1
|
Olsen M, Goldsworthy A, Morgan M, Leggett J, Demaneuf T, Van Der Bruggen N, Singh G, Ghemrawi R, Senok A, Almheiri R, McKirdy S, Alghafri R, Tajouri L. Microbial laden mobile phones from international conference attendees pose potential risks to public health and biosecurity. Infect Dis Health 2024:S2468-0451(24)00067-1. [PMID: 39332981 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2024.08.004] [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: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobile phones, contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, have the potential to act as "trojan horses". The microbial signatures present on their surfaces most probably vary across different geographical regions. As a result, mobile phones belonging to international conference attendees may serve as a model for global microbial dissemination, posing potential risks to public health and biosecurity. AIM This study aimed to profile the microbes present on mobile phones belonging to delegates attending an international scientific conference through use of metagenomic shotgun DNA sequencing. METHODS Twenty mobile phones, representing ten different geographical zones from around the world, were swabbed and pooled together into ten geographical-specific samples for high definition next-generation DNA sequencing. WONCA council members were invited to participate and provided verbal consent. Following DNA extraction, next generation sequencing, to a depth of approximately 10Gbp per sample, was undertaken on a v1.5 Illumina NovaSeq6000 system. Bioinformatic analysis was performed via the CosmosID platform. RESULTS A total of 2204 microbial hits were accumulated across 20 mobile phones inclusive of 882 bacteria, 1229 viruses, 88 fungi and 5 protozoa. Of particular concern was the identification of 65 distinct antibiotic resistance genes and 86 virulence genes. Plant, animal and human pathogens, including ESKAPE and HACEK bacteria were found on mobile phones. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Mobile phones of international attendees are contaminated with many & varied microorganisms. Further research is required to characterize the risks these devices pose for biosecurity and public health. Development of new policies which appropriately address and prevent such risks maybe warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Olsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Adrian Goldsworthy
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Mark Morgan
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - John Leggett
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Gobinddeep Singh
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Rose Ghemrawi
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 64141, United Arab Emirates; AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abiola Senok
- Mohammed Bin Rashed University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Reem Almheiri
- International Centre for Forensic Sciences, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Simon McKirdy
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Rashed Alghafri
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; International Centre for Forensic Sciences, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lotti Tajouri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cymerys J, Bartak M, Słońska A, Lange A, Jaworski S, Chodkowski M, Ostrowska A, Wierzbicki M, Sawosz E, Bańbura MW. Antiviral Activity of Graphene Oxide-Silver Nanocomposites Against Murine Betacoronavirus. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:9009-9033. [PMID: 39246425 PMCID: PMC11380865 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s473448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The high infectivity of coronaviruses has led to increased interest in developing new strategies to prevent virus spread. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and graphene oxide (GO) have attracted much attention in the antiviral field. We investigated the potential antiviral activity of GO and AgNPs combined in the nanocomposite GO-Ag against murine betacoronavirus MHV using an in vitro model. Methods GO, AgNPs, and GO-Ag characterization (size distribution, zeta potential, TEM visualization, FT-IR, and EDX analysis) and XTT assay were performed. The antiviral activity of GO-Ag nanocomposites was evaluated by RT-qPCR and TCID50 assays. The results were compared with free AgNPs and pure GO. Cell growth and morphology of MHV-infected hepatocytes treated with GO-Ag composites were analyzed by JuLI™Br. Immunofluorescence was used to visualize the cell receptor used by MHV. Ultrastructural SEM analysis was performed to examine cell morphology after MHV infection and GO-Ag composite treatment. Results A significant reduction in virus titer was observed for all nanocomposites tested, ranging from 3.2 to 7.3 log10 TCID50. The highest titer reduction was obtained for GO 5 µg/mL - Ag 25 µg/mL in the post-treatment method. These results were confirmed by RT-qPCR analysis. The results indicate that GO-Ag nanocomposites exhibited better antiviral activity compared to AgNPs and GO. Moreover, the attachment of AgNPs to the GO flake platform reduced their cytotoxicity. In addition, the GO-Ag composite modulates the distribution of the Ceacam1 cell receptor and can modulate cell morphology. Conclusion Graphene oxide sheets act as a stabilizing agent, inhibiting the accumulation of AgNPs and reducing their cellular toxicity. The GO-Ag composite can physically bind and inhibit murine betacoronavirus from entering cells. Furthermore, the constant presence of GO-Ag can inhibit MHV replication and significantly limit its extracellular release. In conclusion, GO-Ag shows promise as an antiviral coating on solid surfaces to minimize virus transmission and spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Cymerys
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michalina Bartak
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Słońska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Lange
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Jaworski
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Agnieszka Ostrowska
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wierzbicki
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Sawosz
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin W Bańbura
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang J, Fraser A, Jiang X. Persistence of two coronaviruses and efficacy of steam vapor disinfection on two types of carpet. Virol J 2024; 21:207. [PMID: 39223556 PMCID: PMC11367742 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02478-9] [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: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronaviruses, a group of highly transmissible and potentially pathogenic viruses, can be transmitted indirectly to humans via fomites. To date, no study has investigated their persistence on carpet fibers. Establishing persistence is essential before testing the efficacy of a disinfectant. METHODS The persistence of BCoV and HCoV OC43 on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon carpet was first determined using infectivity and RT-qPCR assays. Then, the disinfectant efficacy of steam vapor was evaluated against both coronaviruses on nylon carpet. RESULTS Immediately after inoculation of carpet coupons, 32.50% of BCoV and 3.87% of HCoV OC43 were recovered from PET carpet, compared to 34.86% of BCoV and 24.37% of HCoV OC43 recovered from nylon carpet. After incubation at room temperature for 1 h, BCoV and HCoV OC43 showed a 3.6 and > 2.8 log10 TCID50 reduction on PET carpet, and a 0.6 and 1.8 log10 TCID50 reduction on nylon carpet. Based on first-order decay kinetics, the whole gRNA of BCoV and HCoV OC43 were stable with k values of 1.19 and 0.67 h- 1 on PET carpet and 0.86 and 0.27 h- 1 on nylon carpet, respectively. A 15-s steam vapor treatment achieved a > 3.0 log10 TCID50 reduction of BCoV and > 3.2 log10 TCID50 reduction of HCoV OC43 on nylon carpet. CONCLUSION BCoV was more resistant to desiccation on both carpet types than HCoV OC43. Both viruses lost infectivity quicker on PET carpet than on nylon carpet. Steam vapor inactivated both coronaviruses on nylon carpet within 15 s.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinge Huang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, 228A Life Science Facility, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Angela Fraser
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, 228A Life Science Facility, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Xiuping Jiang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, 228A Life Science Facility, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gong Z, Song T, Hu M, Che Q, Guo J, Zhang H, Li H, Wang Y, Liu B, Shi N. Natural and socio-environmental factors in the transmission of COVID-19: a comprehensive analysis of epidemiology and mechanisms. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2196. [PMID: 39138466 PMCID: PMC11321203 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19749-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There are significant differences in the transmission rate and mortality rate of COVID-19 under environmental conditions such as seasons and climates. However, the impact of environmental factors on the role of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transmission mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 is unclear. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of environmental factors on COVID-19 can provide innovative insights for global epidemic prevention and control policies and COVID-19 related research. This review summarizes the evidence of the impact of different natural and social environmental factors on the transmission of COVID-19 through a comprehensive analysis of epidemiology and mechanism research. This will provide innovative inspiration for global epidemic prevention and control policies and provide reference for similar infectious diseases that may emerge in the future. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence reveals mechanisms by which natural environmental factors influence the transmission of COVID-19, including (i) virus survival and transport, (ii) immune system damage, (iii) inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death, and (iiii) increasing risk of complications. All of these measures appear to be effective in controlling the spread or mortality of COVID-19: (1) reducing air pollution levels, (2) rational use of ozone disinfection and medical ozone therapy, (3) rational exposure to sunlight, (4) scientific ventilation and maintenance of indoor temperature and humidity, (5) control of population density, and (6) control of population movement. Our review indicates that with the continuous mutation of SARS-CoV-2, high temperature, high humidity, low air pollution levels, and low population density more likely to slow down the spread of the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyuan Gong
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Tian Song
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Mingzhi Hu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qianzi Che
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Haili Zhang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Huizhen Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Nannan Shi
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kimbrell B, Huang J, Fraser A, Jiang X. Efficacy of Three Antimicrobials Against two SARS-COV-2 Surrogates, Bovine Coronavirus and Human Coronavirus OC43, on Hard or Soft Nonporous Materials. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100316. [PMID: 38878900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of three antimicrobials was evaluated against two severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surrogates - bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43 - on hard and soft nonporous materials. Three antimicrobials with three different active ingredients (chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium compound + alcohol) were studied. Initially, a neutralization method was optimized for each antimicrobial. Then, we determined their efficacy against BCoV and HCoV OC43 in both suspension and on surfaces made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic and vinyl upholstery fabric. All tests were conducted under ambient environmental conditions with a soil load of 5% fetal bovine serum. After a 2-min exposure, all three antimicrobials achieved a >3.0 log10 reduction in viral titers in suspension. All three also reduced virus infectivity on both surface materials below the detection limit (0.6 log10 TCID50/carrier). Treatments in which the reduction in virus titer was <3.0 log10 were attributed to a decreased dynamic range on the carrier during drying prior to disinfection. The carrier data revealed that both surrogates were inactivated more rapidly (p <0.05) on vinyl or under conditions of high relative humidity. Three classes of antimicrobials were efficacious against both SARS-CoV-2 surrogate viruses, with BCoV demonstrating slightly less sensitivity compared to HCoV OC43. These findings also illustrate the importance of (1) optimizing the neutralization method and (2) considering relative humidity as a key factor for efficacy testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Kimbrell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jinge Huang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Angela Fraser
