1
|
Parag KV, Thompson RN. Host behaviour driven by awareness of infection risk amplifies the chance of superspreading events. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20240325. [PMID: 39046766 PMCID: PMC11268441 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate that heterogeneity in the perceived risks associated with infection within host populations amplifies chances of superspreading during the crucial early stages of epidemics. Under this behavioural model, individuals less concerned about dangers from infection are more likely to be infected and attend larger sized (riskier) events, where we assume event sizes remain unchanged. For directly transmitted diseases such as COVID-19, this leads to infections being introduced at rates above the population prevalence to those events most conducive to superspreading. We develop an interpretable, computational framework for evaluating within-event risks and derive a small-scale reproduction number measuring how the infections generated at an event depend on transmission heterogeneities and numbers of introductions. This generalizes previous frameworks and quantifies how event-scale patterns and population-level characteristics relate. As event duration and size grow, our reproduction number converges to the basic reproduction number. We illustrate that even moderate levels of heterogeneity in the perceived risks of infection substantially increase the likelihood of disproportionately large clusters of infections occurring at larger events, despite fixed overall disease prevalence. We show why collecting data linking host behaviour and event attendance is essential for accurately assessing the risks posed by invading pathogens in emerging stages of outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris V. Parag
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mizukoshi A, Okumura J, Azuma K. A COVID-19 cluster analysis in an office: Assessing the long-range aerosol and fomite transmissions with infection control measures. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2024; 44:1396-1412. [PMID: 37936539 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Simulated exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the environment was demonstrated based on the actual coronavirus disease 2019 cluster occurrence in an office, with a projected risk considering the likely transmission pathways via aerosols and fomites. A total of 35/85 occupants were infected, with the attack rate in the first stage as 0.30. It was inferred that the aerosol transmission at long-range produced the cluster at virus concentration in the saliva of the infected cases on the basis of the simulation, more than 108 PFU mL-1. Additionally, all wearing masks effectiveness was estimated to be 61%-81% and 88%-95% reduction in risk for long-range aerosol transmission in the normal and fit state of the masks, respectively, and a 99.8% or above decline in risk of fomite transmission. The ventilation effectiveness for long-range aerosol transmission was also calculated to be 12%-29% and 36%-66% reductions with increases from one air change per hour (ACH) to two ACH and six ACH, respectively. Furthermore, the virus concentration reduction in the saliva to 1/3 corresponded to the risk reduction for long-range aerosol transmission by 60%-64% and 40%-51% with and without masks, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Mizukoshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiro Okumura
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenichi Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roe T, Silveira S, Luo Z, Osborne EL, Senthil Murugan G, Grocott MPW, Postle AD, Dushianthan A. Particles in Exhaled Air (PExA): Clinical Uses and Future Implications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:972. [PMID: 38786270 PMCID: PMC11119244 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14100972] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Access to distal airway samples to assess respiratory diseases is not straightforward and requires invasive procedures such as bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage. The particles in exhaled air (PExA) device provides a non-invasive means of assessing small airways; it captures distal airway particles (PEx) sized around 0.5-7 μm and contains particles of respiratory tract lining fluid (RTLF) that originate during airway closure and opening. The PExA device can count particles and measure particle mass according to their size. The PEx particles can be analysed for metabolites on various analytical platforms to quantitatively measure targeted and untargeted lung specific markers of inflammation. As such, the measurement of distal airway components may help to evaluate acute and chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and more recently, acute viral infections such as COVID-19. PExA may provide an alternative to traditional methods of airway sampling, such as induced sputum, tracheal aspirate, or bronchoalveolar lavage. The measurement of specific biomarkers of airway inflammation obtained directly from the RTLF by PExA enables a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of pathophysiological changes at the molecular level in patients with acute and chronic lung diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Roe
- General Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Siona Silveira
- Perioperative and Critical Care Theme, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Zixing Luo
- Perioperative and Critical Care Theme, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Eleanor L Osborne
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | | | - Michael P W Grocott
- General Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Perioperative and Critical Care Theme, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anthony D Postle
- Perioperative and Critical Care Theme, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ahilanandan Dushianthan
- General Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Perioperative and Critical Care Theme, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Usmani M, Brumfield KD, Magers B, Zhou A, Oh C, Mao Y, Brown W, Schmidt A, Wu CY, Shisler JL, Nguyen TH, Huq A, Colwell R, Jutla A. Building Environmental and Sociological Predictive Intelligence to Understand the Seasonal Threat of SARS-CoV-2 in Human Populations. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:518-528. [PMID: 38320317 PMCID: PMC10919182 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Current modeling practices for environmental and sociological modulated infectious diseases remain inadequate to forecast the risk of outbreak(s) in human populations, partly due to a lack of integration of disciplinary knowledge, limited availability of disease surveillance datasets, and overreliance on compartmental epidemiological modeling methods. Harvesting data knowledge from virus transmission (aerosols) and detection (wastewater) of SARS-CoV-2, a heuristic score-based environmental predictive intelligence system was developed that calculates the risk of COVID-19 in the human population. Seasonal validation of the algorithm was uniquely associated with wastewater surveillance of the virus, providing a lead time of 7-14 days before a county-level outbreak. Using county-scale disease prevalence data from the United States, the algorithm could predict COVID-19 risk with an overall accuracy ranging between 81% and 98%. Similarly, using wastewater surveillance data from Illinois and Maryland, the SARS-CoV-2 detection rate was greater than 80% for 75% of the locations during the same time the risk was predicted to be high. Results suggest the importance of a holistic approach across disciplinary boundaries that can potentially allow anticipatory decision-making policies of saving lives and maximizing the use of available capacity and resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moiz Usmani
- GeoHealth and Hydrology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kyle D. Brumfield
- Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
- University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Bailey Magers
- GeoHealth and Hydrology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Aijia Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Chamteut Oh
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Yuqing Mao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - William Brown
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Arthur Schmidt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Florida
| | - Joanna L. Shisler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Thanh H. Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Anwar Huq
- Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
- University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Rita Colwell
- Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
- University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Antarpreet Jutla
- GeoHealth and Hydrology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Atamer Balkan B, Chang Y, Sparnaaij M, Wouda B, Boschma D, Liu Y, Yuan Y, Daamen W, de Jong MCM, Teberg C, Schachtschneider K, Sikkema RS, van Veen L, Duives D, ten Bosch QA. The multi-dimensional challenges of controlling respiratory virus transmission in indoor spaces: Insights from the linkage of a microscopic pedestrian simulation and SARS-CoV-2 transmission model. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011956. [PMID: 38547311 PMCID: PMC11003685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 transmission in indoor spaces, where most infection events occur, depends on the types and duration of human interactions, among others. Understanding how these human behaviours interface with virus characteristics to drive pathogen transmission and dictate the outcomes of non-pharmaceutical interventions is important for the informed and safe use of indoor spaces. To better understand these complex interactions, we developed the Pedestrian Dynamics-Virus Spread model (PeDViS), an individual-based model that combines pedestrian behaviour models with virus spread models incorporating direct and indirect transmission routes. We explored the relationships between virus exposure and the duration, distance, respiratory behaviour, and environment in which interactions between infected and uninfected individuals took place and compared this to benchmark 'at risk' interactions (1.5 metres for 15 minutes). When considering aerosol transmission, individuals adhering to distancing measures may be at risk due to the buildup of airborne virus in the environment when infected individuals spend prolonged time indoors. In our restaurant case, guests seated at tables near infected individuals were at limited risk of infection but could, particularly in poorly ventilated places, experience risks that surpass that of benchmark interactions. Combining interventions that target different transmission routes can aid in accumulating impact, for instance by combining ventilation with face masks. The impact of such combined interventions depends on the relative importance of transmission routes, which is hard to disentangle and highly context dependent. This uncertainty should be considered when assessing transmission risks upon different types of human interactions in indoor spaces. We illustrated the multi-dimensionality of indoor SARS-CoV-2 transmission that emerges from the interplay of human behaviour and the spread of respiratory viruses. A modelling strategy that incorporates this in risk assessments can help inform policy makers and citizens on the safe use of indoor spaces with varying inter-human interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Büsra Atamer Balkan
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - You Chang
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Sparnaaij
- Department of Transport & Planning, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Wouda
- Gamelab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Doris Boschma
- Gamelab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Yangfan Liu
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yufei Yuan
- Department of Transport & Planning, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Winnie Daamen
- Department of Transport & Planning, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Mart C. M. de Jong
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Colin Teberg
- Steady State Scientific Computing, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | | | | | - Linda van Veen
- Gamelab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Dorine Duives
- Department of Transport & Planning, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Quirine A. ten Bosch
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Port JR, Morris DH, Riopelle JC, Yinda CK, Avanzato VA, Holbrook MG, Bushmaker T, Schulz JE, Saturday TA, Barbian K, Russell CA, Perry-Gottschalk R, Shaia C, Martens C, Lloyd-Smith JO, Fischer RJ, Munster VJ. Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster. eLife 2024; 12:RP87094. [PMID: 38416804 PMCID: PMC10942639 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 hr), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10 µm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transmission efficiency varied mostly among donors, 0-100% (including a superspreading event), and aerosol transmission over multiple chain links was representative of natural heterogeneity of exposure dose and downstream viral kinetics. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe (24-48 hr). This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Port
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Dylan H Morris
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Jade C Riopelle
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Claude Kwe Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Victoria A Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Myndi G Holbrook
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Trenton Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Jonathan E Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Taylor A Saturday
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Kent Barbian
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Colin A Russell
- Department of Medical Microbiology | Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Rose Perry-Gottschalk
- Rocky Mountain Visual and Medical Arts Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Craig Martens
