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Ge J, Zhang C, Peng Z, Chu M, Chen W, Li Z, Liu S, Yang Y, Chu M. Environmental Contamination of SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC by COVID-19 Patients Staying in the Hospital for More Than Two Weeks. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:2163-2170. [PMID: 37868023 PMCID: PMC10590072 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s413639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC have a longer course of disease. We detected the air, surfaces, and patient's personal items in the wards of the second hospital of Nanjing during the outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta Variant to identify the environmental contamination, which provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of COVID-19 variation beads in the future. Methods In the cross-sectional study, we collected and analyzed clinical features, demographic and epidemiological data, laboratory and swab test results, and surface and air samples of 144 COVID-19 cases. Results The time from symptom onset to surface sampling was 25 days (IQR, 21 to 33 days). Positive throat swabs were detected in 52(36.1%) patients, of which only 8(5.6%) patients had N or ORF1a/b genes Ct value <35 on the surface sampling day. Among the 692 environmental surface and air specimens collected from 144 COVID-19 cases, 3 specimens (3/692, 0.4%) related to 5 cases (3.5%, 5/144) were detected positive on RT-PCR. Overall, bedside tables (2/144, 1.4%) were most likely to be contaminated, followed by toilet seats (1/81, 1.2%). Conclusion The environmental contamination by SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC-infected cases with disease duration of more than two weeks is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwu Ge
- Department of Infection Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanmeng Zhang
- The Center for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihang Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minjuan Chu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wensen Chen
- Department of Infection Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhanjie Li
- Department of Infection Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuangyuan Liu
- Department of Infection Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongfeng Yang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (The No. 2 Hospital of Nanjing), Nanjing, 211113, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Infection Management, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, People’s Republic of China
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Zambrana W, Boehm AB. Occurrence of Human Viruses on Fomites in the Environment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2023; 3:277-294. [PMID: 37743950 PMCID: PMC10515712 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Documenting the occurrence of viruses on fomites is crucial in determining the significance of fomite-mediated transmission and the potential use of fomites for environmental disease surveillance. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compile information on the occurrence of human viruses on fomites in the environment; we identified 134 peer-reviewed papers. We compiled sampling and measurement methods, results, quality control information, and whether virus data were compared with community health data from the papers. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate if presence of virus on fomites was associated with virus type (enveloped, nonenveloped), sampling location (healthcare setting, nonhealthcare temporary setting, nonhealthcare nontemporary setting), and area of fomite swabbed (<50, 50-100, >100 cm2). Across 275 data sets from the 134 papers, there was the most data available for Coronaviridae and from fomites at hospitals. Positivity rates, defined as the percent positive fomite samples, were low (median = 6%). Data were available on viruses from 16 different viral families, but data on viruses from 9 families had few (n < 5) data sets. Many human virus families were not identified in this review (11 families). Less than 15% of the data sets reported virus concentrations in externally valid units (viruses per area of surface), and 16% provided a quantitative comparison between virus and health data. Virus type and area swabbed were significant predictors of virus presence on fomites, and the positivity rate of data sets collected from healthcare settings and nonhealthcare nontemporary settings (e.g., individual housing) were significantly higher than those collected in nonhealthcare temporary settings (e.g., restaurants). Data from this review indicates that viruses may be present on fomites, that fomite-mediated virus transmission may occur, and that fomites may provide information on circulation of infectious diseases in the community. However, more quantitative data on diverse viruses are needed, and method reporting needs significant improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Zambrana
- Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alexandria B. Boehm
- Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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3
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Soffritti I, D’Accolti M, Cason C, Lanzoni L, Bisi M, Volta A, Campisciano G, Mazzacane S, Bini F, Mazziga E, Toscani P, Caselli E, Comar M. Introduction of Probiotic-Based Sanitation in the Emergency Ward of a Children’s Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:1399-1410. [PMID: 35386291 PMCID: PMC8978905 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s356740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major threat to public health, especially in the hospital environment, and the massive use of disinfectants to prevent COVID-19 transmission might intensify this risk, possibly leading to future AMR pandemics. However, the control of microbial contamination is crucial in hospitals, since hospital microbiomes can cause healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are particularly frequent and severe in pediatric wards due to children having high susceptibility. Aim We have previously reported that probiotic-based sanitation (PCHS) could stably decrease pathogens and their AMR in the hospital environment, reduce associated HAIs in adult hospitals, and inactivate enveloped viruses. Here, we aimed to test the effect of PCHS in the emergency room (ER) of a children’s hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Conventional chemical disinfection was replaced by PCHS for 2 months during routine ER sanitation; the level of environmental bioburden was characterized before and at 2, 4, and 9 weeks after the introduction of PCHS. Microbial contamination was monitored simultaneously by conventional culture-based CFU count and molecular assays, including 16S rRNA NGS for bacteriome characterization and microarrays for the assessment of the resistome of the contaminating population. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 was also monitored by PCR. Results and conclusions PCHS usage was associated with a stable 80% decrease in surface pathogens compared to levels detected for chemical disinfection (P < 0.01), accompanied by an up to 2 log decrease in resistance genes (Pc < 0.01). The effects were reversed when reintroducing chemical disinfection, which counteracted the action of the PCHS. SARS-CoV-2 was not detectable in both the pre-PCHS and PCHS periods. As the control of microbial contamination is a major issue, especially during pandemic emergencies, collected data suggest that PCHS may be successfully used to control virus spread without simultaneous worsening of the AMR concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Soffritti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