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiuping Jiang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Limaheluw J, Dollmann S, Folpmers S, Beltrán Beut L, Lazarakou A, Vermeulen LC, de Roda Husman AM. Associations between meteorological factors and COVID-19: a global scoping review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1183706. [PMID: 39091528 PMCID: PMC11291467 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1183706] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Many respiratory viruses and their associated diseases are sensitive to meteorological factors. For SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, evidence on this sensitivity is inconsistent. Understanding the influence of meteorological factors on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 epidemiology can help to improve pandemic preparedness. Objectives This review aimed to examine the recent evidence about the relation between meteorological factors and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Methods We conducted a global scoping review of peer-reviewed studies published from January 2020 up to January 2023 about the associations between temperature, solar radiation, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Results From 9,156 initial records, we included 474 relevant studies. Experimental studies on SARS-CoV-2 provided consistent evidence that higher temperatures and solar radiation negatively affect virus viability. Studies on COVID-19 (epidemiology) were mostly observational and provided less consistent evidence. Several studies considered interactions between meteorological factors or other variables such as demographics or air pollution. None of the publications included all determinants holistically. Discussion The association between short-term meteorological factors and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 dynamics is complex. Interactions between environmental and social components need further consideration. A more integrated research approach can provide valuable insights to predict the dynamics of respiratory viruses with pandemic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Limaheluw
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia Dollmann
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Folpmers
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lola Beltrán Beut
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Afroditi Lazarakou
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lucie C. Vermeulen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Maria de Roda Husman
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu Z, López-Muñoz AD, Kosik I, Li T, Callahan V, Brooks K, Yee DS, Holly J, Santos JJS, Castro Brant A, Johnson RF, Takeda K, Zheng ZM, Brenchley JM, Yewdell JW, Fox JM. Recombinant OC43 SARS-CoV-2 spike replacement virus: An improved BSL-2 proxy virus for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assays. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310421121. [PMID: 38976733 PMCID: PMC11260102 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310421121] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
We generated a replication-competent OC43 human seasonal coronavirus (CoV) expressing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike in place of the native spike (rOC43-CoV2 S). This virus is highly attenuated relative to OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells and animals and is classified as a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) agent by the NIH biosafety committee. Neutralization of rOC43-CoV2 S and SARS-CoV-2 by S-specific monoclonal antibodies and human sera is highly correlated, unlike recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-CoV2 S. Single-dose immunization with rOC43-CoV2 S generates high levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and fully protects human ACE2 transgenic mice from SARS-CoV-2 lethal challenge, despite nondetectable replication in respiratory and nonrespiratory organs. rOC43-CoV2 S induces S-specific serum and airway mucosal immunoglobulin A and IgG responses in rhesus macaques. rOC43-CoV2 S has enormous value as a BSL-2 agent to measure S-specific antibodies in the context of a bona fide CoV and is a candidate live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 mucosal vaccine that preferentially replicates in the upper airway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Hu
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Alberto Domingo López-Muñoz
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Ivan Kosik
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Tiansheng Li
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Victoria Callahan
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Kelsie Brooks
- Barrier Immunity Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Debra S. Yee
- Barrier Immunity Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jaroslav Holly
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jefferson J. S. Santos
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Ayslan Castro Brant
- Tumor Virus RNA Biology Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD21702
| | - Reed F. Johnson
- SARS-CoV-2 Virology Core, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Kazuyo Takeda
- Microscopy and Imaging Core Facility, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993
| | - Zhi-Ming Zheng
- Tumor Virus RNA Biology Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD21702
| | - Jason M. Brenchley
- Barrier Immunity Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jonathan W. Yewdell
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Julie M. Fox
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wei L, Song L, Dunker AK, Foster JA, Uversky VN, Goh GKM. A Comparative Experimental and Computational Study on the Nature of the Pangolin-CoV and COVID-19 Omicron. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7537. [PMID: 39062780 PMCID: PMC11277539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147537] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between pangolin-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 has been a subject of debate. Further evidence of a special relationship between the two viruses can be found by the fact that all known COVID-19 viruses have an abnormally hard outer shell (low M disorder, i.e., low content of intrinsically disordered residues in the membrane (M) protein) that so far has been found in CoVs associated with burrowing animals, such as rabbits and pangolins, in which transmission involves virus remaining in buried feces for a long time. While a hard outer shell is necessary for viral survival, a harder inner shell could also help. For this reason, the N disorder range of pangolin-CoVs, not bat-CoVs, more closely matches that of SARS-CoV-2, especially when Omicron is included. The low N disorder (i.e., low content of intrinsically disordered residues in the nucleocapsid (N) protein), first observed in pangolin-CoV-2017 and later in Omicron, is associated with attenuation according to the Shell-Disorder Model. Our experimental study revealed that pangolin-CoV-2017 and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (XBB.1.16 subvariant) show similar attenuations with respect to viral growth and plaque formation. Subtle differences have been observed that are consistent with disorder-centric computational analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lai Wei
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100089, China;
| | - Lihua Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100089, China;
| | - A. Keith Dunker
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - James A. Foster
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA;
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shroff S, Perämäki A, Väisänen A, Pasanen P, Grönlund K, Nissinen VH, Jänis J, Haapala A, Marjomäki V. Tree Species-Dependent Inactivation of Coronaviruses and Enteroviruses on Solid Wood Surfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:29621-29633. [PMID: 38806169 PMCID: PMC11181278 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02156] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The ongoing challenge of viral transmission, exemplified by the Covid pandemic and recurrent viral outbreaks, necessitates the exploration of sustainable antiviral solutions. This study investigates the underexplored antiviral potential of wooden surfaces. We evaluated the antiviral efficacy of various wood types, including coniferous and deciduous trees, against enveloped coronaviruses and nonenveloped enteroviruses like coxsackie virus A9. Our findings revealed excellent antiviral activity manifesting already within 10 to 15 min in Scots pine and Norway spruce, particularly against enveloped viruses. In contrast, other hardwoods displayed varied efficacy, with oak showing effectiveness against the enterovirus. This antiviral activity was consistently observed across a spectrum of humidity levels (20 to 90 RH%), while the antiviral efficacy manifested itself more rapidly at 37 °C vs 21 °C. Key to our findings is the chemical composition of these woods. Resin acids and terpenes were prevalent in pine and spruce, correlating with their antiviral performance, while oak's high phenolic content mirrored its efficacy against enterovirus. The pine surface absorbed a higher fraction of the coronavirus in contrast to oak, whereas enteroviruses were not absorbed on those surfaces. Thermal treatment of wood or mixing wood with plastic, such as in wood-plastic composites, strongly compromised the antiviral functionality of wood materials. This study highlights the role of bioactive chemicals in the antiviral action of wood and opens new avenues for employing wood surfaces as a natural and sustainable barrier against viral transmissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sailee Shroff
- Department
of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40500, Finland
| | - Anni Perämäki
- Department
of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40500, Finland
| | - Antti Väisänen
- Department
of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Pertti Pasanen
- Department
of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Krista Grönlund
- Department
of Chemistry, Sustainable Technologies, University of Eastern Finland, 80100 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Ville H. Nissinen
- Department
of Chemistry, Sustainable Technologies, University of Eastern Finland, 80100 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Janne Jänis
- Department
of Chemistry, Sustainable Technologies, University of Eastern Finland, 80100 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Antti Haapala
- Department
of Chemistry, Sustainable Technologies, University of Eastern Finland, 80100 Joensuu, Finland
- FSCN
Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, SE-85170 Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Varpu Marjomäki
- Department
of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40500, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Traoré SG, Fokou G, Wognin AS, Dié SAG, Amanzou NAA, Heitz-Tokpa K, Tetchi SM, Seko MO, Sanhoun AR, Traoré A, Anoh EA, Tiembre I, Koussemon-Camara M, Akoua-Koffi C, Bonfoh B. Assessment of handwashing impact on detection of SARS-CoV-2, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli on hands in rural and urban settings of Côte d'Ivoire during COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1380. [PMID: 38778328 PMCID: PMC11112913 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18838-7] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Handwashing is the first line of hygiene measures and one of the oldest methods of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Despite its efficacy in the health system, handwashing is often inadequately practiced by populations. This study aimed to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on hands as indicators of lack of hand hygiene during COVID 19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Taabo and urban Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) from January to September 2021. A total of 384 participants from 384 households were included in the study. The total households were distributed proportionally within various municipalities in the two study areas according to the number of households in each municipality, based on data of the National Institute of Statistics from the 2014 general population census. Hand swabbing of the 384 participants within households (320 in Abidjan and 64 in Taabo) was performed for the enumeration of E. coli and S aureus, using laboratory standard method and for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. A binary logistic regression model was built with the outcome variable presence of Staphylococcus spp. on hands of respondents that was categorized into binary variables, Staphylococcus spp. (1 = presence, 0 = absence) for the Risk Ratio estimation. Place of living, sex, handwashing, education and age group were used to adjust the model to observe the effects of these explanatory variables. RESULTS No presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected on the hands of respondents in both sites. However, in urban Abidjan, only Staphylococcus spp. (Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) was found on the hands of 233 (72.8%, 95%CI: 67.7-77.4) respondents with the average load of 0.56 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.52-0.60). Meanwhile, in rural Taabo, Staphylococcus spp. (Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) and E. coli were found on the hands of 40 (62.5%, 95%CI: 50.3-73.3) and 7 (10.9%, 95%CI: 5.4-20.9) respondents with the respective average load of 0.49 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.39-0.59) and 0.08 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.03-0.18). Participants living in rural Taabo were less likely to have Staphylococcus spp. on their hands (RR = 0.811; 95%IC: 0.661-0.995) compared to those living in urban Abidjan. CONCLUSIONS No SARS-CoV-2 was detected on the hands of participants in both sites, suggesting that our study did not show direct transmission through hands. No E. coli was found in urban Abidjan while E. coli was found on the hands of participants in rural Taabo indicating poor hand washing and disinfection practices in rural Taabo. Living in urban Abidjan is statistically associated to having Staphylococcus spp. on hands. Further studies are necessary especially to understand to what extent the presence of Staphylococcus spp. on hands indicates a higher infection or fecal colonization rates in the case of E. coli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Gnamien Traoré
- Université Peleforo Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gilbert Fokou
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | | | - Nogbou Andetchi Aubin Amanzou
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Université Virtuelle de Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Kathrin Heitz-Tokpa
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Malik Orou Seko
- Ecole Inter-Etats des Sciences et Médecine Vétérinaires, Dakar, Sénégal.