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - James O Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Robert J Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Vincent J Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tastassa AC, Sharaby Y, Lang-Yona N. Aeromicrobiology: A global review of the cycling and relationships of bioaerosols with the atmosphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168478. [PMID: 37967625 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microorganisms and biological matter (bioaerosols) play a key role in global biogeochemical cycling, human and crop health trends, and climate patterns. Their presence in the atmosphere is controlled by three main stages: emission, transport, and deposition. Aerial survival rates of bioaerosols are increased through adaptations such as ultra-violet radiation and desiccation resistance or association with particulate matter. Current research into modern concerns such as climate change, global gene transfer, and pathogenicity often neglects to consider atmospheric involvement. This comprehensive review outlines the transpiring of bioaerosols across taxa in the atmosphere, with significant focus on their interactions with environmental elements including abiotic factors (e.g., atmospheric composition, water cycle, and pollution) and events (e.g., dust storms, hurricanes, and wildfires). The aim of this review is to increase understanding and shed light on needed research regarding the interplay between global atmospheric phenomena and the aeromicrobiome. The abundantly documented bacteria and fungi are discussed in context of their cycling and human health impacts. Gaps in knowledge regarding airborne viral community, the challenges and importance of studying their composition, concentrations and survival in the air are addressed, along with understudied plant pathogenic oomycetes, and archaea cycling. Key methodologies in sampling, collection, and processing are described to provide an up-to-date picture of ameliorations in the field. We propose optimization to microbiological methods, commonly used in soil and water analysis, that adjust them to the context of aerobiology, along with other directions towards novel and necessary advancements. This review offers new perspectives into aeromicrobiology and calls for advancements in global-scale bioremediation, insights into ecology, climate change impacts, and pathogenicity transmittance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariel C Tastassa
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel
| | - Yehonatan Sharaby
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel
| | - Naama Lang-Yona
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang Y, Shankar SN, Vass WB, Lednicky JA, Fan ZH, Agdas D, Makuch R, Wu CY. Air Change Rate and SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Hospitals and Residences: A Meta-Analysis. AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2024; 58:217-243. [PMID: 38764553 PMCID: PMC11101186 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2024.2312178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
As SARS-CoV-2 swept across the globe, increased ventilation and implementation of air cleaning were emphasized by the US CDC and WHO as important strategies to reduce the risk of inhalation exposure to the virus. To assess whether higher ventilation and air cleaning rates lead to lower exposure risk to SARS-CoV-2, 1274 manuscripts published between April 2020 and September 2022 were screened using key words "airborne SARS-CoV-2 or "SARS-CoV-2 aerosol". Ninety-three studies involved air sampling at locations with known sources (hospitals and residences) were selected and associated data were compiled. Two metrics were used to assess exposure risk: SARS-CoV-2 concentration and SARS-CoV-2 detection rate in air samples. Locations were categorized by type (hospital or residence) and proximity to the sampling location housing the isolated/quarantined patient (primary or secondary). The results showed that hospital wards had lower airborne virus concentrations than residential isolation rooms. A negative correlation was found between airborne virus concentrations in primary-occupancy areas and air changes per hour (ACH). In hospital settings, sample positivity rates were significantly reduced in secondary-occupancy areas compared to primary-occupancy areas, but they were similar across sampling locations in residential settings. ACH and sample positivity rates were negatively correlated, though the effect was diminished when ACH values exceeded 8. While limitations associated with diverse sampling protocols exist, data considered by this meta-analysis support the notion that higher ACH may reduce exposure risks to the virus in ambient air.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuetong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columnia, Canada
| | - Sripriya Nannu Shankar
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - William B. Vass
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - John A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Z. Hugh Fan
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Duzgun Agdas
- Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Robert Makuch
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Andrup L, Krogfelt KA, Stephansen L, Hansen KS, Graversen BK, Wolkoff P, Madsen AM. Reduction of acute respiratory infections in day-care by non-pharmaceutical interventions: a narrative review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1332078. [PMID: 38420031 PMCID: PMC10899481 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1332078] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Children who start in day-care have 2-4 times as many respiratory infections compared to children who are cared for at home, and day-care staff are among the employees with the highest absenteeism. The extensive new knowledge that has been generated in the COVID-19 era should be used in the prevention measures we prioritize. The purpose of this narrative review is to answer the questions: Which respiratory viruses are the most significant in day-care centers and similar indoor environments? What do we know about the transmission route of these viruses? What evidence is there for the effectiveness of different non-pharmaceutical prevention measures? Design Literature searches with different terms related to respiratory infections in humans, mitigation strategies, viral transmission mechanisms, and with special focus on day-care, kindergarten or child nurseries, were conducted in PubMed database and Web of Science. Searches with each of the main viruses in combination with transmission, infectivity, and infectious spread were conducted separately supplemented through the references of articles that were retrieved. Results Five viruses were found to be responsible for ≈95% of respiratory infections: rhinovirus, (RV), influenza virus (IV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus (CoV), and adenovirus (AdV). Novel research, emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that most respiratory viruses are primarily transmitted in an airborne manner carried by aerosols (microdroplets). Conclusion Since airborne transmission is dominant for the most common respiratory viruses, the most important preventive measures consist of better indoor air quality that reduces viral concentrations and viability by appropriate ventilation strategies. Furthermore, control of the relative humidity and temperature, which ensures optimal respiratory functionality and, together with low resident density (or mask use) and increased time outdoors, can reduce the occurrence of respiratory infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Andrup
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen A Krogfelt
- Department of Science and Environment, Molecular and Medical Biology, PandemiX Center, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lene Stephansen
- Gladsaxe Municipality, Social and Health Department, Gladsaxe, Denmark
| | | | | | - Peder Wolkoff
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Qiu G, Zhang X, deMello AJ, Yao M, Cao J, Wang J. On-site airborne pathogen detection for infection risk mitigation. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:8531-8579. [PMID: 37882143 PMCID: PMC10712221 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00417a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Human-infecting pathogens that transmit through the air pose a significant threat to public health. As a prominent instance, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that caused the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in an unprecedented manner over the past few years. Despite the dissipating pandemic gloom, the lessons we have learned in dealing with pathogen-laden aerosols should be thoroughly reviewed because the airborne transmission risk may have been grossly underestimated. From a bioanalytical chemistry perspective, on-site airborne pathogen detection can be an effective non-pharmaceutic intervention (NPI) strategy, with on-site airborne pathogen detection and early-stage infection risk evaluation reducing the spread of disease and enabling life-saving decisions to be made. In light of this, we summarize the recent advances in highly efficient pathogen-laden aerosol sampling approaches, bioanalytical sensing technologies, and the prospects for airborne pathogen exposure measurement and evidence-based transmission interventions. We also discuss open challenges facing general bioaerosols detection, such as handling complex aerosol samples, improving sensitivity for airborne pathogen quantification, and establishing a risk assessment system with high spatiotemporal resolution for mitigating airborne transmission risks. This review provides a multidisciplinary outlook for future opportunities to improve the on-site airborne pathogen detection techniques, thereby enhancing the preparedness for more on-site bioaerosols measurement scenarios, such as monitoring high-risk pathogens on airplanes, weaponized pathogen aerosols, influenza variants at the workplace, and pollutant correlated with sick building syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Qiu
- Institute of Medical Robotics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Xiaole Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Andrew J deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg1, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Maosheng Yao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, China
| | - Junji Cao
- Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nielsen BF, Sneppen K, Simonsen L. The counterintuitive implications of superspreading diseases. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6954. [PMID: 37907452 PMCID: PMC10618522 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The superspreading that characterized SARS and now COVID-19 can be rapidly quantified; however, its implications for outbreak control were never well understood. Recent studies point to its profound impact on outbreak dynamics and prospects for effective control of a future Disease X. These insights necessitate research into the mechanisms, impact and different modes of superspreading more widely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Frost Nielsen
- PandemiX Center of Excellence, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark.
- High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Kim Sneppen
- The Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Simonsen
- PandemiX Center of Excellence, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Port JR, Morris DH, Riopelle JC, Yinda CK, Avanzato VA, Holbrook MG, Bushmaker T, Schulz JE, Saturday TA, Barbian K, Russell CA, Perry-Gottschalk R, Shaia CI, Martens C, Lloyd-Smith JO, Fischer RJ, Munster VJ. Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2022.08.15.504010. [PMID: 36032963 PMCID: PMC9413705 DOI: 10.1101/2022.08.15.504010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 h), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10μm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transmission efficiency varied mostly among donors, 0-100% (including a superspreading event), and aerosol transmission over multiple chain links was representative of natural heterogeneity of exposure dose and downstream viral kinetics. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe (24-48 h). This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia R. Port
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Dylan H. Morris
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jade C. Riopelle
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Claude Kwe Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Victoria A. Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Myndi G. Holbrook
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Trenton Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Taylor A. Saturday
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Kent Barbian
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Colin A. Russell
- Department of Medical Microbiology | Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
| | - Rose Perry-Gottschalk
- Rocky Mountain Visual and Medical Arts Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Carl I. Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Craig Martens
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - James O. Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert J. Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Vincent J. Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Poydenot F, Lebreton A, Haiech J, Andreotti B. At the crossroads of epidemiology and biology: Bridging the gap between SARS-CoV-2 viral strain properties and epidemic wave characteristics. Biochimie 2023; 213:54-65. [PMID: 36931337 PMCID: PMC10017177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.03.006] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to numerous articles from different scientific fields (epidemiology, virology, immunology, airflow physics …) without any effort to link these different insights. In this review, we aim to establish relationships between epidemiological data and the characteristics of the virus strain responsible for the epidemic wave concerned. We have carried out this study on the Wuhan, Alpha, Delta and Omicron strains allowing us to illustrate the evolution of the relationships we have highlighted according to these different viral strains. We addressed the following questions. 1) How can the mean infectious dose (one quantum, by definition in epidemiology) be measured and expressed as an amount of viral RNA molecules (in genome units, GU) or as a number of replicative viral particles (in plaque-forming units, PFU)? 2) How many infectious quanta are exhaled by an infected person per unit of time? 3) How many infectious quanta are exhaled, on average, integrated over the whole contagious period? 4) How do these quantities relate to the epidemic reproduction rate R as measured in epidemiology, and to the viral load, as measured by molecular biological methods? 5) How has the infectious dose evolved with the different strains of SARS-CoV-2? We make use of state-of-the-art modelling, reviewed and explained in the appendix of the article (Supplemental Information, SI), to answer these questions using data from the literature in both epidemiology and virology. We have considered the modification of these relationships according to the vaccination status of the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Poydenot
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (LPENS), CNRS UMR 8023, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, and Université de Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Alice Lebreton
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005, Paris, France; INRAE, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jacques Haiech
- CNRS UMR7242 BSC ESBS, 300 Bd Sébastien Brant, CS 10413, 67412, Illkirch cedex, France.