| | - Maria D’Accolti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
| | - Carolina Cason
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, 34137, Italy
| | - Luca Lanzoni
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
| | - Matteo Bisi
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
| | - Antonella Volta
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Campisciano
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, 34137, Italy
| | - Sante Mazzacane
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
| | - Francesca Bini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mazziga
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Paola Toscani
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, 34137, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
- Correspondence: Elisabetta Caselli, Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy, Tel +39 0532 455387, Fax +39 0532 974470, Email
| | - Manola Comar
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, 34137, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34149, Italy
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D’Accolti M, Soffritti I, Bini F, Mazziga E, Mazzacane S, Caselli E. Pathogen Control in the Built Environment: A Probiotic-Based System as a Remedy for the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020225. [PMID: 35208679 PMCID: PMC8876034 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The high and sometimes inappropriate use of disinfectants and antibiotics has led to alarming levels of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and to high water and hearth pollution, which today represent major threats for public health. Furthermore, the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has deeply influenced our sanitization habits, imposing the massive use of chemical disinfectants potentially exacerbating both concerns. Moreover, super-sanitation can profoundly influence the environmental microbiome, potentially resulting counterproductive when trying to stably eliminate pathogens. Instead, environmentally friendly procedures based on microbiome balance principles, similar to what applied to living organisms, may be more effective, and probiotic-based eco-friendly sanitation has been consistently reported to provide stable reduction of both pathogens and AMR in treated-environments, compared to chemical disinfectants. Here, we summarize the results of the studies performed in healthcare settings, suggesting that such an approach may be applied successfully also to non-healthcare environments, including the domestic ones, based on its effectiveness, safety, and negligible environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D’Accolti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Irene Soffritti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Francesca Bini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Eleonora Mazziga
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Sante Mazzacane
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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5
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Hinz A, Xing L, Doukhanine E, Hug LA, Kassen R, Ormeci B, Kibbee RJ, Wong A, MacFadden D, Nott C. SARS-CoV-2 detection from the built environment and wastewater and its use for hospital surveillance. Facets (Ott) 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infections are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in health care settings. Our understanding of the distribution of this virus in the built health care environment and wastewater, and relationship to disease burden, is limited. We performed a prospective multi-center study of environmental sampling of SARS-CoV-2 from hospital surfaces and wastewater and evaluated their relationships with regional and hospital COVID-19 burden. We validated a qPCR-based approach to surface sampling and collected swab samples weekly from different locations and surfaces across two tertiary care hospital campuses for a 10-week period during the pandemic, along with wastewater samples. Over the 10-week period, 963 swab samples were collected and analyzed. We found 61 (6%) swabs positive for SARS-CoV-2, with the majority of these ( n = 51) originating from floor samples. Wards that actively managed patients with COVID-19 had the highest frequency of positive samples. Detection frequency in built environment swabs was significantly associated with active cases in the hospital throughout the study. Wastewater viral signal changes appeared to predate change in case burden. Our results indicate that environment sampling for SARS-CoV-2, in particular from floors, may offer a unique and resolved approach to surveillance of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Hinz
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Lydia Xing
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | - Laura A. Hug
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Rees Kassen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Banu Ormeci
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Richard J. Kibbee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Alex Wong
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Derek MacFadden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Caroline Nott
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
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6
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Gonçalves J, da Silva PG, Reis L, Nascimento MSJ, Koritnik T, Paragi M, Mesquita JR. Surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149231. [PMID: 34325141 PMCID: PMC8302502 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about contaminated surfaces as a route of transmission for SARS-CoV- 2 and a systematic review is missing and urgently needed to provide guidelines for future research studies. As such, the aim of the present study was to review the current scientific knowledge and to summarize the existing studies in which SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in inanimate surfaces. This systematic review includes studies since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, available in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. Duplicate publications were removed, and exclusion criteria was applied to eliminate unrelated studies, resulting in 37 eligible publications. The present study provides the first overview of SARS-CoV-2 detection in surfaces. The highest detection rates occurred in hospitals and healthcare facilities with COVID-19 patients. Contamination with SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces was detected in a wide range of facilities and surfaces. There is a lack of studies performing viability testing for SARS-CoV-2 recovered from surfaces, and consequently it is not yet possible to assess the potential for transmission via surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Gonçalves
- Department for Public Health Microbiology Ljubljana, Centre for Medical Microbiology, National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Reis
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Tom Koritnik
- Department for Public Health Microbiology Ljubljana, Centre for Medical Microbiology, National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Paragi
- Department for Public Health Microbiology Ljubljana, Centre for Medical Microbiology, National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - João R Mesquita