| | - Aimé Roland Sanhoun
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Adjaratou Traoré
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Issaka Tiembre
- Institut National d'Hygiène Publique, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Chantal Akoua-Koffi
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
- UFR Sciences Médicales de l'Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jin G, Wang R, Jin Y, Song Y, Wang T. From intramuscular to nasal: unleashing the potential of nasal spray vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1514. [PMID: 38770238 PMCID: PMC11103645 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected 700 million people worldwide since its outbreak in 2019. The current pandemic strains, including Omicron and its large subvariant series, exhibit strong transmission and stealth. After entering the human body, the virus first infects nasal epithelial cells and invades host cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor and transmembrane serine protease 2 on the host cell surface. The nasal cavity is an important body part that protects against the virus. Immunisation of the nasal mucosa produces immunoglobulin A antibodies that effectively neutralise viruses. Saline nasal irrigation, a type of physical therapy, can reduce the viral load in the nasal cavity and prevent viral infections to some extent. As a commonly used means to fight SARS-CoV-2, the intramuscular (IM) vaccine can induce the human body to produce a systemic immune response and immunoglobulin G antibody; however, the antibody is difficult to distribute to the nasal mucosa in time and cannot achieve a good preventive effect. Intranasal (IN) vaccines compensate for the shortcomings of IM vaccines, induce mucosal immune responses, and have a better effect in preventing infection. In this review, we discuss the nasal defence barrier, the harm caused by SARS-CoV-2, the mechanism of its invasion into host cells, nasal cleaning, IM vaccines and IN vaccines, and suggest increasing the development of IN vaccines, and use of IN vaccines as a supplement to IM vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Jin
- Faculty of MedicineDalian University of TechnologyDalianLiaoningChina
- Department of RadiotherapyCancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Runze Wang
- Department of RadiotherapyCancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Yi Jin
- Department of Breast SurgeryLiaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Yingqiu Song
- Department of RadiotherapyCancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Tianlu Wang
- Faculty of MedicineDalian University of TechnologyDalianLiaoningChina
- Department of RadiotherapyCancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangLiaoningChina
- Department of RadiotherapyCancer Hospital of Dalian University of TechnologyDalianLiaoningChina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Winalai C, Anupong S, Modchang C, Chadsuthi S. LSTM-Powered COVID-19 prediction in central Thailand incorporating meteorological and particulate matter data with a multi-feature selection approach. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30319. [PMID: 38711630 PMCID: PMC11070856 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30319] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted public health and necessitated urgent actions to mitigate its spread. Monitoring and predicting the outbreak's progression have become vital to devise effective strategies and allocate resources efficiently. This study presents a novel approach utilizing Multivariate Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) to analyze and predict COVID-19 trends in Central Thailand, particularly emphasizing the multi-feature selection process. To consider a comprehensive view of the pandemic's dynamics, our research dataset encompasses epidemiological, meteorological, and particulate matter features, which were gathered from reliable sources. We propose a multi-feature selection technique to identify the most relevant and influential features that significantly impact the spread of COVID-19 in the region to enhance the model's performance. Our results highlight that relative humidity is the key factor driving COVID-19 transmission in Central Thailand. The proposed multi-feature selection technique significantly improves the model's accuracy, ensuring that only the most informative variables contribute to the predictions, avoiding the potential noise or redundancy from less relevant features. The proposed LSTM model demonstrates its capability to forecast COVID-19 cases, facilitating informed decision-making for public health authorities and policymakers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chanidapa Winalai
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Suparinthon Anupong
- Department of Chemistry, Mahidol Wittayanusorn School (MWIT), Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Charin Modchang
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence in Mathematics, CHE, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Thailand Center of Excellence in Physics, CHE, 328 Si Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sudarat Chadsuthi
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wu S, Yuan S. Threshold dynamics of a switching diffusion SIR model with logistic growth and healthcare resources. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2024; 21:5881-5899. [PMID: 38872563 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2024260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we have constructed a stochastic SIR model with healthcare resources and logistic growth, aiming to explore the effect of random environment and healthcare resources on disease transmission dynamics. We have showed that under mild extra conditions, there exists a critical parameter, i.e., the basic reproduction number $ R_0^s $, which completely determines the dynamics of disease: when $ R_0^s < 1 $, the disease is eradicated; while when $ R_0^s > 1 $, the disease is persistent. To validate our theoretical findings, we conducted some numerical simulations using actual parameter values of COVID-19. Both our theoretical and simulation results indicated that (1) the white noise can significantly affect the dynamics of a disease, and importantly, it can shift the stability of the disease-free equilibrium; (2) infectious disease resurgence may be caused by random switching of the environment; and (3) it is vital to maintain adequate healthcare resources to control the spread of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Wu
- College of Science, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Sanling Yuan
- College of Science, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Su L, Lou Y, Li J, Mao H, Li J, Sun Y, Zhou B, Wu G, Huang C, Zhang Y, Chen K. Influence of storage solution, temperature, assay time and concentration on RT-qPCR nucleic acid detection for SARS-CoV-2 detection of SARS-CoV-2 by the RT-qPCR. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 707:149726. [PMID: 38493747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149726] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Real-time reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is an important method for the early diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study investigated the effects of storage solution, temperature and detection time on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid detection by RT-qPCR. Various concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 were added to inactive and non-inactive storage solution and the viral suspensions were stored at various temperatures (room temperature, 4, -20 and -80 °C). Then, at five different detection time points, the Ct values were determined by RT-qPCR. Active and inactive storage solutions and storage temperature have a great impact on the detection of N gene of SARS-CoV-2 at different concentration corridors but have little impact on the ORF gene. The storage time has a greater impact on the N gene and ORF gene at high concentrations but has no effect on the two genes at low concentrations. In conclusion, storage temperature, storage time and storage status (inactivated, non-inactivated) have no effect on the nucleic acid detection of SARS-CoV-2 at the same concentration. For different concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, the detection of N gene is mainly affected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingxuan Su
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Lou
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Haiyan Mao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biaofeng Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangshang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chen Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Keda Chen
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hu Y, Peng S, Su B, Wang T, Lin J, Sun W, Hu X, Zhang G, Wang X, Peng P, Bi X. Laboratory studies on the infectivity of human respiratory viruses: Experimental conditions, detections, and resistance to the atmospheric environment. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 4:471-483. [PMID: 38933192 PMCID: PMC11197496 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.12.017] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The environmental stability of infectious viruses in the laboratory setting is crucial to the transmission potential of human respiratory viruses. Different experimental techniques or conditions used in studies over the past decades have led to diverse understandings and predictions for the stability of viral infectivity in the atmospheric environment. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the effect of simulated atmospheric conditions on the infectivity of respiratory viruses, mainly focusing on influenza viruses and coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. First, we summarize the impact of the experimental conditions on viral stability; these involve the methods of viral aerosol generation, storage during aging and collection, the virus types and strains, the suspension matrixes, the initial inoculum volumes and concentrations, and the drying process. Second, we summarize and discuss the detection methods of viral infectivity and their disadvantages. Finally, we integrate the results from the reviewed studies to obtain an overall understanding of the effects of atmospheric environmental conditions on the decay of infectious viruses, especially aerosolized viruses. Overall, this review highlights the knowledge gaps in predicting the ability of viruses to maintain infectivity during airborne transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaohao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuyi Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bojiang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaodong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ping'an Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xinhui Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Aranega-Bou P, Pottage T, Fenwick A, D'Costa W, Brown NF, Yaxley N, King MF, Parker ST, Miller D, López-García M, Noakes CJ, Moore G, Bennett A. A 17-month longitudinal surface sampling study carried out on public transport vehicles operating in England during the COVID-19 pandemic identified low levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA contamination. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae095. [PMID: 38637309 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae095] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To monitor severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA contamination in vehicles operating in England during the pandemic, to better understand transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 on public transport. METHODS AND RESULTS We collected 1314 surface samples between December 2020 and April 2022 on trains and buses managed by five different transport operators. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was investigated through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found on 197 (15%) of the 1314 surfaces sampled, including seat head rests, handholds, and air extract grilles, but the levels of RNA recovered on those samples (median value of 23.4, interquartile range: 14.3-35.4, N gene copies per extraction) made the presence of infectious virus at the time of sampling extremely unlikely. However, detection rates varied over time with peaks broadly coinciding with times of high community transmission, when it was more likely that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were travelling on public transport. CONCLUSION During the pandemic, and as in other public spaces, low levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were found on surfaces associated with public transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paz Aranega-Bou
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Pottage
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Fenwick
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhemina D'Costa
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie F Brown
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Yaxley
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Marco-Felipe King
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS29JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Simon T Parker
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Miller
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Martín López-García
- School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds , United Kingdom
| | - Catherine J Noakes
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS29JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ginny Moore
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Allan Bennett
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hardt M, Kaiser F, Voss T, Oelmüller U, Zatloukal K. Pre-analytical properties of different respiratory viruses for PCR-based detection: Comparative analysis of sampling devices and sample stabilization solutions. N Biotechnol 2024; 79:60-70. [PMID: 38145650 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.12.005] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
After the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems were challenged by the simultaneous prevalence of different respiratory viruses causing a wide overlap in symptoms. This increased the demand for multi-virus diagnostic tests which require suitable pre-analytical workflow solutions in order to receive valid diagnostic results. In this context, the effects of specimen storage duration and temperature on the RNA/DNA copy number stability of influenza A/B, RSV A/B, SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus were examined for four commercially available transport swab systems and saliva collection devices. The respiratory viruses were more stable in the saliva collection devices than in the transport swab systems when stored at RT or 37 °C for up to 96 h. Moreover, no differences between viral nucleic acid stability of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses were observed. The infectivity of all enveloped viruses could be inactivated by the saliva collection device from PreAnalytiX. The Norgen saliva device completely inactivated influenza A/B, while RSV A/B were partially inactivated. The non-enveloped adenovirus was inactivated by a reduction factor of 10E+ 4 in both saliva collection devices. All respiratory viruses remained infectious in the transport swab systems. Two possible transport medium additives were tested which inactivated or strongly reduced viral replication of tested enveloped viruses but had no effect on the non-enveloped adenovirus. Finally the implementation of multi-target detection procedures involving a direct amplification approach was successfully tested by spike-in of all enveloped viruses simultaneously into transport swab systems. This fast and reproducible setup presents a valuable solution for future implementations in multi-virus testing strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melina Hardt
- Diagnostic, and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Diagnostic, and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Kurt Zatloukal
- Diagnostic, and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Diagnostic, and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kubo M, Eda R, Maehana S, Fuketa H, Shinkai N, Kawamura N, Kitasato H, Hanaki H. Virucidal efficacy of hypochlorous acid water for aqueous phase and atomization against SARS-CoV-2. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:601-611. [PMID: 38557574 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.348] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged at the end of 2019. SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through droplets, aerosols, and fomites. Disinfectants such as alcohol, quaternary ammonium salts, and chlorine-releasing agents, including hypochlorous acid, are used to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of ionless hypochlorous acid water (HOCl) in suspension and by spraying to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. The virucidal efficacy of HOCl solution in tests against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated as 50% tissue culture infectious dose. Although the presence of organic compounds influenced the virucidal efficacy, HOCl treatment for 20 s was significantly effective to inactivate Wuhan and Delta strains in the suspension test. HOCl atomization for several hours significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 attached to plastic plates. These results indicate that HOCl solution with elimination containing NaCl and other ions may have high virucidal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. This study provides important information about the virucidal efficacy and use of HOCl solution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kubo
- Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Department of Environmental Microbiology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Research Facility of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Design, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan E-mail:
| | - Ryotaro Eda
- Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Department of Environmental Microbiology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Research Facility of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Design, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Shotaro Maehana
- Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Department of Environmental Microbiology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan; Research Facility of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Design, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fuketa
- NIPRO Corporation, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, 7-2 Minamisakae-cho Kasukabe, Saitama 344-0057, Japan
| | - Norihiro Shinkai
- NIPRO Corporation, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, 7-2 Minamisakae-cho Kasukabe, Saitama 344-0057, Japan
| | - Naohisa Kawamura
- NIPRO Corporation, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, 7-2 Minamisakae-cho Kasukabe, Saitama 344-0057, Japan
| | - Hidero Kitasato
- Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hanaki
- Infection Control Research Center, The Omura Satoshi Memorial Institution, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shroff S, Haapakoski M, Tapio K, Laajala M, Leppänen M, Plavec Z, Haapala A, Butcher SJ, Ihalainen JA, Toppari JJ, Marjomäki V. Antiviral action of a functionalized plastic surface against human coronaviruses. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0300823. [PMID: 38226803 PMCID: PMC10846231 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03008-23] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses may persist on solid surfaces for long periods, which may contribute to indirect transmission. Thus, it is imperative to develop functionalized surfaces that will lower the infectious viral load in everyday life. Here, we have tested a plastic surface functionalized with tall oil rosin against the seasonal human coronavirus OC43 as well as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. All tested non-functionalized plastic surfaces showed virus persistence up to 48 h. In contrast, the functionalized plastic showed good antiviral action already within 15 min of contact and excellent efficacy after 30 min over 90% humidity. Excellent antiviral effects were also observed at lower humidities of 20% and 40%. Despite the hydrophilic nature of the functionalized plastic, viruses did not adhere strongly to it. According to helium ion microscopy, viruses appeared flatter on the rosin-functionalized surface, but after flushing away from the rosin-functionalized surface, they showed no apparent structural changes when imaged by transmission electron microscopy of cryogenic or negatively stained specimens or by atomic force microscopy. Flushed viruses were able to bind to their host cell surface and enter endosomes, suggesting that the fusion with the endosomal membrane was halted. The eluted rosin from the functionalized surface demonstrated its ability to inactivate viruses, indicating that the antiviral efficacy relied on the active leaching of the antiviral substances, which acted on the viruses coming into contact. The rosin-functionalized plastic thus serves as a promising candidate as an antiviral surface for enveloped viruses.IMPORTANCEDuring seasonal and viral outbreaks, the implementation of antiviral plastics can serve as a proactive strategy to limit the spread of viruses from contaminated surfaces, complementing existing hygiene practices. In this study, we show the efficacy of a rosin-functionalized plastic surface that kills the viral infectivity of human coronaviruses within 15 min of contact time, irrespective of the humidity levels. In contrast, non-functionalized plastic surfaces retain viral infectivity for an extended period of up to 48 h. The transient attachment on the surface or the leached active components do not cause major structural changes in the virus or prevent receptor binding; instead, they effectively block viral infection at the endosomal stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sailee Shroff
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Marjo Haapakoski
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kosti Tapio
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Mira Laajala
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Miika Leppänen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Zlatka Plavec
- Molecular and Integrative Bioscience Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Haapala
- Sustainable Technologies group, Department of Chemistry, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
- FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Sarah J. Butcher
- Molecular and Integrative Bioscience Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne A. Ihalainen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - J. Jussi Toppari
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Varpu Marjomäki
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Upadrasta A, Daniels S, Humphreys H. Cold atmospheric air plasma-activated mist as a potential decontaminant against SARS-CoV-2 surrogate in saliva. J Hosp Infect 2024; 143:215-217. [PMID: 37734677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Upadrasta
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Daniels
- School of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - H Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mohammadpour A, Rezaei Z, Parvari A, Alami A, Taghavi M, Hajighasemkhan A, Khosravan S, Kalankesh LR. Covid-19 outbreak associated with demographic-meteorological factors in the arid and semi-arid region Iran: case study Gonabad city, 2020-2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:30-39. [PMID: 36175180 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2125161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the (Covid-19) pandemic outbreak, questioning regarding climate and incident of Covid-19 infection rates has been debated, while there is no clear research evidence until now in Iran. This study has focused on investigating the association between Covid-19 cases and demographic -meteorological factors in arid and semi-arid zones of Iran (from March 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022) by analyzing with Via Poisson and negative binomial regression. As a result, the incidence rate of both Covid-19 hospitalization and mortality cases reached peaks in the summer followed by the autumn. Interestingly, Covid-19 hospitalization cases are associated with humidity, temperature, and wind factors seasonally and monthly, but mortality cases are just associated with wind. In conclusion, the result demonstrated that demographicand meteorological factorsare positively and negatively associated with Covid-19 cases. Therefore, identifying the environmental factors contributing to the excess Covid-19 can help to prevent future pandemic waves in Iranian arid and semi-arid zone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mohammadpour
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Zahed Rezaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Arash Parvari
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics school of public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Alami
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Taghavi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - AliReza Hajighasemkhan
- School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Khosravan
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Laleh R Kalankesh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hu X, Wang S, Fu S, Qin M, Lyu C, Ding Z, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang D, Zhu L, Jiang T, Sun J, Ding H, Wu J, Chang L, Cui Y, Pang X, Wang Y, Huang W, Yang P, Wang L, Ma G, Wei W. Intranasal mask for protecting the respiratory tract against viral aerosols. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8398. [PMID: 38110357 PMCID: PMC10728126 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44134-w] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of many infectious diseases relies on aerosol transmission to the respiratory tract. Here we design an intranasal mask comprising a positively-charged thermosensitive hydrogel and cell-derived micro-sized vesicles with a specific viral receptor. We show that the positively charged hydrogel intercepts negatively charged viral aerosols, while the viral receptor on vesicles mediates the entrapment of viruses for inactivation. We demonstrate that when displaying matched viral receptors, the intranasal masks protect the nasal cavity and lung of mice from either severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or influenza A virus. With computerized tomography images of human nasal cavity, we further conduct computational fluid dynamics simulation and three-dimensional printing of an anatomically accurate human nasal cavity, which is connected to human lung organoids to generate a human respiratory tract model. Both simulative and experimental results support the suitability of intranasal masks in humans, as the likelihood of viral respiratory infections induced by different variant strains is dramatically reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Shaotong Fu
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Chengliang Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaowen Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yishu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Dongshu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Nanozymes and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, 518035, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Lingqian Chang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Yimin Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaocong Pang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) and WHO Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, 102629, Beijing, China
| | - Weijin Huang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) and WHO Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, 102629, Beijing, China
| | - Peidong Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Quanzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, China
| | - Limin Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.
| | - Guanghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hiep NT, Nguyen MK, Nhut HT, Hung NTQ, Manh NC, Lin C, Chang SW, Um MJ, Nguyen DD. A review on sterilization methods of environmental decontamination to prevent the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus): A new challenge towards eco-friendly solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166021. [PMID: 37543323 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic is currently wreaking havoc on the planet. SARS-CoV-2, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, is the current term for this outbreak. Reports about this novel coronavirus have been presented since the pandemic's breakout, and they have demonstrated that it transmits rapidly from person to person, primarily by droplets in the air. Findings have illustrated that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces from hours to days. Therefore, it is essential to find practical solutions to reduce the virus's impact on human health and the environment. This work evaluated common sterilization methods that can decontaminate the environment and items. The goal is that healthcare facilities, disease prevention organizations, and local communities can overcome the new challenge of finding eco-friendly solutions. Further, a foundation of information encompassing various sterilization procedures and highlighting their limits to choose the most appropriate method to stop disease-causing viruses in the new context has been presented. The findings of this crucial investigation contribute to gaining insight into the comprehensive sterilization approaches against the coronavirus for human health protection and sustainable environmental development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Trung Hiep
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Ho Chi Minh University of Natural Resources and Environment, 236B Le Van Sy, Ward 1, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Huynh Tan Nhut
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Tri Quang Hung
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
| | - Nguyen Cong Manh
- Department of Aquatic and Atmospheric Environment Research, Research Institute of Biotechnology and Environment, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - S Woong Chang
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, South Korea
| | - Myoung Jin Um
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, South Korea
| | - D Duc Nguyen
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, South Korea; Faculty of Environmental and Food Engineering, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 755414, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Reissner J, Siller P, Bartel A, Roesler U, Friese A. Stability of Feline Coronavirus in aerosols and dried in organic matrices on surfaces at various environmental conditions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22012. [PMID: 38086913 PMCID: PMC10716419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49361-1] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Enveloped respiratory viruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can be transmitted through aerosols and contact with contaminated surfaces. The stability of these viruses outside the host significantly impacts their transmission dynamics and the spread of diseases. In this study, we investigated the tenacity of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) in aerosols and on surfaces under varying environmental conditions. We found that airborne FCoV showed different stability depending on relative humidity (RH), with higher stability observed at low and high RH. Medium RH conditions (50-60%) were associated with increased loss of infectivity. Furthermore, FCoV remained infectious in the airborne state over 7 h. On stainless-steel surfaces, FCoV remained infectious for several months, with stability influenced by organic material and temperature. The presence of yeast extract and a temperature of 4 °C resulted in the longest maintenance of infectivity, with a 5 log10 reduction of the initial concentration after 167 days. At 20 °C, this reduction was achieved after 19 days. These findings highlight the potential risk of aerosol and contact transmission of respiratory viruses, especially in enclosed environments, over extended periods. Studying surrogate viruses like FCoV provides important insights into the behavior of zoonotic viruses like SARS-CoV-2 in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Reissner
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research-TZR, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Paul Siller
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research-TZR, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Department Veterinary Drugs, Mittelstraße 51-54, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Roesler
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research-TZR, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Friese
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research-TZR, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Horne J, Dunne N, Singh N, Safiuddin M, Esmaeili N, Erenler M, Ho I, Luk E. Building parameters linked with indoor transmission of SARS-CoV-2. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117156. [PMID: 37717799 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The rapid spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to the indoor remediation of transmissible diseases to decrease the risk for future pandemic threats. While there were many precautions in place to hinder the spread of COVID-19, there has also been a substantial increase of new research on SARS-CoV-2 that can be utilized to further mitigate the transmission risk of this novel virus. This review paper aims to identify the building parameters of indoor spaces that could have considerable influence on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The following building parameters have been identified and analyzed, emphasizing their link with the indoor transmission of SARS-CoV-2: temperature and relative humidity, temperature differences between rooms, ventilation rate and access to natural ventilation, occupant density, surface type and finish, airflow direction and speed, air stability, indoor air pollution, central air conditioning systems, capacity of air handling system and HVAC filter efficiency, edge sealing of air filters, room layout and interior design, and compartmentalization of interior space. This paper also explains the interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with indoor environments and its persistence. Furthermore, the modifications of the key building parameters have been discussed for controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor spaces. Understanding the information provided in this paper is crucial to develop effective health and safety measures that will aid in infection prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Horne
- Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada
| | - Nicholas Dunne
- Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada
| | - Nirmala Singh
- Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada
| | - Md Safiuddin
- Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada.