| | - Bruno Andreotti
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (LPENS), CNRS UMR 8023, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, and Université de Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kanté DSI, Jebrane A, Hakim A, Boukamel A. Characterization of superspreaders movement in a bidirectional corridor using a social force model. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1188732. [PMID: 37575110 PMCID: PMC10416642 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1188732] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During infectious disease outbreaks, some infected individuals may spread the disease widely and amplify risks in the community. People whose daily activities bring them in close proximity to many others can unknowingly become superspreaders. The use of contact tracking based on social networks, GPS, or mobile tracking data can help to identify superspreaders and break the chain of transmission. We propose a model that aims at providing insight into risk factors of superspreading events. Here, we use a social force model to estimate the superspreading potential of individuals walking in a bidirectional corridor. First, we applied the model to identify parameters that favor exposure to an infectious person in scattered crowds. We find that low walking speed and high body mass both increase the expected number of close exposures. Panic events exacerbate the risks while social distancing reduces both the number and duration of close encounters. Further, in dense crowds, pedestrians interact more and cannot easily maintain the social distance between them. The number of exposures increases with the density of person in the corridor. The study of movements reveals that individuals walking toward the center of the corridor tend to rotate and zigzag more than those walking along the edges, and thus have higher risks of superspreading. The corridor model can be applied to designing risk reduction measures for specific high volume venues, including transit stations, stadiums, and schools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dramane Sam Idris Kanté
- LAMAI, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
- Centrale Casablanca, Complex Systems and Interactions Research Center, Ville Verte, Bouskoura, Morocco
| | - Aissam Jebrane
- Centrale Casablanca, Complex Systems and Interactions Research Center, Ville Verte, Bouskoura, Morocco
| | - Abdelilah Hakim
- LAMAI, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Adnane Boukamel
- Centrale Casablanca, Complex Systems and Interactions Research Center, Ville Verte, Bouskoura, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shinde M, Lavania M, Rawal J, Chavan N, Shinde P. Evaluation of droplet digital qRT-PCR (dd qRT-PCR) for quantification of SARS CoV-2 RNA in stool and urine specimens of COVID-19 patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1148688. [PMID: 37469662 PMCID: PMC10352106 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1148688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There have been a few reports of viral load detection in stool and urine samples of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the transmission of the virus through faecal oral route. For clinical diagnosis and treatment, the widely used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method has some limitations. Methods The aim of our study to assess the presence and concentration of SARS CoV-2 RNA in stool and urine samples from COVID-19 patients with mild, moderate, and severe disease, we compared a traditional qRT-PCR approach with a ddPCR. ddPCR and qRT-PCR-based target gene analysis were performed on 107 COVID-19-confirmed patients paired samples (N1 and N2). The MagMax magnetic beads base method was used to isolate RNA. Real-time qRT-PCR and dd PCR were performed on all patients. Results and Discussion The average cycle threshold (Ct) of qRT-PCR was highly correlated with the average copy number of 327.10 copies/l analyzed in ddPCR. In ddPCR, urine samples showed 27.1% positivity while for stool it was 100%. Conclusion This study's findings not only show that SARS CoV-2 is present in urine and faeces, but also suggest that low concentrations of the viral target ddPCR make it easier to identify positive samples and help resolve for cases of inconclusive diagnosis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Pal D, Amyot M, Liang C, Ariya PA. Real-time 4D tracking of airborne virus-laden droplets and aerosols. COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING 2023; 2:41. [PMCID: PMC10955884 DOI: 10.1038/s44172-023-00088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
There is currently no real-time airborne virus tracking method, hindering the understanding of rapid virus changes and associated health impacts. Nano-digital in-line holographic microscopy (Nano-DIHM) is a lensless technology that can directly obtain the interference patterns of objects by recording the scattered light information originating from the objects. Here, we provide evidence for real-time physicochemical tracking of virus-laden droplets and aerosols in the air using desktop label-free Nano-DIHM. The virus interference patterns, as single and ensemble particles, were imaged by the Nano-DIHM with 32.5 ms resolution. The next-generation Stingray and Octopus software was used to automate object detection, characterization and classification from the recorded holograms. The detection system was demonstrated to detect active MS2 bacteriophages, inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and RNA fragments, and an MS2 mixture with metallic and organic compounds. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using Nano-DIHM to provide rapid virus detection to improve transmission management in real time. Devendra Pal and coworkers report an imaging system using Nano-Digital in-line Holographic Microscopy (NanoDIHM) to detect airborne viruses in droplets and aerosols in real time. This system is able to detect various viruses in air, water and heterogeneous matrices within one minute, enabling real-time tracking of pollutant particles for efficient epidemic management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devendra Pal
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0B9 Canada
| | - Marc Amyot
- Department of Biological Sciences, Univerité de Montréal, Complexe des Sciences, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3 Canada
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University and Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Sainte Catherine Rd., Montreal, QC G3T 1 E2 Canada
| | - Parisa A. Ariya
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0B9 Canada
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC H3A 2K6 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang X, Zha Ng J, Sima Y, Zhao J, Wang X, Zhang L. A Multicenter Time Series Study on Pollen Exposure and COVID-19 Infection in Five Cities in China. Allergy 2023. [PMID: 37185872 DOI: 10.1111/all.15752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhe Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Nasal Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Jing Zha Ng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Nasal Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Yutong Sima
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Nasal Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Jinming Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Nasal Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Nasal Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Luo Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Nasal Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gonzalez AA, Olsen EL, Killeen SZ, Blair RV, Seshan SV, Jaimes EA, Roy CJ, Prieto MC. Elevated soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is associated with renal dysfunction in a Chlorocebus atheiops COVID-19 model. J Med Primatol 2023; 52:131-134. [PMID: 36377612 PMCID: PMC10023264 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Increases of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) were measured in both urine and plasma of a Chlorocebus aethiops (African green monkey; AGM) mucosal infected with SARS-CoV-2. The data indicate that elevated suPAR may be associated with renal dysfunction and pathology in the context of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily L. Olsen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | | | | | - Surya V. Seshan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Edgar A. Jaimes
- Renal Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chad J Roy
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Minolfa C. Prieto
- Department of Physiology and Tulane Renal Hypertension Center of Excellence, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sanmark E, Oksanen LAH, Rantanen N, Lahelma M, Anttila VJ, Lehtonen L, Hyvärinen A, Geneid A. Aerosol generation during coughing: an observational study. J Laryngol Otol 2023; 137:442-447. [PMID: 35543098 PMCID: PMC10040286 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215122001165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coronavirus disease 2019 has highlighted the lack of knowledge on aerosol exposure during respiratory activity and aerosol-generating procedures. This study sought to determine the aerosol concentrations generated by coughing to better understand, and to set a standard for studying, aerosols generated in medical procedures. METHODS Aerosol exposure during coughing was measured in 37 healthy volunteers in the operating theatre with an optical particle sizer, from 40 cm, 70 cm and 100 cm distances. RESULTS Altogether, 306 volitional and 15 involuntary coughs were measured. No differences between groups were observed. CONCLUSION Many medical procedures are expected to generate aerosols; it is unclear whether they are higher risk than normal respiratory activity. The measured aerosol exposure can be used to determine the risk for significant aerosol generation during medical procedures. Considerable variation of aerosol generation during cough was observed between individuals, but whether cough was volitional or involuntary made no difference to aerosol production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Sanmark
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L A H Oksanen
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - N Rantanen
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Lahelma
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculties of Science, Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V-J Anttila
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUS Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Lehtonen
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Hyvärinen
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Geneid
- Facultie of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hirdman G, Bodén E, Kjellström S, Fraenkel CJ, Olm F, Hallgren O, Lindstedt S. Proteomic characteristics and diagnostic potential of exhaled breath particles in patients with COVID-19. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:13. [PMID: 36967377 PMCID: PMC10040313 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to predominantly infect the airways and the respiratory tract and too often have an unpredictable and different pathologic pattern compared to other respiratory diseases. Current clinical diagnostical tools in pulmonary medicine expose patients to harmful radiation, are too unspecific or even invasive. Proteomic analysis of exhaled breath particles (EBPs) in contrast, are non-invasive, sample directly from the pathological source and presents as a novel explorative and diagnostical tool. METHODS Patients with PCR-verified COVID-19 infection (COV-POS, n = 20), and patients with respiratory symptoms but with > 2 negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests (COV-NEG, n = 16) and healthy controls (HCO, n = 12) were prospectively recruited. EBPs were collected using a "particles in exhaled air" (PExA 2.0) device. Particle per exhaled volume (PEV) and size distribution profiles were compared. Proteins were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A random forest machine learning classification model was then trained and validated on EBP data achieving an accuracy of 0.92. RESULTS Significant increases in PEV and changes in size distribution profiles of EBPs was seen in COV-POS and COV-NEG compared to healthy controls. We achieved a deep proteome profiling of EBP across the three groups with proteins involved in immune activation, acute phase response, cell adhesion, blood coagulation, and known components of the respiratory tract lining fluid, among others. We demonstrated promising results for the use of an integrated EBP biomarker panel together with particle concentration for diagnosis of COVID-19 as well as a robust method for protein identification in EBPs. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the promising potential for the use of EBP fingerprints in biomarker discovery and for diagnosing pulmonary diseases, rapidly and non-invasively with minimal patient discomfort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Hirdman
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Embla Bodén
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sven Kjellström
- BioMS - Swedish National Infrastructure for Biological Mass Spectrometry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Carl-Johan Fraenkel
- Department of Infection Control, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Franziska Olm
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hallgren
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sandra Lindstedt
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Transplantation, Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gabbrielli R, Pugno NM. The impact of mean body mass index on reported mortality from COVID-19 across 181 countries. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1106313. [PMID: 36992892 PMCID: PMC10042264 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Accountability for global health issues such as a pandemic and its devastating consequences are usually ascribed to a virus, but a comprehensive view should also take into account the state of the host. Data suggests that excessive nutrition is to blame for a yet unknown but not negligible portion of deaths attributed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We analyzed the correlation between mean body mass index (BMI) and 2-year coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality rates reported by 181 countries worldwide. Almost two thirds of the countries included had a mean BMI greater or equal to 25, with death rates ranging from 3 to 6,280 per million. Death rates in countries with a mean BMI below 25 ranged from 3 to 1,533. When the analysis was restricted to countries where the extent of testing was deemed more representative of actual mortality, only 20.1% had a mean BMI <25 but the mortality difference persisted. A second analysis looking at pre-vaccination mortality obtained from a different source led to similar conclusions. Due to the nature of the variables, reverse causation can be excluded while common causation can not. A mean BMI <25 for a country seems to spare its citizens from the highest COVID-19 mortality rates. The impact of excess weight on global COVID-19 mortality is suspected to have been much higher than what currently perceived, here estimated at no less than a fourfold increase in mortality. Countries with normal mean BMI constitute precious test beds for the quantification of the effects of overeating on COVID-19 mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruggero Gabbrielli
- Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials and Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ruggero Gabbrielli
| | - Nicola Maria Pugno
- Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials and Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Raymenants J, Geenen C, Budts L, Thibaut J, Thijssen M, De Mulder H, Gorissen S, Craessaerts B, Laenen L, Beuselinck K, Ombelet S, Keyaerts E, André E. Indoor air surveillance and factors associated with respiratory pathogen detection in community settings in Belgium. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1332. [PMID: 36898982 PMCID: PMC10005919 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36986-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the real-life impact of indoor climate, human behaviour, ventilation and air filtration on respiratory pathogen detection and concentration are poorly understood. This hinders the interpretability of bioaerosol quantification in indoor air to surveil respiratory pathogens and transmission risk. We tested 341 indoor air samples from 21 community settings in Belgium for 29 respiratory pathogens using qPCR. On average, 3.9 pathogens were positive per sample and 85.3% of samples tested positive for at least one. Pathogen detection and concentration varied significantly by pathogen, month, and age group in generalised linear (mixed) models and generalised estimating equations. High CO2 and low natural ventilation were independent risk factors for detection. The odds ratio for detection was 1.09 (95% CI 1.03-1.15) per 100 parts per million (ppm) increase in CO2, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.80-0.97) per stepwise increase in natural ventilation (on a Likert scale). CO2 concentration and portable air filtration were independently associated with pathogen concentration. Each 100ppm increase in CO2 was associated with a qPCR Ct value decrease of 0.08 (95% CI -0.12 to -0.04), and portable air filtration with a 0.58 (95% CI 0.25-0.91) increase. The effects of occupancy, sampling duration, mask wearing, vocalisation, temperature, humidity and mechanical ventilation were not significant. Our results support the importance of ventilation and air filtration to reduce transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joren Raymenants
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Caspar Geenen
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lore Budts
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center of Respiratory Pathogens, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Thibaut
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marijn Thijssen
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology (Rega Institute), KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hannelore De Mulder
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Gorissen
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bastiaan Craessaerts
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center of Respiratory Pathogens, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Laenen
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center of Respiratory Pathogens, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kurt Beuselinck
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center of Respiratory Pathogens, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sien Ombelet
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center of Respiratory Pathogens, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Els Keyaerts
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center of Respiratory Pathogens, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel André
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center of Respiratory Pathogens, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Respiratory aerosol particle emission and simulated infection risk is greater during indoor endurance than resistance exercise. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220882120. [PMID: 36802418 PMCID: PMC9992860 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220882120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, and rhinoviruses are transmitted by airborne aerosol respiratory particles that are exhaled by infectious subjects. We have previously reported that the emission of aerosol particles increases on average 132-fold from rest to maximal endurance exercise. The aims of this study are to first measure aerosol particle emission during an isokinetic resistance exercise at 80% of the maximal voluntary contraction until exhaustion, second to compare aerosol particle emission during a typical spinning class session versus a three-set resistance training session. Finally, we then used this data to calculate the risk of infection during endurance and resistance exercise sessions with different mitigation strategies. During a set of isokinetic resistance exercise, aerosol particle emission increased 10-fold from 5,400 ± 1,200 particles/min at rest to 59,000 ± 69,900 particles/min during a set of resistance exercise. We found that aerosol particle emission per minute is on average 4.9-times lower during a resistance training session than during a spinning class. Using this data, we determined that the simulated infection risk increase during an endurance exercise session was sixfold higher than during a resistance exercise session when assuming one infected participant in the class. Collectively, this data helps to select mitigation measures for indoor resistance and endurance exercise classes at times where the risk of aerosol-transmitted infectious disease with severe outcomes is high.
Collapse
|
24
|
Chakravarty A, Panchagnula MV, Patankar NA. Inhalation of virus-loaded droplets as a clinically plausible pathway to deep lung infection. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1073165. [PMID: 36744036 PMCID: PMC9892651 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1073165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, preliminarily infect the nasopharyngeal mucosa. The mechanism of infection spread from the nasopharynx to the deep lung-which may cause a severe infection-is, however, still unclear. We propose a clinically plausible mechanism of infection spread to the deep lung through droplets, present in the nasopharynx, inhaled and transported into the lower respiratory tract. A coupled mathematical model of droplet, virus transport and virus infection kinetics is exercised to demonstrate clinically observed times to deep lung infection. The model predicts, in agreement with clinical observations, that severe infection can develop in the deep lung within 2.5-7 days of initial symptom onset. Results indicate that while fluid dynamics plays an important role in transporting the droplets, infection kinetics and immune responses determine infection growth and resolution. Immune responses, particularly antibodies and T-lymphocytes, are observed to be critically important for preventing infection severity. This reinforces the role of vaccination in preventing severe infection. Managing aerosolization of infected nasopharyngeal mucosa is additionally suggested as a strategy for minimizing infection spread and severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aranyak Chakravarty
- School of Nuclear Studies and Application, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India,Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Mahesh V. Panchagnula
- Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Neelesh A. Patankar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Neelesh A. Patankar,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gutmann D, Scheuch G, Lehmkühler T, Herrlich LS, Landeis A, Hutter M, Stephan C, Vehreschild M, Khodamoradi Y, Gossmann AK, King F, Weis F, Weiss M, Rabenau HF, Graf J, Donath H, Schubert R, Zielen S. Aerosol measurement identifies SARS-CoV 2 PCR positive adults compared with healthy controls. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114417. [PMID: 36162469 PMCID: PMC9507996 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 is spread primarily through droplets and aerosols. Exhaled aerosols are generated in the upper airways through shear stress and in the lung periphery by 'reopening of collapsed airways'. Aerosol measuring may detect highly contagious individuals ("super spreaders or super-emitters") and discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 infected and non-infected individuals. This is the first study comparing exhaled aerosols in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and healthy controls. DESIGN A prospective observational cohort study in 288 adults, comprising 64 patients testing positive by SARS CoV-2 PCR before enrollment, and 224 healthy adults testing negative (matched control sample) at the University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany, from February to June 2021. Study objective was to evaluate the concentration of exhaled aerosols during physiologic breathing in SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive and -negative subjects. Secondary outcome measures included correlation of aerosol concentration to SARS-CoV-2 PCR results, change in aerosol concentration due to confounders, and correlation between clinical symptoms and aerosol. RESULTS There was a highly significant difference in respiratory aerosol concentrations between SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive (median 1490.5/L) and -negative subjects (median 252.0/L; p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences due to age, sex, smoking status, or body mass index. ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.8918. CONCLUSIONS Measurements of respiratory aerosols were significantly elevated in SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals, which helps to understand the spread and course of respiratory viral infections, as well as the detection of highly infectious individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desireé Gutmann
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Gerhard Scheuch
- GS Bio-Inhalation GmbH, Headquarters & Logistics, Gemuenden, Germany
| | - Timon Lehmkühler
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Laura-Sabine Herrlich
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anton Landeis
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Hutter
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christoph Stephan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maria Vehreschild
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Yascha Khodamoradi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Gossmann
- Palas GmbH, Partikel- und Lasermesstechnik, Greschbachstrasse 3b; 76229, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Florian King
- Palas GmbH, Partikel- und Lasermesstechnik, Greschbachstrasse 3b; 76229, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Frederik Weis
- Palas GmbH, Partikel- und Lasermesstechnik, Greschbachstrasse 3b; 76229, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maximilian Weiss
- Palas GmbH, Partikel- und Lasermesstechnik, Greschbachstrasse 3b; 76229, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Holger F Rabenau
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juergen Graf
- Medical Director, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Helena Donath
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ralf Schubert
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielen
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Schuchmann P, Scheuch G, Naumann R, Keute M, Lücke T, Zielen S, Brinkmann F. Exhaled aerosols among PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected children. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1156366. [PMID: 37152322 PMCID: PMC10160682 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1156366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Available data on aerosol emissions among children and adolescents during spontaneous breathing are limited. Our aim was to gain insight into the role of children in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and whether aerosol measurements among children can be used to help detect so-called superspreaders-infected individuals with extremely high numbers of exhaled aerosol particles. Methods In this prospective study, the aerosol concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive and SARS-CoV-2 PCR-negative children and adolescents (2-17 years) were investigated. All subjects were asked about their current health status and medical history. The exhaled aerosol particle counts of PCR-negative and PCR-positive subjects were measured using the Resp-Aer-Meter (Palas GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) and compared using linear regression. Results A total of 250 children and adolescents were included in this study, 105 of whom were SARS-CoV-2 positive and 145 of whom were SARS-CoV-2 negative. The median age in both groups was 9 years (IQR 7-11 years). A total of 124 (49.6%) participants were female, and 126 (50.4%) participants were male. A total of 81.9% of the SARS-CoV-2-positive group had symptoms of viral infection. The median particle count of all individuals was 79.55 particles/liter (IQR 44.55-141.15). There was a tendency for older children to exhale more particles (1-5 years: 79.54 p/L; 6-11 years: 77.96 p/L; 12-17 years: 98.63 p/L). SARS-CoV-2 PCR status was not a bivariate predictor (t = 0.82, p = 0.415) of exhaled aerosol particle count; however, SARS-CoV-2 status was shown to be a significant predictor in a multiple regression model together with age, body mass index (BMI), COVID-19 vaccination, and past SARS-CoV-2 infection (t = 2.81, p = 0.005). COVID-19 vaccination status was a highly significant predictor of exhaled aerosol particles (p < .001). Conclusion During SARS-CoV-2 infection, children and adolescents did not have elevated aerosol levels. In addition, no superspreaders were found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Schuchmann
- Department of Children and Adolescents, University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Pediatric Practice (Dr. Voigt, Dr. Heier), Stadtbergen, Germany
- Correspondence: Pia Schuchmann
| | - Gerhard Scheuch
- GS Bio-Inhalation GmbH, Headquarters & Logistics, Gemuenden, Germany
| | | | - Marius Keute
- Independent Statistical Consultant, Warendorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- Department of Children and Adolescents, University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielen
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Folke Brinkmann
