analysis of viable coronaviruses after these different UV-C treatments demonstrated that the lowest applied dose is sufficient to decontaminate all masks ([Formula: see text] 3-log10 reduction of the infective viral load, > 99.9% reduction). However, for the elastic strap of N95 respirators, a UV-C dose three times greater than that used in masks (1.4 J cm-2 per side) is required. The findings suggest that the complete decontamination of masks can be performed effectively and safely in well-planned protocols for pandemic crises or as strategies to reduce the high consumption and safe disposal of these materials in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Metolina
- Research Group in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AdOx), Chemical Systems Engineering Center-Department of Chemical Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Bruno Ramos
- Research Group in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AdOx), Chemical Systems Engineering Center-Department of Chemical Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yan de Souza Angelo
- Scientific Platform Pasteur USP (SPPU), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paola Minoprio
- Scientific Platform Pasteur USP (SPPU), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Silva Costa Teixeira
- Research Group in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AdOx), Chemical Systems Engineering Center-Department of Chemical Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Harfoot R, Yung DBY, Anderson WA, Wild CEK, Coetzee N, Hernández LC, Lawley B, Pletzer D, Derraik JGB, Anderson YC, Quiñones-Mateu ME. Ultraviolet-C Irradiation, Heat, and Storage as Potential Methods of Inactivating SARS-CoV-2 and Bacterial Pathogens on Filtering Facepiece Respirators. Pathogens 2022; 11:83. [PMID: 35056031 PMCID: PMC8780977 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of SARS-CoV-2 to Aotearoa/New Zealand in February 2020 triggered a massive response at multiple levels. Procurement and sustainability of medical supplies to hospitals and clinics during the then upcoming COVID-19 pandemic was one of the top priorities. Continuing access to new personal protective equipment (PPE) was not guaranteed; thus, disinfecting and reusing PPE was considered as a potential alternative. Here, we describe part of a local program intended to test and implement a system to disinfect PPE for potential reuse in New Zealand. We used filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) coupons inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 or clinically relevant multidrug-resistant pathogens (Acinetobacter baumannii Ab5075, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 LAC and cystic-fibrosis isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa LESB58), to evaluate the potential use of ultraviolet-C germicidal irradiation (UV-C) or dry heat treatment to disinfect PPE. An applied UV-C dose of 1000 mJ/cm2 was sufficient to completely inactivate high doses of SARS-CoV-2; however, irregularities in the FFR coupons hindered the efficacy of UV-C to fully inactivate the virus, even at higher UV-C doses (2000 mJ/cm2). Conversely, incubating contaminated FFR coupons at 65 °C for 30 min or 70 °C for 15 min, was sufficient to block SARS-CoV-2 replication, even in the presence of mucin or a soil load (mimicking salivary or respiratory secretions, respectively). Dry heat (90 min at 75 °C to 80 °C) effectively killed 106 planktonic bacteria; however, even extending the incubation time up to two hours at 80 °C did not completely kill bacteria when grown in colony biofilms. Importantly, we also showed that FFR material can harbor replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 for up to 35 days at room temperature in the presence of a soil load. We are currently using these findings to optimize and establish a robust process for decontaminating, reusing, and reducing wastage of PPE in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhodri Harfoot
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - Deborah B. Y. Yung
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - William A. Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Cervantée E. K. Wild
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (C.E.K.W.); (N.C.); (J.G.B.D.)
| | - Nicolene Coetzee
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (C.E.K.W.); (N.C.); (J.G.B.D.)
| | - Leonor C. Hernández
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - Blair Lawley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - José G. B. Derraik
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (C.E.K.W.); (N.C.); (J.G.B.D.)
| | - Yvonne C. Anderson
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (C.E.K.W.); (N.C.); (J.G.B.D.)
| | - Miguel E. Quiñones-Mateu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
- Webster Centre for Infectious Diseases, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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Viana Martins CP, Xavier CSF, Cobrado L. Disinfection methods against SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review. J Hosp Infect 2021; 119:84-117. [PMID: 34673114 PMCID: PMC8522489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019, has caused millions of deaths worldwide. The virus is transmitted by inhalation of infectious particles suspended in the air, direct deposition on mucous membranes and indirect contact via contaminated surfaces. Disinfection methods that can halt such transmission are important in this pandemic and in future viral infections. Aim To highlight the efficacy of several disinfection methods against SARS-CoV-2 based on up-to-date evidence found in the literature. Methods Two databases were searched to identify studies that assessed disinfection methods used against SARS-CoV-2. In total, 1229 studies were identified and 60 of these were included in this review. Quality assessment was evaluated by the Office of Health Assessment and Translation's risk-of-bias tool. Findings Twenty-eight studies investigated disinfection methods on environmental surfaces, 16 studies investigated disinfection methods on biological surfaces, four studies investigated disinfection methods for airborne coronavirus, and 16 studies investigated methods used to recondition personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusions Several household and hospital disinfection agents and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation were effective for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces. Formulations containing povidone-iodine can provide virucidal action on the skin and mucous membranes. In the case of hand hygiene, typical soap bars and alcohols can inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Air filtration systems incorporated with materials that possess catalytic properties, UV-C devices and heating systems can reduce airborne viral particles effectively. The decontamination of PPE can be conducted safely by heat and ozone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C S F Xavier
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - L Cobrado
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS, Centre for Health Technology and Science Research, Porto, Portugal; Burn Unit and Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Centre of São João, Porto, Portugal
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Tsai SC, Lu CC, Bau DT, Chiu YJ, Yen YT, Hsu YM, Fu CW, Kuo SC, Lo YS, Chiu HY, Juan YN, Tsai FJ, Yang JS. Approaches towards fighting the COVID‑19 pandemic (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:3-22. [PMID: 33236131 PMCID: PMC7723515 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) outbreak, which has caused >46 millions confirmed infections and >1.2 million coronavirus related deaths, is one of the most devastating worldwide crises in recent years. Infection with COVID‑19 results in a fever, dry cough, general fatigue, respiratory symptoms, diarrhoea and a sore throat, similar to those of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The causative agent of COVID‑19, SARS‑CoV‑2, is a novel coronavirus strain. To date, remdesivir has been granted emergency use authorization for use in the management of infection. Additionally, several efficient diagnostic tools are being actively developed, and novel drugs and vaccines are being evaluated for their efficacy as therapeutic agents against COVID‑19, or in the prevention of infection. The present review highlights the prevalent clinical manifestations of COVID‑19, characterizes the SARS‑CoV‑2 viral genome sequence and life cycle, highlights the optimal methods for preventing viral transmission, and discusses possible molecular pharmacological mechanisms and approaches in the development of anti‑SARS‑CoV‑2 therapeutic agents. In addition, the use of traditional Chinese medicines for management of COVID‑19 is discussed. It is expected that novel anti‑viral agents, vaccines or an effective combination therapy for treatment/management of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and spread therapy will be developed and implemented in 2021, and we would like to extend our best regards to the frontline health workers across the world in their fight against COVID‑19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Sport Performance, National Taiwan University of Sport
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354
| | - Yu-Jen Chiu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veteran General Hospital
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11217
| | - Yu-Ting Yen
- Drug Development Center, Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University
| | - Chih-Wei Fu
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 310401
| | - Sheng-Chu Kuo
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402
| | - Yu-Shiang Lo
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 97002
- Master and PhD Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004
- General Education Center, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97005
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University
- China Medical University Children's Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447
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