| | - Navid Esmaeili
- Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada
| | - Merve Erenler
- Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada
| | - Ian Ho
- Sysconverge Inc., 7030 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 500, Markham, ON L3R 6G2, Canada
| | - Edwin Luk
- Sysconverge Inc., 7030 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 500, Markham, ON L3R 6G2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Meister TL, Kirchhoff L, Brüggemann Y, Todt D, Steinmann J, Steinmann E. Stability of pathogens on banknotes and coins: A narrative review. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29312. [PMID: 38100621 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29312] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
For the prevention of infectious diseases, knowledge about potential transmission routes is essential. Pathogens can be transmitted directly (i.e. respiratory droplets, hand-to-hand contact) or indirectly via contaminated surfaces (fomites). In particular, frequently touched objects/surfaces may serve as transmission vehicles for different clinically relevant bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. Banknotes and coins offer ample surface area and are frequently exchanged between individuals. Consequently, many concerns have been raised in the recent past, that banknotes and coins could serve as vectors for the transmission of disease-causing microorganisms. This review summarizes the latest research on the potential of paper currency and coins to serve as sources of pathogenic viral, bacterial, and fungal agents. In contrast to the current perception of banknotes and coins as important transmission vehicles, current evidence suggests, that banknotes and coins do not pose a particular risk of pathogen infection for the public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Luise Meister
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Lisa Kirchhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Joerg Steinmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, General Hospital Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jung Y, Abney SE, Reynolds KA, Gerba CP, Wilson AM. Evaluating infection risks and importance of hand hygiene during the household laundry process using a quantitative microbial risk assessment approach. Am J Infect Control 2023; 51:1377-1383. [PMID: 37271422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contaminated laundry contributes to infectious disease spread in residential and home health care settings. The objectives were to (1) evaluate pathogen transmission risks for individuals doing laundry, and (2) compare hand hygiene timing to reduce risks. METHODS A quantitative microbial risk assessment using experimental data from a laundry washing effectiveness study was applied to estimate infection risks from SARS-CoV-2, rotavirus, norovirus, nontyphoidal Salmonella, and Escherichia coli in 4 laundry scenarios: 1 baseline scenario (no hand hygiene event) and 3 hand hygiene scenarios (scenario 1: after moving dirty clothes to the washing machine, scenario 2: after moving washed clothes to the dryer, and scenario 3: hand hygiene events following scenario 1 and 2). RESULTS The average infection risks for the baseline scenario were all greater than 2 common risk thresholds (1.0×10-6and 1.0×10-4). For all organisms, scenario 1 yielded greater risk reductions (39.95%-99.86%) than scenario 2 (1.35%-55.25%). Scenario 3 further reduced risk, achieving 1.0×10-6(SARS-CoV-2) and 1.0×10-4risk thresholds (norovirus and E. coli). CONCLUSIONS The modeled results suggest individuals should reduce hand-to-facial orifice (eyes, nose, and mouth) contacts and conduct proper hand hygiene when handling contaminated garments. More empirical data are needed to confirm the estimated risks. DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT The data and code that support the findings of this study can be retrieved via a Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal license in GitHub at https://github.com/yhjung1231/Laundry-QMRAproject-2022.git DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7122065.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhee Jung
- Department of Community, Environment & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, AZ, USA.
| | - Sarah E Abney
- García-Robles Fulbright Program, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- Department of Community, Environment & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Charles P Gerba
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Amanda M Wilson
- Department of Community, Environment & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pitol AK, Venkatesan S, Hoptroff M, Hughes GL. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its surrogate, bacteriophage Phi6, on surfaces and in water. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0121923. [PMID: 37902315 PMCID: PMC10686083 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01219-23] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic spurred research on the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its surrogates. Here we highlight the importance of evaluating viral surrogates and experimental methodologies when studying pathogen survival in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana K. Pitol
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Samiksha Venkatesan
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hoptroff
- Unilever Research and Development, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom
| | - Grant L. Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Carrazana E, Ruiz-Gil T, Fujiyoshi S, Tanaka D, Noda J, Maruyama F, Jorquera MA. Potential airborne human pathogens: A relevant inhabitant in built environments but not considered in indoor air quality standards. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165879. [PMID: 37517716 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Potential airborne human pathogens (PAHPs) may be a relevant component of the air microbiome in built environments. Despite that PAHPs can cause infections, particularly in immunosuppressed patients at medical centers, they are scarcely considered in standards of indoor air quality (IAQ) worldwide. Here, we reviewed the current information on microbial aerosols (bacteria, fungal and viruses) and PAHPs in different types of built environments (e.g., medical center, industrial and non-industrial), including the main factors involved in their dispersion, the methodologies used in their study and their associated biological risks. Our analysis identified the human occupancy and ventilation systems as the primary sources of dispersal of microbial aerosols indoors. We also observed temperature and relative humidity as relevant physicochemical factors regulating the dispersion and viability of some PAHPs. Our analysis revealed that some PAHPs can survive and coexist in different environments while other PAHPs are limited or specific for an environment. In relation to the methodologies (conventional or molecular) the nature of PAHPs and sampling type are pivotal. In this context, indoors air-borne viruses are the less studies because their small size, environmental lability, and absence of efficient sampling techniques and universal molecular markers for their study. Finally, it is noteworthy that PAHPs are not commonly considered and included in IAQ standards worldwide, and when they are included, the total abundance is the single parameter considered and biological risks is excluded. Therefore, we propose a revision, design and establishment of public health policies, regulations and IAQ standards, considering the interactions of diverse factors, such as nature of PAHPs, human occupancy and type of built environments where they develop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Carrazana
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Tay Ruiz-Gil
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - So Fujiyoshi
- Center for Holobiome and Built Environment (CHOBE), Hiroshima University, Japan; Microbial Genomics and Ecology, PHIS, The IDEC institute, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tanaka
- School of Science Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Jun Noda
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Fumito Maruyama
- Center for Holobiome and Built Environment (CHOBE), Hiroshima University, Japan; Microbial Genomics and Ecology, PHIS, The IDEC institute, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Milko A Jorquera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center for Holobiome and Built Environment (CHOBE), Hiroshima University, Japan; Network for Extreme Environment Research (NEXER), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sinclair LG, Ilieva Z, Morris G, Anderson JG, MacGregor SJ, Maclean M. Viricidal Efficacy of a 405-nm Environmental Decontamination System for Inactivation of Bacteriophage Phi6: Surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. Photochem Photobiol 2023; 99:1493-1500. [PMID: 36872097 PMCID: PMC10952546 DOI: 10.1111/php.13798] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The highly transmittable nature of SARS-CoV-2 has increased the necessity for novel strategies to safely decontaminate public areas. This study investigates the efficacy of a low irradiance 405-nm light environmental decontamination system for the inactivation of bacteriophage phi6 as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. Bacteriophage phi6 was exposed to increasing doses of low irradiance (~0.5 mW cm-2 ) 405-nm light while suspended in SM buffer and artificial human saliva at low (~103-4 PFU mL-1 ) and high (~107-8 PFU mL-1 ) seeding densities, to determine system efficacy for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation and establish the influence of biologically relevant suspension media on viral susceptibility. Complete/near-complete (≥99.4%) inactivation was demonstrated in all cases, with significantly enhanced reductions observed in biologically relevant media (P < 0.05). Doses of 43.2 and 172.8 J cm-2 were required to achieve ~3 log10 reductions at low density, and 97.2 and 259.2 J cm-2 achieved ~6 log10 reductions at high density, in saliva and SM buffer, respectively: 2.6-4 times less dose was required when suspended in saliva compared to SM buffer. Comparative exposure to higher irradiance (~50 mW cm-2 ) 405-nm light indicated that, on a per unit dose basis, 0.5 mW cm-2 treatments were capable of achieving up to 5.8 greater log10 reductions with up to 28-fold greater germicidal efficiency than that of 50 mW cm-2 treatments. These findings establish the efficacy of low irradiance 405-nm light systems for inactivation of a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate and demonstrate the significant enhancement in susceptibility when suspended in saliva, which is a major vector in COVID-19 transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy G. Sinclair
- Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, The Robertson Trust Laboratory for Electronic Sterilisation Technologies (ROLEST)University of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Zornitsa Ilieva
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Georgina Morris
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - John G. Anderson
- Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, The Robertson Trust Laboratory for Electronic Sterilisation Technologies (ROLEST)University of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Scott J. MacGregor
- Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, The Robertson Trust Laboratory for Electronic Sterilisation Technologies (ROLEST)University of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Michelle Maclean
- Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, The Robertson Trust Laboratory for Electronic Sterilisation Technologies (ROLEST)University of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Voidarou C, Rozos G, Stavropoulou E, Giorgi E, Stefanis C, Vakadaris G, Vaou N, Tsigalou C, Kourkoutas Y, Bezirtzoglou E. COVID-19 on the spectrum: a scoping review of hygienic standards. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1202216. [PMID: 38026326 PMCID: PMC10646607 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1202216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, rapidly escalated into a worldwide public health crisis. Despite numerous clinical treatment endeavors, initial defenses against the virus primarily relied on hygiene practices like mask-wearing, meticulous hand hygiene (using soap or antiseptic solutions), and maintaining social distancing. Even with the subsequent advent of vaccines and the commencement of mass vaccination campaigns, these hygiene measures persistently remain in effect, aiming to curb virus transmission until the achievement of herd immunity. In this scoping review, we delve into the effectiveness of these measures and the diverse transmission pathways, focusing on the intricate interplay within the food network. Furthermore, we explore the virus's pathophysiology, considering its survival on droplets of varying sizes, each endowed with distinct aerodynamic attributes that influence disease dispersion dynamics. While respiratory transmission remains the predominant route, the potential for oral-fecal transmission should not be disregarded, given the protracted presence of viral RNA in patients' feces after the infection period. Addressing concerns about food as a potential viral vector, uncertainties shroud the virus's survivability and potential to contaminate consumers indirectly. Hence, a meticulous and comprehensive hygienic strategy remains paramount in our collective efforts to combat this pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Rozos
- Veterinary Directorate, South Aegean Region, Ermoupolis, Greece
| | - Elisavet Stavropoulou
- Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elpida Giorgi
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christos Stefanis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Vakadaris