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, University Children's Hospital, Ruhr University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergology, University Children’s Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
He Y, Chen J, Shi W, Shi J, Ma T, Wang X. Can nonvolatile tastants be smelled during food oral processing? Chem Senses 2023; 48:bjad028. [PMID: 37590987 PMCID: PMC10516591 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjad028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
While accumulating evidence implied the involvement of retro-nasal sensation in the consumption of nonvolatile taste compounds, it is still unclear whether it was caused by the taste compounds themselves, and if so, how can they migrate from the oral to nasal cavity. At first, we proposed aerosol particles as an alternative oral-nasal mass transfer mechanism. The high-speed camera approved that aerosol particles could be generated by the typical oral and pharynx actions during food oral processing; while the narrow-band imaging of nasal cleft and mass spectrometry of nostril-exhaled air approved the migration of aerosol within the oral-nasal route. Then, the "smelling" of taste compounds within the aerosol particles was testified. The four-alternative forced choices (4AFC) approved that the potential volatile residues or contaminants within the headspace air of pure taste solution cannot arouse significant smell, while the taste compounds embedded in the in vitro prepared aerosol particles can be "smelled" via the ortho route. The "smell" of sucrose is very different from its taste and the "smell" of quinine, implying its actual olfaction. The sweetness intensity of sucrose solution was also reduced when the volunteers' noses were clipped, indicating the involvement of retro-nasal sensation during its drinking. At last, the efficiency of aerosol as a mechanism of oral-nasal mass transfer was demonstrated to be comparable with the volatile molecules under the experimental condition, giving it the potential to be a substantial and unique source of retro-nasal sensation during food oral processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue He
- Laboratory of Food Oral Processing, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianshe Chen
- Laboratory of Food Oral Processing, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiyao Shi
- EPC Natural Products Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jingang Shi
- EPC Natural Products Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Tian Ma
- Laboratory of Food Oral Processing, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinmiao Wang
- Laboratory of Food Oral Processing, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mazzone SB, Satia I, McGarvey L, Song WJ, Chung KF. Chronic cough and cough hypersensitivity: from mechanistic insights to novel antitussives. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2022; 10:1113-1115. [PMID: 36372083 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart B Mazzone
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Imran Satia
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lorcan McGarvey
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Woo-Jung Song
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LY, UK; Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Qiu G, Spillmann M, Tang J, Zhao Y, Tao Y, Zhang X, Geschwindner H, Saleh L, Zingg W, Wang J. On-Site Quantification and Infection Risk Assessment of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 Virus Via a Nanoplasmonic Bioaerosol Sensing System in Healthcare Settings. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2204774. [PMID: 36310114 PMCID: PMC9762303 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204774] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
On-site quantification and early-stage infection risk assessment of airborne severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with high spatiotemporal resolution is a promising approach for mitigating the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and informing life-saving decisions. Here, a condensation (hygroscopic growth)-assisted bioaerosol collection and plasmonic photothermal sensing (CAPS) system for on-site quantitative risk analysis of SARS-CoV-2 virus-laden aerosols is presented. The CAPS system provided rapid thermoplasmonic biosensing results after an aerosol-to-hydrosol sampling process in COVID-19-related environments including a hospital and a nursing home. The detection limit reached 0.25 copies/µL in the complex aerosol background without further purification. More importantly, the CAPS system enabled direct measurement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus exposures with high spatiotemporal resolution. Measurement and feedback of the results to healthcare workers and patients via a QR-code are completed within two hours. Based on a dose-responseµ model, it is used the plasmonic biosensing signal to calculate probabilities of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and estimate maximum exposure durations to an acceptable risk threshold in different environmental settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Qiu
- Institute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZürichZürich8093Switzerland
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical TechnologiesEmpaSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and TechnologyDübendorf8600Switzerland
- Institute of Medical RoboticsShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Martin Spillmann
- Institute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZürichZürich8093Switzerland
| | - Jiukai Tang
- Institute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZürichZürich8093Switzerland
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical TechnologiesEmpaSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and TechnologyDübendorf8600Switzerland
| | - Yi‐Bo Zhao
- Institute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZürichZürich8093Switzerland
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical TechnologiesEmpaSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and TechnologyDübendorf8600Switzerland
| | - Yile Tao
- Institute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZürichZürich8093Switzerland
| | - Xiaole Zhang
- Institute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZürichZürich8093Switzerland
| | - Heike Geschwindner
- Nursing Research and ScienceSenior Health Centres of the City of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Lanja Saleh
- Institute of Clinical ChemistryUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurich8091Switzerland
| | - Walter Zingg
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Hospital HygieneUniversity Hospital of ZurichZurich8091Switzerland
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZürichZürich8093Switzerland
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical TechnologiesEmpaSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and TechnologyDübendorf8600Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dabisch PA, Sanjak JS, Boydston JA, Yeager J, Herzog A, Biryukov J, Beck K, Do D, Seman BG, Green B, Bohannon JK, Holland B, Miller D, Ammons T, Freeburger D, Miller S, Jenkins T, Rippeon S, Miller J, Clarke D, Manan E, Patty A, Rhodes K, Sweeney T, Winpigler M, Altamura LA, Zimmerman H, Hail AS, Wahl V, Hevey M. Comparison of Dose-Response Relationships for Two Isolates of SARS-CoV-2 in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Inhalational COVID-19. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2022; 35:296-306. [PMID: 36318785 PMCID: PMC9807281 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2022.0043] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, numerous variants of SARS-CoV-2 have arisen, with several displaying increased transmissibility. Methods: The present study compared dose-response relationships and disease presentation in nonhuman primates infected with aerosols containing an isolate of the Gamma variant of SARS-CoV-2 to the results of our previous study with the earlier WA-1 isolate of SARS-CoV-2. Results: Disease in Gamma-infected animals was mild, characterized by dose-dependent fever and oronasal shedding of virus. Differences were observed in shedding in the upper respiratory tract between Gamma- and WA-1-infected animals that have the potential to influence disease transmission. Specifically, the estimated median doses for shedding of viral RNA or infectious virus in nasal swabs were approximately 10-fold lower for the Gamma variant than the WA-1 isolate. Given that the median doses for fever were similar, this suggests that there is a greater difference between the median doses for viral shedding and fever for Gamma than for WA-1 and potentially an increased range of doses for Gamma over which asymptomatic shedding and disease transmission are possible. Conclusions: These results complement those of previous studies, which suggested that differences in exposure dose may help to explain the range of clinical disease presentations observed in individuals with COVID-19, highlighting the importance of public health measures designed to limit exposure dose, such as masking and social distancing. The dose-response data provided by this study are important to inform disease transmission and hazard modeling, as well as to inform dose selection in future studies examining the efficacy of therapeutics and vaccines in animal models of inhalational COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Dabisch
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,Address correspondence to: Paul A. Dabisch, PhD, National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 8300 Research Plaza, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Jaleal S. Sanjak
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeremy A. Boydston
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - John Yeager
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Biryukov
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Katie Beck
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Danh Do
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Brittany G. Seman
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Green
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan K. Bohannon
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Holland
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - David Miller
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Ammons
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Denise Freeburger
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan Miller
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Tammy Jenkins
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Sherry Rippeon
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - James Miller
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - David Clarke
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Emmanuel Manan
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashley Patty
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Kim Rhodes
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Tina Sweeney
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Winpigler
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis A. Altamura
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather Zimmerman
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Alec S. Hail
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria Wahl
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Hevey
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Intrinsic host susceptibility among multiple species to intranasal SARS-CoV-2 identifies diverse virological, biodistribution and pathological outcomes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18694. [PMID: 36333445 PMCID: PMC9636276 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23339-x] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 exhibits a diverse host species range with variable outcomes, enabling differential host susceptibility studies to assess suitability for pre-clinical countermeasure and pathogenesis studies. Baseline virological, molecular and pathological outcomes were determined among multiple species-one Old World non-human primate (NHP) species (cynomolgus macaques), two New World NHP species (red-bellied tamarins; common marmosets) and Syrian hamsters-following single-dose, atraumatic intranasal administration of SARS-CoV-2/Victoria-01. After serial sacrifice 2, 10 and 28-days post-infection (dpi), hamsters and cynomolgus macaques displayed differential virus biodistribution across respiratory, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Uniquely, New World tamarins, unlike marmosets, exhibited high levels of acute upper airway infection, infectious virus recovery associated with mild lung pathology representing a host previously unrecognized as susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Across all species, lung pathology was identified post-clearance of virus shedding (antigen/RNA), with an association of virus particles within replication organelles in lung sections analysed by electron microscopy. Disrupted cell ultrastructure and lung architecture, including abnormal morphology of mitochondria 10-28 dpi, represented on-going pathophysiological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 in predominantly asymptomatic hosts. Infection kinetics and host pathology comparators using standardized methodologies enables model selection to bridge differential outcomes within upper and lower respiratory tracts and elucidate longer-term consequences of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
|
32
|
Experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan leads to a lasting increase in social distancing. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18457. [PMID: 36323733 PMCID: PMC9628316 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23019-w] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
On 11th Jan 2020, the first COVID-19 related death was confirmed in Wuhan, Hubei. The Chinese government responded to the outbreak with a lockdown that impacted most residents of Hubei province and lasted for almost three months. At the time, the lockdown was the strictest both within China and worldwide. Using an interactive web-based experiment conducted half a year after the lockdown with participants from 11 Chinese provinces, we investigate the behavioral effects of this 'shock' event experienced by the population of Hubei. We find that both one's place of residence and the strictness of lockdown measures in their province are robust predictors of individual social distancing behavior. Further, we observe that informational messages are effective at increasing compliance with social distancing throughout China, whereas fines for noncompliance work better within Hubei province relative to the rest of the country. We also report that residents of Hubei increase their propensity to social distance when exposed to social environments characterized by the presence of a superspreader, while the effect is not present outside of the province. Our results appear to be specific to the context of COVID-19 and are not explained by general differences in risk attitudes and social preferences.