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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D’Accolti M, Soffritti I, Bonfante F, Ricciardi W, Mazzacane S, Caselli E. Potential of an Eco-Sustainable Probiotic-Cleaning Formulation in Reducing Infectivity of Enveloped Viruses. Viruses 2021; 13:2227. [PMID: 34835033 PMCID: PMC8617880 DOI: 10.3390/v13112227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply influenced sanitization procedures, and high-level disinfection has been massively used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread, with potential negative impact on the environment and on the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Aiming to overcome these concerns, yet preserving the effectiveness of sanitization against enveloped viruses, we assessed the antiviral properties of the Probiotic Cleaning Hygiene System (PCHS), an eco-sustainable probiotic-based detergent previously proven to stably abate pathogen contamination and AMR. PCHS (diluted 1:10, 1:50 and 1:100) was tested in comparison to common disinfectants (70% ethanol and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite), in suspension and carrier tests, according with the European UNI EN 14476:2019 and UNI EN 16777:2019 standards. Human alpha- and beta-coronaviruses hCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2, human herpesvirus type 1, human and animal influenza viruses, and vaccinia virus were included in the study. The results showed that PCHS was able to inactivate 99.99% of all tested viruses within 1-2 h of contact, both in suspension and on surface. Notably, while control disinfectants became inactive within 2 h after application, the PCHS antiviral action persisted up to 24 h post-application, suggesting that its use may effectively allow a continuous prevention of virus spread via contaminated environment, without worsening environmental pollution and AMR concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D’Accolti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, LTTA, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Irene Soffritti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, LTTA, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Francesco Bonfante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, IZSVe, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Sante Mazzacane
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, LTTA, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 13, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
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Sampling methods and assays applied in SARS-CoV-2 exposure assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021. [PMCID: PMC7886636 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 exposure assessment is critical to implement control measures and guarantee safety of patients and workers from different occupational environments. The aim of this review article was to identify methodologies applied for SARS-CoV-2 sampling and analyses in environmental samples in different occupational and indoor environments. This study reports the search of available data published between May 29th 2020 and November 1st 2020. The search strategy used allowed the identification of 48 papers that comply with selected inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most described indoor environment consisted of health care facilities. From all the analyzed studies, 34 sampled surfaces, 27 sampled air (impactors and impingers being the most used), and 9 sampled water. All studies were based on molecular detection by qPCR of viral RNA extracted from collected samples. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 44 out of the 48 studies. The results suggest that the sampling approach should include both active and passive sampling methods in order to overcome each method limitations. Concerning the assays used, although most studies were based on qPCR detection, the fact that the digital PCR technique allows SARS-CoV-2 detection at lower concentrations, indicates that this should be the chosen method for future detection studies.
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9
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Marquès M, Domingo JL. Contamination of inert surfaces by SARS-CoV-2: Persistence, stability and infectivity. A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110559. [PMID: 33275925 PMCID: PMC7706414 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Undoubtedly, there is a tremendous concern regarding the new viral strain "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2" (SARS-CoV-2) and its related disease known as COVID-19. The World Health Organization has stated that SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted from person-to-person close contact, as well as by small aerosol respiratory droplets. Moreover, the results of some recent studies about the role of air pollution on the spread and lethality of the novel coronavirus suggest that air contaminants could be also a transmission pathway of the virus. On the other hand, indirect transmission of the virus cannot be discarded. Among many sources of indirect transmission, there is the contamination of inert/inanimate surfaces. This manuscript was aimed at reviewing the scientific literature currently available in PubMed and Scopus. The results of the reviewed studies point out that SARS-CoV-2 can last on different surfaces from hours to a few days. However, rapid SARS-CoV-2 inactivation is possible by applying commonly available chemicals and biocides on inanimate surfaces. Consequently, although the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on inanimate surfaces can represent a potential route of transmission, appropriate disinfection measures should reduce the possibilities of coronavirus transmission, and hence, significantly decrease the risks of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Earliest detection to date of SARS-CoV-2 in Florida: Identification together with influenza virus on the main entry door of a university building, February 2020. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245352. [PMID: 33439885 PMCID: PMC7806172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In February and March, 2020, environmental surface swab samples were collected from the handle of the main entry door of a major university building in Florida, as part of a pilot surveillance project screening for influenza. Samples were taken at the end of regular classroom hours, between the dates of February 1–5 and February 19-March 4, 2020. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was isolated from the door handle on four of the 19 days sampled. Both SARS-CoV-2 and A(H1N1)pdm09 virus were detected in a sample collected on February 21, 2020. Based on sequence analysis, the Florida SARS-CoV-2 strain (designated UF-11) was identical to strains being identified in Washington state during the same time period, while the earliest similar sequences were sampled in China/Hubei between Dec 30th 2019 and Jan 5th 2020. The first human case of COVID-19 was not officially reported in Florida until March 1st. In an analysis of sequences from COVID-19 patients in this region of Florida, there was only limited evidence of subsequent dissemination of the UF-11 strain. Identical or highly similar strains, possibly related through a common transmission chain, were detected with increasing frequency in Washington state between end of February and beginning of March. Our data provide further documentation of the rapid early spread of SARS-CoV-2 and underscore the likelihood that closely related strains were cryptically circulating in multiple U.S. communities before the first “official” cases were recognized.
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