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Natalia Vaou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christina Tsigalou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Yiannis Kourkoutas
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Meister TL, Friesland M, Frericks N, Wetzke M, Haid S, Steinmann J, Todt D, Pietschmann T, Steinmann E. Virucidal activity of oral, hand, and surface disinfectants against respiratory syncytial virus. J Hosp Infect 2023; 141:25-32. [PMID: 37625461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.009] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is known as a major cause of respiratory tract infection in adults and children. Human-to-human transmission occurs via droplets as well as direct and indirect contact (e.g. contaminated surfaces or hands of medical staff). Therefore, applicable hygiene measures and knowledge about viral inactivation are of utmost importance. AIM To elucidate the disinfection profile of RSV. METHODS The study evaluated the virucidal efficacy of oral rinses specifically designed for children, World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended hand-rub formulations, and ethanol, as well as 2-propanol against RSV in a quantitative suspension test (EN14476). The stability of RSV on stainless steel discs was assessed and its inactivation by different surface disinfectants (EN16777) investigated. FINDINGS All tested oral rinses except one reduced infectious viral titres to the lower limit of quantification. The two WHO-recommended hand-rub formulations as well as 30% ethanol and 2-propanol completely abolished the detection of infectious virus. Infectious RSV was recovered after several days on stainless steel discs. However, RSV was efficiently inactivated by all tested surface disinfectants based on alcohol, aldehyde, or hydrogen peroxide. CONCLUSION Oral rinses, all tested hand-rub formulations as well as surface inactivation reagents were sufficient for RSV inactivation in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T L Meister
- Department for Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - M Friesland
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - N Frericks
- Department for Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - M Wetzke
- Clinic for Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology, and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Haid
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - J Steinmann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, General Hospital Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - D Todt
- Department for Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - T Pietschmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - E Steinmann
- Department for Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Olsen M, Demaneuf T, Singh G, Goldsworthy A, Jones P, Morgan M, Nassar R, Senok A, Ghemrawi R, Almheiri R, Marzooqi HA, Almansoori S, Albastaki A, Almansoori R, McKirdy S, Alghafri R, Tajouri L. Do mobile phone surfaces carry SARS-CoV-2 virus? A systematic review warranting the inclusion of a "6th" moment of hand hygiene in healthcare. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1750-1760. [PMID: 37738691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.08.017] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile phones, used in billions throughout the world, are high-touch devices subject to a dynamic contamination of microorganisms and rarely considered as an important fomite to sanitise systematically. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic, arguably the most impactful pandemic of the 21st century with millions of deaths and disruption of all facets of modern life globally. AIM To perform a systematic review of the literature exploring SARS-CoV-2 presence as a contaminant on mobile phones. METHODS A systematic search (PubMed and Google Scholar) of literature was undertaken from December 2019 to March 2023 identifying English language studies. Studies included in this review specifically identified or tested for the contamination of the SARS-CoV-2 virus or genome on mobile phones while studies testing for SARS-COV-2 in environments and/or other fomites samples than but not mobile phones were excluded. RESULTS A total of 15 studies with reports of SARS-CoV-2 contamination on mobile phones between 2020 and 2023 were included. Amongst all studies, which encompassed ten countries, 511 mobile phones were evaluated for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 contamination and 45% (231/511) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. All studies were conducted in the hospital setting and two studies performed additional testing in residential isolation rooms and a patient's house. Four studies (3 in 2020 and one in 2021) reported 0% contamination while two other studies (in 2020 and 2022) reported 100% of mobile phone contamination with SARS-COV-2. All other studies report mobile phones positive for the virus within a range of 4-77%. CONCLUSION A total of 45% of mobile phones are contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 virus. These devices might be an important fomite vector for viral dissemination worldwide. Competent health authorities are advised/recommended to start a global implementation of mobile phone decontamination by introducing regulations and protocols in public health and health care settings such as the 6th moment of hand washing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Olsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Gobinddeep Singh
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Adrian Goldsworthy
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Jones
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark Morgan
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Rania Nassar
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rose Ghemrawi
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reem Almheiri
- General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hussain Al Marzooqi
- Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sumaya Almansoori
- General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdullah Albastaki
- Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rashid Almansoori
- Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Simon McKirdy
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Rashed Alghafri
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lotti Tajouri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia; Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pandya VS, Morsy MS, Hassan AAHAA, Alshawkani HA, Sindi AS, Mattoo KA, Mehta V, Mathur A, Meto A. Ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots: bridging the gaps in dentistry. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2023; 4:1270959. [PMID: 38024151 PMCID: PMC10646406 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2023.1270959] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining a microbe-free environment in healthcare facilities has become increasingly crucial for minimizing virus transmission, especially in the wake of recent epidemics like COVID-19. To meet the urgent need for ongoing sterilization, autonomous ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots have emerged as vital tools. These robots are gaining popularity due to their automated nature, cost advantages, and ability to instantly disinfect rooms and workspaces without relying on human labor. Integrating disinfection robots into medical facilities reduces infection risk, lowers conventional cleaning costs, and instills greater confidence in patient safety. However, UV-D robots should complement rather than replace routine manual cleaning. To optimize the functionality of UV-D robots in medical settings, additional hospital and device design modifications are necessary to address visibility challenges. Achieving seamless integration requires more technical advancements and clinical investigations across various institutions. This mini-review presents an overview of advanced applications that demand disinfection, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Despite their potential, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the sterilizing impact of disinfection robots in the dental industry. By serving as a starting point for future research, this review aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge and identify unresolved issues. Our objective is to provide an extensive guide to UV-D robots, encompassing design requirements, technological breakthroughs, and in-depth use in healthcare and dentistry facilities. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of UV-D robots will aid in harnessing their potential to revolutionize infection control practices in the medical and dental fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Visha Shailesh Pandya
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Vaidik Dental College & Research Centre, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India
| | - Mohamed S.M. Morsy
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hamed A. Alshawkani
- Department of Restorative Dental Science, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah Sameer Sindi
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khurshid A. Mattoo
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vini Mehta
- Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Ankita Mathur
- Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Aida Meto
- Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Aldent, Tirana, Albania
- Clinical Microbiology, School of Dentistry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ashokkumar S, Kaushik NK, Han I, Uhm HS, Park JS, Cho GS, Oh YJ, Shin YO, Choi EH. Persistence of Coronavirus on Surface Materials and Its Control Measures Using Nonthermal Plasma and Other Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14106. [PMID: 37762409 PMCID: PMC10531613 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for the initiation of the global pandemic since 2020. The virus spreads through contaminated air particles, fomite, and surface-contaminated porous (i.e., paper, wood, and masks) and non-porous (i.e., plastic, stainless steel, and glass) materials. The persistence of viruses on materials depends on porosity, adsorption, evaporation, isoelectric point, and environmental conditions, such as temperature, pH, and relative humidity. Disinfection techniques are crucial for preventing viral contamination on animated and inanimate surfaces. Currently, there are few effective methodologies for preventing SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses without any side effects. Before infection can occur, measures must be taken to prevent the persistence of the coronavirus on the surfaces of both porous and non-porous inanimate materials. This review focuses on coronavirus persistence in surface materials (inanimate) and control measures. Viruses are inactivated through chemical and physical methods; the chemical methods particularly include alcohol, chlorine, and peroxide, whereas temperature, pH, humidity, ultraviolet irradiation (UV), gamma radiation, X-rays, ozone, and non-thermal, plasma-generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are physical methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yung Oh Shin
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pilipenco A, Forinová M, Mašková H, Hönig V, Palus M, Lynn Jr. NS, Víšová I, Vrabcová M, Houska M, Anthi J, Spasovová M, Mustacová J, Štěrba J, Dostálek J, Tung CP, Yang AS, Jack R, Dejneka A, Hajdu J, Vaisocherová-Lísalová H. Negligible risk of surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in public transportation. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad065. [PMID: 37133444 PMCID: PMC10481417 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to pathogens in public transport systems is a common means of spreading infection, mainly by inhaling aerosol or droplets from infected individuals. Such particles also contaminate surfaces, creating a potential surface-transmission pathway. METHODS A fast acoustic biosensor with an antifouling nano-coating was introduced to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on exposed surfaces in the Prague Public Transport System. Samples were measured directly without pre-treatment. Results with the sensor gave excellent agreement with parallel quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measurements on 482 surface samples taken from actively used trams, buses, metro trains and platforms between 7 and 9 April 2021, in the middle of the lineage Alpha SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wave when 1 in 240 people were COVID-19 positive in Prague. RESULTS Only ten of the 482 surface swabs produced positive results and none of them contained virus particles capable of replication, indicating that positive samples contained inactive virus particles and/or fragments. Measurements of the rate of decay of SARS-CoV-2 on frequently touched surface materials showed that the virus did not remain viable longer than 1-4 h. The rate of inactivation was the fastest on rubber handrails in metro escalators and the slowest on hard-plastic seats, window glasses and stainless-steel grab rails. As a result of this study, Prague Public Transport Systems revised their cleaning protocols and the lengths of parking times during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that surface transmission played no or negligible role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 in Prague. The results also demonstrate the potential of the new biosensor to serve as a complementary screening tool in epidemic monitoring and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Pilipenco
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Forinová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Mašková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1645/31a, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Hönig
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Palus
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicholas Scott Lynn Jr.