Collapse
|
33
|
Mikszewski A, Stabile L, Buonanno G, Morawska L. The airborne contagiousness of respiratory viruses: A comparative analysis and implications for mitigation. GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS 2022; 13:101285. [PMID: 38620948 PMCID: PMC8378671 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsf.2021.101285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The infectious emission rate is a fundamental input parameter for airborne transmission risk assessment, but data are limited due to reliance on estimates from chance superspreading events. This study assesses the strength of a predictive estimation approach developed by the authors for SARS-CoV-2 and uses novel estimates to compare the contagiousness of respiratory pathogens. We applied the approach to SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, MERS, measles virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, coxsackievirus, seasonal influenza virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and compared quanta emission rate (ERq) estimates to literature values. We calculated infection risk in a prototypical classroom and barracks to assess the relative ability of ventilation to mitigate airborne transmission. Our median standing and speaking ERq estimate for SARS-CoV-2 (2.7 quanta h-1) is similar to active, untreated TB (3.1 quanta h-1), higher than seasonal influenza (0.17 quanta h-1), and lower than measles virus (15 quanta h-1). We calculated event reproduction numbers above 1 for SARS-CoV-2, measles virus, and untreated TB in both the classroom and barracks for an activity level of standing and speaking at low, medium and high ventilation rates of 2.3, 6.6 and 14 L per second per person (L s-1 p-1), respectively. Our predictive ERq estimates are consistent with the range of values reported over decades of research. In congregate settings, current ventilation standards are unlikely to control the spread of viruses with upper quartile ERq values above 10 quanta h-1, such as SARS-CoV-2, indicating the need for additional control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Mikszewski
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- CIUS Building Performance Lab, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luca Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Giorgio Buonanno
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
González-Parra G, Díaz-Rodríguez M, Arenas AJ. Mathematical modeling to study the impact of immigration on the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study for Venezuela. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2022; 43:100532. [PMID: 36460458 PMCID: PMC9420318 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2022.100532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We propose two different mathematical models to study the effect of immigration on the COVID-19 pandemic. The first model does not consider immigration, whereas the second one does. Both mathematical models consider five different subpopulations: susceptible, exposed, infected, asymptomatic carriers, and recovered. We find the basic reproduction number R0 using the next-generation matrix method for the mathematical model without immigration. This threshold parameter is paramount because it allows us to characterize the evolution of the disease and identify what parameters substantially affect the COVID-19 pandemic outcome. We focus on the Venezuelan scenario, where immigration and emigration have been important over recent years, particularly during the pandemic. We show that the estimation of the transmission rates of the SARS-CoV-2 are affected when the immigration of infected people is considered. This has an important consequence from a public health perspective because if the basic reproduction number is less than unity, we can expect that the SARS-CoV-2 would disappear. Thus, if the basic reproduction number is slightly above one, we can predict that some mild non-pharmaceutical interventions would be enough to decrease the number of infected people. The results show that the dynamics of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through the population must consider immigration to obtain better insight into the outcomes and create awareness in the population regarding the population flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto González-Parra
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mathematics, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Miguel Díaz-Rodríguez
- Grupo Matemática Multidisciplinar, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de los Andes, Venezuela
| | - Abraham J. Arenas
- Universidad de Córdoba, Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Montería, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Snoring may transmit infectious aerosols from the upper to the lower respiratory tract. Med Hypotheses 2022; 168:110966. [PMID: 36317052 PMCID: PMC9605781 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110966] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Migration to the lungs of an initial upper airway infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or other respiratory pathogens can lead to pneumonia, associated with progression from mild to severe symptoms. Chemical pneumonitis or bacterial pneumonia may be caused by the ‘macroaspiration’ of large volumes of oropharyngeal or gastroesophageal secretions into the lower respiratory tract. ‘Microaspiration’, i.e., a similar mechanism but involving much smaller amounts of oropharyngeal secretions, is considered the pathogenetic mechanism for most pneumonias, including that associated with COVID-19. Here, we hypothesize an alternative mechanism: Rather than by microaspiration, these fluids enter the lungs as microdroplets that are generated by snoring and then carried by the inspired airstream. Laboratory measurements indicate that snoring generates (a) comparable numbers and sizes of oral fluid droplets as loud speaking and (b) total fluid quantities that are similar to those reported for microaspiration. Snoring propensity is strongly correlated to known risk factors for severe COVID-19, including male gender, age, obesity, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and pregnancy. Therefore, more research is urgently needed to determine if various methods that decrease snoring can prevent progression to pneumonia after initial infection of the upper airways.
Collapse
|
36
|
Genetic Load of SARS-CoV-2 in Aerosols Collected in Operating Theaters. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0129722. [PMID: 36102660 PMCID: PMC9552596 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01297-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
After the outbreak of COVID-19, additional protocols have been established to prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 from the patient to the health personnel and vice versa in health care settings. However, in the case of emergency surgeries, it is not always possible to ensure that the patient is not infected with SARS-CoV-2, assuming a potential source of transmission of the virus to health personnel. This work aimed to evaluate the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 and quantify the viral load in indoor air samples collected inside operating rooms, where emergency and scheduled operations take place. Samples were collected for 3 weeks inside two operating rooms for 24 h at 38 L/min in quartz filters. RNA was extracted from the filters and analyzed using RT-qPCR targeting SARS-CoV-2 genes E, N1 and N2 regions. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 11.3% of aerosol samples collected in operating rooms, despite with low concentrations (not detected at 13.5 cg/m3 and 10.5 cg/m3 in the scheduled and emergency operating rooms, respectively). Potential sources of airborne SARS-CoV-2 could be aerosolization of the virus during aerosol-generating procedures and in open surgery from patients that might have been recently infected with the virus, despite presenting a negative COVID-19 test. Another source could be related to health care workers unknowingly infected with the virus and exhaling SARS-CoV-2 virions into the air. These results highlight the importance of reinforcing preventive measures against COVID-19 in operating rooms, such as the correct use of protective equipment, screening programs for health care workers, and information campaigns. IMPORTANCE Operating rooms are critical environments in which asepsis must be ensured. The COVID-19 pandemic entailed the implementation of additional preventative measures in health care settings, including operating theaters. Although one of the measures is to operate only COVID-19 free patients, this measure cannot be always implemented, especially in emergency interventions. Therefore, a surveillance campaign was conducted during 3 weeks in two operating rooms to assess the level of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material detected in operating theaters with the aim to assess the risk of COVID-19 transmission during operating procedures. SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was detected in 11% of aerosol samples collected in operating rooms, despite with low concentrations. Plausible SARS-CoV-2 sources have been discussed, including patients and health care personnel infected with the virus. These results highlight the importance of reinforcing preventive measures against COVID-19 in operating rooms, such as the correct use of protective equipment, screening programs for health care workers and information campaigns.
Collapse
|
37
|
Buzzin A, Domènech-Gil G, Fraschetti E, Giovine E, Puglisi D, Caputo D. Assessing the consequences of prolonged usage of disposable face masks. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16796. [PMID: 36207345 PMCID: PMC9540090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20692-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, wearing a disposable face mask has become a worldwide daily routine, not only for medical operators or specialized personnel, but also for common people. Notwithstanding the undeniable positive effect in reducing the risk of virus transmission, it is important to understand if a prolonged usage of the same face mask can have effectiveness on filtering capability and potential health consequences. To this aim, we present three investigations. A survey, carried out in central Italy, offers an overview of the distorted public awareness of face mask usage. A functional study shows how prolonged wearing leads to substantial drops in humid air filtration efficiency. Finally, a morphological analysis reports the proliferation of fungal or bacteria colonies inside an improperly used mask. Our study highlights therefore that wearing a face mask is really beneficial only if it is used correctly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Buzzin
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, via Eudossiana, 18 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Guillem Domènech-Gil
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Sensor and Actuator Systems Division, Linköping University, Campus Valla, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elena Fraschetti
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, via Eudossiana, 18 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Ennio Giovine
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, IFN - CNR, Via Cineto Romano 42, 00156, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Puglisi
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Sensor and Actuator Systems Division, Linköping University, Campus Valla, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Domenico Caputo
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, via Eudossiana, 18 00184, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhou X, Zhao J, Qiu Y, Jia R. Sequence difference of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 between nonhuman primates affects its binding-affinity with SARS-CoV-2 S receptor binding domain. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2022; 4:293-298. [PMID: 36105891 PMCID: PMC9461283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.09.001] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused many deaths and contributed to a tremendous public health concern worldwide since 2020. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus as a receptor. The challenge of different nonhuman primate (NHP) species by SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrated different effects on virus replication and disease pathology. This study characterizes differences between host ACE2 sequences of three NHP species: Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Chlorocebus sabaeus. In addition, the binding affinity between the ACE2 ectodomain and the SARS-CoV-2 S receptor-binding domain (RBD) was analyzed. Variation of ACE2 sequence among NHP species and the binding affinity may account for different susceptibility and responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Zhou
- Department of Biosafety, China Biotechnology Co.LTD, Beijing 100025, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100043, China
| | - Yefeng Qiu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China,Corresponding authors: Laboratory Animal Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China (Y. Qiu); Department of Biosafety, China Biotechnology Co.LTD, Beijing 100025, China (R. Jia)
| | - Rui Jia
- Department of Biosafety, China Biotechnology Co.LTD, Beijing 100025, China,Corresponding authors: Laboratory Animal Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China (Y. Qiu); Department of Biosafety, China Biotechnology Co.LTD, Beijing 100025, China (R. Jia)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Oksanen LAH, Virtanen J, Sanmark E, Rantanen N, Venkat V, Sofieva S, Aaltonen K, Kivistö I, Svirskaite J, Pérez AD, Kuula J, Levanov L, Hyvärinen A, Maunula L, Atanasova NS, Laitinen S, Anttila V, Lehtonen L, Lappalainen M, Geneid A, Sironen T. SARS-CoV-2 indoor environment contamination with epidemiological and experimental investigations. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13118. [PMID: 36305066 PMCID: PMC9828560 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has been detected both in air and on surfaces, but questions remain about the patient-specific and environmental factors affecting virus transmission. Additionally, more detailed information on viral sampling of the air is needed. This prospective cohort study (N = 56) presents results from 258 air and 252 surface samples from the surroundings of 23 hospitalized and eight home-treated COVID-19 index patients between July 2020 and March 2021 and compares the results between the measured environments and patient factors. Additionally, epidemiological and experimental investigations were performed. The proportions of qRT-PCR-positive air (10.7% hospital/17.6% homes) and surface samples (8.8%/12.9%) showed statistical similarity in hospital and homes. Significant SARS-CoV-2 air contamination was observed in a large (655.25 m3 ) mechanically ventilated (1.67 air changes per hour, 32.4-421 L/s/patient) patient hall even with only two patients present. All positive air samples were obtained in the absence of aerosol-generating procedures. In four cases, positive environmental samples were detected after the patients had developed a neutralizing IgG response. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the following particle sizes: 0.65-4.7 μm, 7.0-12.0 μm, >10 μm, and <100 μm. Appropriate infection control against airborne and surface transmission routes is needed in both environments, even after antibody production has begun.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lotta‐Maria A. H. Oksanen
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics – Head and Neck SurgeryHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Jenni Virtanen
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Enni Sanmark
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics – Head and Neck SurgeryHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Noora Rantanen
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics – Head and Neck SurgeryHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Vinaya Venkat
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Svetlana Sofieva
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Finnish Meteorological InstituteHelsinkiFinland
| | - Kirsi Aaltonen
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ilkka Kivistö
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Julija Svirskaite
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Joel Kuula
- Finnish Meteorological InstituteHelsinkiFinland
| | - Lev Levanov
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Leena Maunula
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Nina S. Atanasova
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Finnish Meteorological InstituteHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Veli‐Jukka Anttila
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- HUS Inflammation CenterHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Lasse Lehtonen
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLABHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Maija Lappalainen
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLABHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ahmed Geneid
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics – Head and Neck SurgeryHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Incidence, Hospitalization, Mortality and Risk Factors of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Residential Homes for Patients with Chronic Mental Illness. EPIDEMIOLGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 3:391-401. [PMID: 36417246 PMCID: PMC9620926 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Long-term care residential homes (LTCRH) for patients with chronic mental illness have suffered the enormous impact of COVID-19. This study aimed to estimate incidence, hospitalization, mortality, and risk factors of COVID-19 to prevent future epidemics. From March 2020 to January 2021 and before vaccination anti-SARS-CoV-2 begins, cumulate incidence rate (CIR), hospitalization rate (HR), mortality rate (MR), and risk factors of COVID-19 in the 11 LTCRH of two Health Departments of Castellon (Spain) were studied by epidemiological surveillance and an ecological design. Laboratory tests confirmed COVID-19 cases, and multilevel Poisson regression models were employed. All LTCRH participated and comprised 346 residents and 482 staff. Residents had a mean age of 47 years, 40% women, and suffered 75 cases of COVID-19 (CIR = 21.7%), five hospitalizations (HR = 1.4%), and two deaths (MR = 0.6%) with 2.5% fatality-case. Staff suffered 74 cases of the disease (CIR = 15.4%), one hospitalization (HR = 0.2%), and no deaths were reported. Risk factors associated with COVID-19 incidence in residents were private ownership, severe disability, residents be younger, CIR in municipalities where LTCRH was located, CIR in staff, and older age of the facilities. Conclusion: COVID-19 incidence could be prevented by improving infection control in residents and staff and modernizing facilities with increased public ownership.
Collapse
|
41
|
Morawska L, Buonanno G, Mikszewski A, Stabile L. The physics of respiratory particle generation, fate in the air, and inhalation. NATURE REVIEWS. PHYSICS 2022; 4:723-734. [PMID: 36065441 PMCID: PMC9430019 DOI: 10.1038/s42254-022-00506-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Given that breathing is one of the most fundamental physiological functions, there is an urgent need to broaden our understanding of the fluid dynamics that governs it. There would be many benefits from doing so, including a better assessment of respiratory health, a basis for more precise delivery of pharmaceutical drugs for treatment, and the understanding and potential minimization of respiratory infection transmission. We review the physics of particle generation in the respiratory tract, the fate of these particles in the air on exhalation and the physics of particle inhalation. The main focus is on evidence from experimental studies. We conclude that although there is qualitative understanding of the generation of particles in the respiratory tract, a basic quantitative knowledge of the characteristics of the particles emitted during respiratory activities and their fate after emission, and a theoretical understanding of particle deposition during inhalation, nevertheless the general understanding of the entire process is rudimentary, and many open questions remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Morawska
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality & Health (ILAQH), Brisbane, Queensland Australia
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Giorgio Buonanno
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality & Health (ILAQH), Brisbane, Queensland Australia
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Alex Mikszewski
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality & Health (ILAQH), Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Luca Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Correlation between body mass index and COVID-19 transmission risk. Int J Obes (Lond) 2022; 46:2068-2069. [PMID: 36002512 PMCID: PMC9398902 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-022-01215-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
43
|
Kuylen EJ, Torneri A, Willem L, Libin PJK, Abrams S, Coletti P, Franco N, Verelst F, Beutels P, Liesenborgs J, Hens N. Different forms of superspreading lead to different outcomes: Heterogeneity in infectiousness and contact behavior relevant for the case of SARS-CoV-2. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009980. [PMID: 35994497 PMCID: PMC9436127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009980] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Superspreading events play an important role in the spread of several pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2. While the basic reproduction number of the original Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 is estimated to be about 3 for Belgium, there is substantial inter-individual variation in the number of secondary cases each infected individual causes—with most infectious individuals generating no or only a few secondary cases, while about 20% of infectious individuals is responsible for 80% of new infections. Multiple factors contribute to the occurrence of superspreading events: heterogeneity in infectiousness, individual variations in susceptibility, differences in contact behavior, and the environment in which transmission takes place. While superspreading has been included in several infectious disease transmission models, research into the effects of different forms of superspreading on the spread of pathogens remains limited. To disentangle the effects of infectiousness-related heterogeneity on the one hand and contact-related heterogeneity on the other, we implemented both forms of superspreading in an individual-based model describing the transmission and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a synthetic Belgian population. We considered its impact on viral spread as well as on epidemic resurgence after a period of social distancing. We found that the effects of superspreading driven by heterogeneity in infectiousness are different from the effects of superspreading driven by heterogeneity in contact behavior. On the one hand, a higher level of infectiousness-related heterogeneity results in a lower risk of an outbreak persisting following the introduction of one infected individual into the population. Outbreaks that did persist led to fewer total cases and were slower, with a lower peak which occurred at a later point in time, and a lower herd immunity threshold. Finally, the risk of resurgence of an outbreak following a period of lockdown decreased. On the other hand, when contact-related heterogeneity was high, this also led to fewer cases in total during persistent outbreaks, but caused outbreaks to be more explosive in regard to other aspects (such as higher peaks which occurred earlier, and a higher herd immunity threshold). Finally, the risk of resurgence of an outbreak following a period of lockdown increased. We found that these effects were conserved when testing combinations of infectiousness-related and contact-related heterogeneity. To investigate the effect of different sources of superspreading on disease dynamics, we implemented superspreading driven by heterogeneity in infectiousness and heterogeneity in contact behavior into an individual-based model for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Belgian population. We compared the impact of both forms of superspreading in a scenario without interventions as well as in a scenario in which a period of strict social distancing (i.e. a lockdown) is followed by a period of partial release. We found that both forms of superspreading have very different effects. On the one hand, increasing the level of infectiousness-related heterogeneity led to less outbreaks being observed following the introduction of one infected individual in the population. Furthermore, final outbreak sizes decreased, and outbreaks became slower, with lower and later peaks, and a lower herd immunity threshold. Finally, the risk for resurgence of an outbreak following a period of lockdown also decreased. On the other hand, when contact-related heterogeneity was high, this also led to smaller final sizes, but caused outbreaks to be more explosive regarding other aspects (such as higher peaks that occurred earlier). The herd immunity threshold also increased, as did the risk of resurgence of outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise J. Kuylen
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modeling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Data Science Institute, I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrea Torneri
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modeling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lander Willem
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modeling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter J. K. Libin
- Data Science Institute, I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Artificial Intelligence Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Abrams
- Data Science Institute, I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pietro Coletti
- Data Science Institute, I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Franco
- Data Science Institute, I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Namur Institute for Complex Systems, Department of Mathematics, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Frederik Verelst
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modeling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe Beutels
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modeling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jori Liesenborgs
- Expertise Centre for Digital Media, Hasselt University - transnational University Limburg, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Niel Hens
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modeling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Data Science Institute, I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jimenez JL, Marr LC, Randall K, Ewing ET, Tufekci Z, Greenhalgh T, Tellier R, Tang JW, Li Y, Morawska L, Mesiano‐Crookston J, Fisman D, Hegarty O, Dancer SJ, Bluyssen PM, Buonanno G, Loomans MGLC, Bahnfleth WP, Yao M, Sekhar C, Wargocki P, Melikov AK, Prather KA. What were the historical reasons for the resistance to recognizing airborne transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic? INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13070. [PMID: 36040283 PMCID: PMC9538841 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The question of whether SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted by droplets or aerosols has been highly controversial. We sought to explain this controversy through a historical analysis of transmission research in other diseases. For most of human history, the dominant paradigm was that many diseases were carried by the air, often over long distances and in a phantasmagorical way. This miasmatic paradigm was challenged in the mid to late 19th century with the rise of germ theory, and as diseases such as cholera, puerperal fever, and malaria were found to actually transmit in other ways. Motivated by his views on the importance of contact/droplet infection, and the resistance he encountered from the remaining influence of miasma theory, prominent public health official Charles Chapin in 1910 helped initiate a successful paradigm shift, deeming airborne transmission most unlikely. This new paradigm became dominant. However, the lack of understanding of aerosols led to systematic errors in the interpretation of research evidence on transmission pathways. For the next five decades, airborne transmission was considered of negligible or minor importance for all major respiratory diseases, until a demonstration of airborne transmission of tuberculosis (which had been mistakenly thought to be transmitted by droplets) in 1962. The contact/droplet paradigm remained dominant, and only a few diseases were widely accepted as airborne before COVID-19: those that were clearly transmitted to people not in the same room. The acceleration of interdisciplinary research inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that airborne transmission is a major mode of transmission for this disease, and is likely to be significant for many respiratory infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Jimenez
- Department of Chemistry and Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental SciencesUniversity of ColoradoBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Linsey C. Marr
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | | | | | - Zeynep Tufekci
- School of JournalismColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Trish Greenhalgh
- Department of Primary Care Health SciencesMedical Sciences DivisionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Julian W. Tang
- Department of Respiratory SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and HeathQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - David Fisman
- Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Orla Hegarty
- School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental PolicyUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Stephanie J. Dancer
- Department of MicrobiologyHairmyres Hospital, Glasgow, and Edinburgh Napier UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - Philomena M. Bluyssen
- Faculty of Architecture and the Built EnvironmentDelft University of TechnologyDelftThe Netherlands
| | - Giorgio Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Cassino and Southern LazioCassinoItaly
| | - Marcel G. L. C. Loomans
- Department of the Built EnvironmentEindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)EindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - William P. Bahnfleth
- Department of Architectural EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Maosheng Yao
- College of Environmental Sciences and EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chandra Sekhar
- Department of the Built EnvironmentNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Pawel Wargocki
- Department of Civil EngineeringTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Arsen K. Melikov
- Department of Civil EngineeringTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Kimberly A. Prather
- Scripps Institution of OceanographyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Silva PG, Branco PTBS, Soares RRG, Mesquita JR, Sousa SIV. SARS-CoV-2 air sampling: A systematic review on the methodologies for detection and infectivity. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13083. [PMID: 36040285 PMCID: PMC9538005 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aims to present an overview of the current aerosol sampling methods (and equipment) being used to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the air, along with the main parameters reported in the studies that are essential to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method and perspectives for future research regarding this mode of transmission. A systematic literature review was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus to assess the current air sampling methodologies being applied to SARS-CoV-2. Most of the studies took place in indoor environments and healthcare settings and included air and environmental sampling. The collection mechanisms used were impinger, cyclone, impactor, filters, water-based condensation, and passive sampling. Most of the reviewed studies used RT-PCR to test the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the collected samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected with all collection mechanisms. From the studies detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, fourteen assessed infectivity. Five studies detected viable viruses using impactor, water-based condensation, and cyclone collection mechanisms. There is a need for a standardized protocol for sampling SARS-CoV-2 in air, which should also account for other influencing parameters, including air exchange ratio in the room sampled, relative humidity, temperature, and lighting conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla G Silva