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Víšová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Vrabcová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Houska
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Judita Anthi
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Spasovová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Johana Mustacová
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1645/31a, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Štěrba
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1645/31a, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Dostálek
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Chao-Ping Tung
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd., Sec.2, Nankang Dist., Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - An-Suei Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd., Sec.2, Nankang Dist., Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Rachael Jack
- The European Extreme Light Infrastructure, ERIC, Za Radnici 835, 25241 Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Janos Hajdu
- The European Extreme Light Infrastructure, ERIC, Za Radnici 835, 25241 Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Box 596, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mortazavi H, Sarkhosh M, Najafpoor AA, Azizi S, Tabatabaee SS, Davoudi M, Miri HH, Kamika I. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the indoor air and surfaces of subway trains in Mashhad, Iran. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1865-1873. [PMID: 37572180 PMCID: PMC10484835 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01089-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Millions of passengers around the world are concerned with the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 contamination on public transportation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in indoor air and subway surfaces in Mashhad. METHODS In this study, air and surface sampling were done at two times in the morning (7-8:30 a.m.) and evening (3:30-5 p.m.), simultaneously in two wagons for men and women in line 1 of Mashhad Metro in March 2021 to detect the virus and measure the concentration of particulate matter. Totally, 30 air and 30 metro samples were collected and examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS The results showed that three and two cases in the air and surface samples were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the mean concentration of suspended particles PM1 (particulate matter smaller than 1 μm) with PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm) and PM10 (particulate matter smaller than 10 μm) (p < 0. 05). There was also a significant relationship between the mean concentration of suspended particles PM2.5 and PM10. The results showed that the mean PM2.5 measured in the indoor air of the Mashhad metro wagon had a significant relationship with WHO and US EPA and national standards, and its value was higher than the standards (p < 0.05). The average particle concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 were equal to 40.46, 42.61, and 48.31 μg/m3. CONCLUSION According to the results of the pollution detected in this study, COVID-19 may be transmitted by air and environmental surfaces. Our study emphasizes the need for continuous assessment of the presence of the virus in public transportation. Detection of viral RNA in subways indicates the necessity of adequate disinfection in public settings, strictness in disinfection methods, strengthening of educational activities for sanitary measures, physical spacing plan, and increasing ventilation of wagons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mortazavi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Sarkhosh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Najafpoor
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shohreh Azizi
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0002 South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, Somerset West 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape 7131 South Africa
| | - Seyed Saeed Tabatabaee
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Davoudi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Heidarian Miri
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Infant Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ilunga Kamika
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg, 1709 South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Noorimotlagh Z, Mirzaee SA, Seif F, Kalantar M, Roghani T, Mousavi SA, Honarmandpour A. Detection of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13058. [PMID: 37567996 PMCID: PMC10421847 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40342-y] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease started in late 2019 and still continues as a global pandemic, spreading among people around the world. There is limited knowledge about the role of contaminated environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public surfaces, in the transmission of the disease. The objective of the present investigation was detection of different variants (Delta, UK, and Omicron) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces in different seasons. Automated teller machines of banks (ATM), point-of-sale (POS) machine, gas station pump nozzles, and escalator handrails of malls were selected as high-touch environmental surfaces in public places. Overall, 75 samples were collected from these places and examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome), and 21 samples (28%) were positive. Although the role of fomite transmission of COVID-19 is understood, more studies should be conducted to determine the virus survival rate as well as the required efforts to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 such as frequent cleaning and the use of efficient disinfectants on environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public places. In conclusion, the results address the importance of touching contaminated inanimate objects as well as transmission through environmental surfaces, and they could be used to establish an effective protocol to prevent indirect environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, slow down the spread of the virus, and reduce the risk of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Noorimotlagh
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Department of Basic Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Kalantar
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Roghani
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mousavi
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Azam Honarmandpour
- Department of Midwifery, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yao Y, Cui Y, Gao X, Qian Y, Hu B. Contamination of personal protective equipment and environmental surfaces in Fangcang shelter hospitals. Am J Infect Control 2023; 51:926-930. [PMID: 36435405 PMCID: PMC9683851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fangcang shelter hospitals emerged as a new public health concept after COVID-19. Data regarding contamination of Fangcang shelter environments remains scarce. This study aims to investigate the extent of SARS-CoV-2 contamination on personal protective equipment and surfaces in Fangcang hospitals. METHODS Between March and May 2022, during wave of omicron variant, a prospective study was conducted in 2 Fangcang hospitals in Shanghai, China. Swabs of personal protective equipment worn and environmental surfaces of contaminated areas, doffing rooms, and potentially contaminated areas were collected. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. If viral RNA was detected, sampling was repeated after cleaning and disinfection. RESULTS A total of 602 samples were collected. 13.3% of the personal protective equipment were contaminated. Positive rate was higher in the contaminated areas (48.4%) than in the doffing rooms (11.7%) and the potentially contaminated areas (0; P<.05). Contamination was highest in patient occupied areas (67.5%). After cleaning, samples taken at previously contaminated surfaces are all negative. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 RNA contamination is prevalent in Fangcang hospitals and healthcare workers are under risk of infection. Potentially contaminated areas and surfaces after cleaning and disinfection are negative, underlying the importance of infection control policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangwen Cui
- Department of Infection Control and Management, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- Department of Infection Control and Management, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyi Qian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bijie Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Infection Control and Management, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Olsen M, Goldsworthy A, Nassar R, Senok A, Albastaki A, Lee ZZ, Abraham S, Alghafri R, Tajouri L, McKirdy S. Ultraviolet-C-Based Mobile Phone Sanitisation for Global Public Health and Infection Control. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1876. [PMID: 37630437 PMCID: PMC10456618 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081876] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobile phones act as fomites that pose a global public health risk of disseminating microorganisms, including highly pathogenic strains possessing antimicrobial resistances. The use of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) to sanitise mobile phones presents an alternative means to complement basic hand hygiene to prevent the cross-contamination and dissemination of microorganisms between hands and mobile phones. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the germicidal efficacy of the Glissner CleanPhone UV-C phone sanitiser (Glissner) device. METHODS Two experimental trials were performed for the evaluation of the CleanPhone (Glissner). The first was a controlled trial, where the germicidal efficacy of the CleanPhone was evaluated against six different microorganism species that were inoculated onto mobile phones. The second was a field trial evaluating the germicidal efficacy of the CleanPhone on 100 volunteer mobile phones. Efficacy was determined based on colony counts of microorganisms on Columbia sheep blood agar before and after UV-C treatment. RESULTS In the controlled trial, reduction in growth was observed for all microorganisms after UV-C treatment with ST131 Escherichia coli showing the highest growth reduction at 4 log10 CFU/mL followed by C. albicans and ATCC E. coli at 3 log10 CFU/mL. An overall reduction in microorganism growth after UV-C treatment was also observed for the field trial, with an average growth reduction of 84.4% and 93.6% in colony counts at 24 h and 48 h post-incubation, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrated the capability of the CleanPhone (Glissner) to rapidly sanitise mobile phones, thereby providing a means to reduce the potential dissemination of microorganisms, including highly pathogenic strains with antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Olsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
| | - Adrian Goldsworthy
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
| | - Rania Nassar
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
- Oral and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdullah Albastaki
- Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai P.O. Box 1493, United Arab Emirates
- General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai P.O. Box 1493, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zheng Z. Lee
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Sam Abraham
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Rashed Alghafri
- General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai P.O. Box 1493, United Arab Emirates
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Lotti Tajouri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
- Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai P.O. Box 1493, United Arab Emirates
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Simon McKirdy
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Graves AM, Barrett A, Addison B, Polage CR, Smith BA, Lewis S, Anderson DJ, Warren BG. Disinfection efficacy of Oxivir TB wipe residue on severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:1-3. [PMID: 37466072 PMCID: PMC10665868 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
We assessed Oxivir Tb wipe disinfectant residue in a controlled laboratory setting to evaluate low environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2. Frequency of viral RNA detection was not statistically different between intervention and control arms on day 3 (P=0.14). Environmental contamination viability is low; residual disinfectant did not significantly contribute to low contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Graves
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Disinfection, Resistance, Transmission and Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Aaron Barrett
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Disinfection, Resistance, Transmission and Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Bechtler Addison
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher R Polage
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Becky A Smith
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sarah Lewis
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Deverick J Anderson
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Bobby G Warren
- Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Disinfection, Resistance, Transmission and Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pan J, Gmati S, Roper BA, Prussin AJ, Hawks SA, Whittington AR, Duggal NK, Marr LC. Stability of Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 on Masks and Transfer to Skin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:10193-10200. [PMID: 37399494 PMCID: PMC10358342 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01581] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The potential for masks to act as fomites in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been suggested but not demonstrated experimentally or observationally. In this study, we aerosolized a suspension of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and used a vacuum pump to pull the aerosol through six different types of masks. After 1 h at 28 °C and 80% RH, SARS-CoV-2 infectivity was not detectable on an N95 and surgical mask, was reduced by 0.7 log10 on a nylon/spandex mask, and was unchanged on a polyester mask and two different cotton masks when recovered by elution in a buffer. SARS-CoV-2 RNA remained stable for 1 h on all masks. We pressed artificial skin against the contaminated masks and detected the transfer of viral RNA but no infectious virus to the skin. The potential for masks contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols to act as fomites appears to be less than indicated by studies involving SARS-CoV-2 in very large droplets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Pan
- Civil
and Environmental Engineering, Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Selma Gmati
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Bryce A. Roper
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Aaron J. Prussin
- Civil
and Environmental Engineering, Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Seth A. Hawks
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Abby R. Whittington
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Departments
of Chemical Engineering and Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Nisha K. Duggal
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Linsey C. Marr
- Civil
and Environmental Engineering, Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lawal-Ayinde BM, Morita T, Oda K, Nazmul T, Kurose M, Nomura T, Yamamoto A, Higashiura A, Akita T, Tanaka J, Horiuchi I, Goda H, Sakaguchi T. Virus purification highlights the high susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 to a chlorine-based disinfectant, chlorous acid. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288634. [PMID: 37450488 PMCID: PMC10348549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlorous acid water (HClO2) is known for its antimicrobial activity. In this study, we attempted to accurately assess the ability of chlorous acid water to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. When using cell culture supernatants of infected cells as the test virus, the 99% inactivation concentration (IC99) for the SARS-CoV-2 D614G variant, as well as the Delta and Omicron variants, was approximately 10ppm of free chlorine concentration with a reaction time of 10 minutes. On the other hand, in experiments using a more purified virus, the IC99 of chlorous acid water was 0.41-0.74ppm with a reaction time of 1 minute, showing a strong inactivation capacity over 200 times. With sodium hypochlorite water, the IC99 was 0.54ppm, confirming that these chlorine compounds have a potent inactivation effect against SARS-CoV-2. However, it became clear that when using cell culture supernatants of infected cells as the test virus, the effect is masked by impurities such as amino acids contained therein. Also, when proteins (0.5% polypeptone, or 0.3% BSA + 0.3% sheep red blood cells, or 5% FBS) were added to the purified virus, the IC99 values became high, ranging from 5.3 to 76ppm with a reaction time of 10 minutes, significantly reducing the effect. However, considering that the usual usage concentration is 200ppm, it was shown that chlorous acid water can still exert sufficient disinfection effects even in the presence of proteins. Further research is needed to confirm the practical applications and effects of chlorous acid water, but it has the potential to be an important tool for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomoko Morita
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kosuke Oda
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tanuza Nazmul
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Miuko Kurose
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshihito Nomura
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akima Yamamoto