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPI Unit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro T B S Branco
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ruben R G Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - João R Mesquita
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPI Unit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lee J, Seo J, Cho KM, Heo J, Jung H, Park S, Bae J, Lee S, Hong J, Kim MK, Jin Y. Ultralight and Ultrathin Electrospun Membranes with Enhanced Air Permeability for Chemical and Biological Protection. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:32522-32532. [PMID: 35793246 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c06940] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With the growing interest in chemical and biological warfare agents (CWAs/BWAs), the focus has shifted toward aerosol protection using protective clothing. However, compared to air-permeable membranes, those with water vapor permeability have been investigated more extensively. Filtering membranes without air permeability have limited practical usage in personal protective suits and masks. In this study, polyacrylonitrile membranes with tightly attached activated carbon and doped copper(II) oxide were prepared via electrospinning. The nanofibers with uniformly controlled diameters and smooth morphologies enable water/air breathability and protection against aerosol (100 nm polystyrene nanobeads similar to SARS-CoV-2) penetration. The uniformly distributed and tightly attached activated carbon and doped copper(II) oxide particles enhance the sorptive performance of the membranes by blocking gaseous CWAs, including soman, nerve chemical agents, and BWAs. Such dual-purpose membranes can be implemented in protective equipment owing to their high performance and easy processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeheon Lee
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong P.O. Box 35, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinah Seo
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong P.O. Box 35, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Min Cho
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong P.O. Box 35, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoong Heo
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong P.O. Box 35, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesoo Jung
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong P.O. Box 35, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyeon Park
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaekyung Bae
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong P.O. Box 35, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chung-ang University, 84, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinkee Hong
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Kun Kim
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong P.O. Box 35, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngho Jin
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong P.O. Box 35, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hybrid measurement of respiratory aerosol reveals a dominant coarse fraction resulting from speech that remains airborne for minutes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203086119. [PMID: 35727979 PMCID: PMC9245670 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203086119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory droplets are widely recognized as the primary vehicle in viral respiratory disease transmission. Accurate information on their number and size distributions is important for appropriate mitigation strategies, for quantitative modeling of airborne disease transmission, and for evaluating the relative importance of droplets originating from saliva versus airway lining fluid. A straightforward experimental setup using inexpensive, readily available components is developed for simultaneous characterization of larger particles by video analysis of laser light scattering and monitoring of smaller sizes by an optical particle counter. Measurements indicate that in a healthy volunteer, the airborne mass of speech aerosol far exceeds that generated by breathing, even when accounting for faster sedimentation of the larger particles. Accurate measurements of the size and quantity of aerosols generated by various human activities in different environments are required for efficacious mitigation strategies and accurate modeling of respiratory disease transmission. Previous studies of speech droplets, using standard aerosol instrumentation, reported very few particles larger than 5 μm. This starkly contrasts with the abundance of such particles seen in both historical slide deposition measurements and more recent light scattering observations. We have reconciled this discrepancy by developing an alternative experimental approach that addresses complications arising from nucleated condensation. Measurements reveal that a large volume fraction of speech-generated aerosol has diameters in the 5- to 20-μm range, making them sufficiently small to remain airborne for minutes, not hours. This coarse aerosol is too large to penetrate the lower respiratory tract directly, and its relevance to disease transmission is consistent with the vast majority of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections initiating in the upper respiratory tract. Our measurements suggest that in the absence of symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, the importance of speech-generated aerosol in the transmission of respiratory diseases is far greater than generally recognized.
Collapse
|
48
|
Duchaine C, Roy CJ. Bioaerosols and airborne transmission: Integrating biological complexity into our perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:154117. [PMID: 35218821 PMCID: PMC8865953 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
There is broad consensus that airborne disease transmission continues to be the thematic focus of COVID-19, the complexities and understanding of which continues to complicate our attempts to control this pandemic. Masking used as both personal protection and source reduction predominates our society at present and, other than vaccination, remains the public health measure that will faithfully reduce aerosol transmission and overall disease burden (Gandhi and Marr, 2021). Early in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially after preliminary recognition of airborne transmission, there was considerable efforts in the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling aerosols as well as risk models calculations, the products of which were detailed in the literature (Morawska et al., 2020; Buonanno et al., 2020a) and even disseminated in media destined for the public. As the respiratory pathway emerged as the dominant exposure pathway for SARSCoV-2 transmission, much of what was promoted from CFD was applied to risk models to estimate community infection and in some cases expected clinical outcome. COVID-19 proved to fit the profile of an obligate respiratory-transmitted pathogen, and the plausibility of using aerosol modeling when silhouetted with emerging COVID-19 epidemiology provided ample evidence for promotion of masking and ventilation optimization as a required public health measure. Masking is often included as a factor in developed risk models and it remains an essentially important part of our response to this airborne threat, and ultimately will agnostically reduce disease burden although efforts to improve ventilation in indoor spaces remain a challenge. Arguably the most important concept in the airborne transmission of infectious agents is the biologically active componentry that comprises the aerosol particle and the functional dynamic nature of particle contents. Specifically, the innate generation, transport, and ultimate deposition/disposition of bioaerosols; the aerosol particles that nearly exclusively harbor bioactive components, including viruses, when disease agents are transmitted through the air.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Duchaine
- Centre de recherche de I'institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Quebec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bio-informatics, Université Laval, Canada; Tier-1 Canada Research Chair on Bioaerosols, Canada
| | - Chad J Roy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America; Infectious Disease Aerobiology at Tulane National Primate Research Center, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Edgar M, Selvaraj SA, Lee KE, Caraballo-Arias Y, Harrell M, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Healthcare workers, epidemic biological risks - recommendations based on the experience with COVID-19 and Ebolavirus. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2022; 30:168-179. [PMID: 35693057 PMCID: PMC9177174 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Infectious disease outbreaks frequently cause illness and death among Healthcare Workers (HCWs). We compare strategies from recent, past and ongoing outbreak measures used to protect HCWs, including those facing additional challenges such as racial disparities, violence and stigmatization. Outbreaks and pandemics superimposed on countries with preexisting crises have also affected emergency response to these viral outbreaks. Strategies to protect HCWs include adherence to recommended infection prevention and control measures; new technology such as rapid point-of-care tests and remote monitoring; adopting national public health preparedness plans to ensure the supply and allocation of PPE, staff, and testing supplies; occupational health and mental health support services. Lessons learned from recent pandemics should be used by Infection Prevention and Control and Occupational Health staff to refine preparedness plans to protect HCWs better.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Edgar
- Independent Researcher, Honolulu, HI 96795, USA
| | | | - Karen E. Lee
- The Open University, Walton Hall, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mason Harrell
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigacion Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundacion Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Aerosol particle emission increases exponentially above moderate exercise intensity resulting in superemission during maximal exercise. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202521119. [PMID: 35605123 PMCID: PMC9295808 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202521119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or other pathogens is probably increased during indoor exercise, but data on the emission of aerosol particles by an exercising individual are lacking. Here, we report that aerosol particle emission increases on average 132-fold from 580 ± 489 particles/min at rest to 76,200 ± 48,000 particles/min during maximal exercise. Aerosol particle emission increases moderately up to an exercise intensity of ≈2 W/kg and exponentially at higher exercise intensities. These data not only explain SARS-CoV-2 transmissions during indoor group exercise but also can be used to design better targeted mitigation measures for physical activity indoors such as physical education in school, dance events during weddings, or high-intensity gym classes such as spinning. Many airborne pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are transmitted indoors via aerosol particles. During exercise, pulmonary ventilation can increase over 10-fold, and therefore, exercisers will exhale a greater volume of aerosol-containing air. However, we currently do not know how exercise affects the concentration of aerosol particles in exhaled air and the overall emission of aerosol particles. Consequently, we developed a method to measure in parallel the concentration of aerosol particles in expired air, pulmonary ventilation, and aerosol particle emission at rest and during a graded exercise test to exhaustion. We used this method to test eight women and eight men in a descriptive study. We found that the aerosol particle concentration in expired air increased significantly from 56 ± 53 particles/liter at rest to 633 ± 422 particles/liter at maximal intensity. Aerosol particle emission per subject increased significantly by a factor of 132 from 580 ± 489 particles/min at rest to a super emission of 76,200 ± 48,000 particles/min during maximal exercise. There were no sex differences in aerosol particle emission, but endurance-training subjects emitted significantly more aerosol particles during maximal exercise than untrained subjects. Overall, aerosol particle emission increased moderately up to an exercise intensity of ∼2 W/kg and exponentially thereafter. Together, these data might partly explain superspreader events especially during high-intensity group exercise indoors and suggest that strong infection prevention measures are needed especially during exercise at an intensity that exceeds ∼2 W/kg. Investigations of influencing factors like airway and whole-body hydration status during exercise on aerosol particle generation are needed.
Collapse
|