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akifumi Higashiura
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Akita
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | | | - Takemasa Sakaguchi
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Martínez-Zarco BA, Jiménez-García MG, Tirado R, Ambrosio J, Hernández-Mendoza L. [Mesenchymal stem cells: Therapeutic option in ARDS, COPD, and COVID-19 patients]. REVISTA ALERGIA MÉXICO 2023; 70:89-101. [PMID: 37566772 DOI: 10.29262/ram.v70i1.1149] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COVID-19 have as a common characteristic the inflammatory lesion of the lung epithelium. The therapeutic options are associated with opportunistic infections, a hyperglycemic state, and adrenal involvement. Therefore, the search for new treatment strategies that reduce inflammation, and promote re-epithelialization of damaged tissue is very important. This work describes the relevant pathophysiological characteristics of these diseases and evaluates recent findings on the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their therapeutic use. In Pubmed we selected the most relevant studies on the subject, published between 2003 and 2022 following the PRISMA guide. We conclude that MSCs are an important therapeutic option for regenerative treatment in COPD, ARDS, and COVID-19, because of their ability to differentiate into type II pneumocytes and maintain the size and function of lung tissue by replacing dead or damaged cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rocío Tirado
- Doctor en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología.Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Biología del Citoesqueleto y Virología, Ciudad de México
| | - Javier Ambrosio
- Doctor en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología.Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Biología del Citoesqueleto y Virología, Ciudad de México
| | - Lilian Hernández-Mendoza
- Doctor en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología.Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Biología del Citoesqueleto y Virología, Ciudad de México.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Spena A, Palombi L, Carestia M, Spena VA, Biso F. SARS-CoV-2 Survival on Surfaces. Measurements Optimisation for an Enthalpy-Based Assessment of the Risk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6169. [PMID: 37372756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The present work, based on the results found in the literature, yields a consistent model of SARS-CoV-2 survival on surfaces as environmental conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity, change simultaneously. The Enthalpy method, which has recently been successfully proposed to investigate the viability of airborne viruses using a holistic approach, is found to allow us to take a reasoned reading of the data available on surfaces in the literature. This leads us to identify the domain of conditions of lowest SARS-CoV-2 viability, in a specific enthalpy range between 50 and 60 kJ/Kgdry-air. This range appears well-superimposed with the results we previously obtained from analyses of coronaviruses' behaviour in aerosols, and may be helpful in dealing with the spread of infections. To steer future investigations, shortcomings and weaknesses emerging from the assessment of viral measurement usually carried out on surfaces are also discussed in detail. Once demonstrated that current laboratory procedures suffer from both high variability and poor standardisation, targeted implementations of standards and improvement of protocols for future investigations are then proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Spena
- Department of Enterprise Engineering, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Palombi
- Catholic University of "Our Lady of Good Counsel", 1001 Tirana, Albania
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Carestia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Andrea Spena
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Biso
- Department of Enterprise Engineering, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gerhards NM, Gonzales JL, Vreman S, Ravesloot L, van den Brand JMA, Doekes HP, Egberink HF, Stegeman A, Oreshkova N, van der Poel WHM, de Jong MCM. Efficient Direct and Limited Environmental Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.22 in Domestic Cats. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0255322. [PMID: 37222603 PMCID: PMC10269887 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02553-22] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The susceptibility of domestic cats to infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated by several experimental studies and field observations. We performed an extensive study to further characterize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between cats, through both direct and indirect contact. To that end, we estimated the transmission rate parameter and the decay parameter for infectivity in the environment. Using four groups of pair-transmission experiment, all donor (inoculated) cats became infected, shed virus, and seroconverted, while three out of four direct contact cats got infected, shed virus, and two of those seroconverted. One out of eight cats exposed to a SARS-CoV-2-contaminated environment became infected but did not seroconvert. Statistical analysis of the transmission data gives a reproduction number R0 of 2.18 (95% CI = 0.92 to 4.08), a transmission rate parameter β of 0.23 day-1 (95% CI = 0.06 to 0.54), and a virus decay rate parameter μ of 2.73 day-1 (95% CI = 0.77 to 15.82). These data indicate that transmission between cats is efficient and can be sustained (R0 > 1), however, the infectiousness of a contaminated environment decays rapidly (mean duration of infectiousness 1/2.73 days). Despite this, infections of cats via exposure to a SARS-CoV-2-contaminated environment cannot be discounted if cats are exposed shortly after contamination. IMPORTANCE This article provides additional insight into the risk of infection that could arise from cats infected with SARS-CoV-2 by using epidemiological models to determine transmission parameters. Considering that transmission parameters are not always provided in the literature describing transmission experiments in animals, we demonstrate that mathematical analysis of experimental data is crucial to estimate the likelihood of transmission. This article is also relevant to animal health professionals and authorities involved in risk assessments for zoonotic spill-overs of SARS-CoV-2. Last but not least, the mathematical models to calculate transmission parameters are applicable to analyze the experimental transmission of other pathogens between animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora M. Gerhards
- Department of Bioinformatics, Epidemiology and Animal Models, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Jose L. Gonzales
- Department of Bioinformatics, Epidemiology and Animal Models, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Vreman
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interactions and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Lars Ravesloot
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interactions and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | | | - Harmen P. Doekes
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Herman F. Egberink
- Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Section Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Veterinary Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nadia Oreshkova
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Wim H. M. van der Poel
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Mart C. M. de Jong
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Li J, Wang C, Wu S, Cui Z, Zheng Y, Li Z, Jiang H, Zhu S, Liu X. Superlattice Nanofilm on a Touchscreen for Photoexcited Bacteria and Virus Killing by Tuning Electronic Defects in the Heterointerface. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300380. [PMID: 36917684 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the public attention toward the spread of pathogenic viruses and bacteria on various high-frequency touch surfaces. Developing a self-disinfecting coating on a touchscreen is an urgent and meaningful task. Superlattice materials are among the most promising photocatalysts owing to their efficient charge transfer in abundant heterointerfaces. However, excess electronic defects at the heterointerfaces result in the loss of substantial amounts of photogenerated charge carrier. In this study, a ZnOFe2 O3 superlattice nanofilm is designed via atomic layer deposition for photocatalytic bactericidal and virucidal touchscreen. Additionally, electronic defects in the superlattice heterointerface are engineered. Photogenerated electrons and holes will be rapidly separated and transferred into ZnO and Fe2 O3 across the heterointerfaces owing to the formation of ZnO, FeO, and ZnFe covalent bonds at the heterointerfaces, where ZnO and Fe2 O3 function as electronic donors and receptors, respectively. The high generation capacity of reactive oxygen species results in a high antibacterial and antiviral efficacy (>90%) even against drug-resistant bacteria and H1N1 viruses under simulated solar or low-power LED light irradiation. Meanwhile, this superlattice nanofilm on a touchscreen shows excellent light transmission (>90%), abrasion resistance (106 times the round-trip friction), and biocompatibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- School of Health Science & Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Xiping Avenue 5340, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300401, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
- Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Chaofeng Wang
- School of Health Science & Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Xiping Avenue 5340, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300401, P. R. China
- Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Shuilin Wu
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Zhenduo Cui
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Zheng
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Hui Jiang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Shengli Zhu
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, the Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology by the Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Xiangmei Liu
- School of Health Science & Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Xiping Avenue 5340, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300401, P. R. China
- Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hamilton AN, Chandran S, Baker CA, Gibson KE. Surface Inactivation of a SARS-CoV-2 Surrogate with Hypochlorous Acid is Impacted by Surface Type, Contact Time, Inoculum Matrix, and Concentration. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2023; 15:116-122. [PMID: 36680664 PMCID: PMC9862229 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09549-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Indirect contact with contaminated surfaces is a potential transmission route for COVID-19. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate convenient and inexpensive surface sanitization methods, such as HOCl, against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, Phi6 (~ 7 log PFU/mL), was prepared in artificial saliva and tripartite matrices, spot inoculated on coupons of either stainless steel or vinyl, and allowed to dry. The coupons were sprayed with either 500 ppm or 1000 ppm HOCl, and remained on the surface for 0 s (control), 5 s, 30 s, or 60 s. Samples were enumerated via the double agar overlay assay. Statistical analysis was completed in R using a generalized linear model with Quasipoisson error approximations. Time, concentration, surface type, and inoculum matrix were all significant contributors to log reduction at P = 0.05. Significant three-way interactions were observed for 1000 ppm, vinyl, and 60 s (P = 0.03) and 1000 ppm, tripartite, and 60 s (P = 0.0121). A significant two-way interaction between vinyl and 60 s was also observed (P = 0.0168). Overall, increased HOCl concentration and exposure time led to increased Phi6 reduction. Notably, the highest estimated mean log reduction was 3.31 (95% CI 3.14, 3.49) for stainless steel at 60 s and 1000 ppm HOCl in artificial saliva, indicating that this method of sanitization may not adequately reduce enveloped viruses to below infective thresholds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allyson N Hamilton
- Department of Food Science, Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, 1371 West Altheimer Dr., Fayetteville, AR, 72704, USA
| | - Sahaana Chandran
- Department of Food Science, Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, 1371 West Altheimer Dr., Fayetteville, AR, 72704, USA
| | - Christopher A Baker
- Department of Food Science, Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, 1371 West Altheimer Dr., Fayetteville, AR, 72704, USA
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Kristen E Gibson
- Department of Food Science, Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, 1371 West Altheimer Dr., Fayetteville, AR, 72704, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Li F, Xu K, Pan Y, Liu P, Zhang J, Yang M, Lei W, Feng Z, Liang Z, Zhang D, Wu G, Wang Q. Stability of SARS-CoV-2 and persistence of viral nucleic acids on common foods and widely used packaging material surfaces. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28871. [PMID: 37314009 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28871] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is still spreading globally. Studies have reported the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols and on surfaces under different conditions. However, studies on the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and viral nucleic acids on common food and packaging material surfaces are insufficient. The study evaluated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 using TCID50 assays and the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction on various food and packaging material surfaces. Viral nucleic acids were stable on food and material surfaces under different conditions. The viability of SARS-CoV-2 varied among different surfaces. SARS-CoV-2 was inactivated on most food and packaging material surfaces within 1 day at room temperature but was more stable at lower temperatures. Viruses survived for at least 1 week on pork and plastic at 4°C, while no viable viruses were detected on hairtail, orange, or carton after 3 days. There were viable viruses and a slight titer decrease after 8 weeks on pork and plastic, but titers decreased rapidly on hairtail and carton at -20°C. These results highlight the need for targeted preventive and disinfection measures based on different types of foods, packaging materials, and environmental conditions, particularly in the cold-chain food trade, to combat the ongoing pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fu Li
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Endemic Disease Control, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Xu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Pan
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Endemic Disease Control, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Peipei Liu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjie Yang
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Lei
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaomin Feng
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Endemic Disease Control, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Liang
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Endemic Disease Control, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Daitao Zhang
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Endemic Disease Control, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Guizhen Wu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Quanyi Wang
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Endemic Disease Control, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Joffrin L, Cooreman T, Verheyen E, Vercammen F, Mariën J, Leirs H, Gryseels S. SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance between 2020 and 2021 of All Mammalian Species in Two Flemish Zoos (Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael Zoo). Vet Sci 2023; 10:382. [PMID: 37368768 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10060382] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of human infections and deaths worldwide. Several other mammal species are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and multiple instances of transmission from humans to pets, farmed mink, wildlife and zoo animals have been recorded. We conducted a systematic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in all mammal species in two zoos in Belgium between September and December 2020 and July 2021, in four sessions, and a targeted surveillance of selected mammal enclosures following SARS-CoV-2 infection in hippopotamuses in December 2021. A total of 1523 faecal samples from 103 mammal species were tested for SARS-CoV-2 via real-time PCR. None of the samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Additional surrogate virus neutralisation tests conducted on 50 routinely collected serum samples from 26 mammal species were all negative. This study is the first to our knowledge to conduct active SARS-CoV-2 surveillance for several months in all mammal species of a zoo. We conclude that at the time of our investigation, none of the screened animals were excreting SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Joffrin
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tine Cooreman
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erik Verheyen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francis Vercammen
- Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp Zoo Society, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joachim Mariën
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Herwig Leirs
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|