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Ahmad Wadi AFA, Onomura D, Funamori H, Khatun MM, Okada S, Iizasa H, Yoshiyama H. Effects of Strain Differences, Humidity Changes, and Saliva Contamination on the Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Ion Irradiation. Viruses 2024; 16:520. [PMID: 38675863 PMCID: PMC11055001 DOI: 10.3390/v16040520] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the methods to inactivate viruses is to denature viral proteins using released ions. However, there have been no reports detailing the effects of changes in humidity or contamination with body fluids on the inactivation of viruses. This study investigated the effects of humidity changes and saliva contamination on the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation with ions using multiple viral strains. Virus solutions with different infectious titers were dropped onto a circular nitrocellulose membrane and irradiated with ions from 10 cm above the membrane. After the irradiation of ions for 60, 90, and 120 min, changes in viral infectious titers were measured. The effect of ions on virus inactivation under different humidity conditions was also examined using virus solutions containing 90% mixtures of saliva collected from 10 people. A decrease in viral infectivity was observed over time for all strains, but ion irradiation further accelerated the decrease in viral infectivity. Ion irradiation can inactivate all viral strains, but at 80% humidity, the effect did not appear until 90 min after irradiation. The presence of saliva protected the virus from drying and maintained infectiousness for a longer period compared with no saliva. In particular, the Omicron strain retained its infectivity titer longer than the other strains. Ion irradiation demonstrated a consistent reduction in the number of infectious viruses when compared to the control across varying levels of humidity and irradiation periods. This underscores the notable effectiveness of irradiation, even when the reduction effect is as modest as 50%, thereby emphasizing its crucial role in mitigating the rapid dissemination of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afifah Fatimah Azzahra Ahmad Wadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya, Izumo 693-8504, Shimane, Japan; (A.F.A.A.W.); (M.M.K.); (S.O.); (H.I.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Muslim Indonesia, Makassar 9023, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Daichi Onomura
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan;
| | | | - Mst Mahmuda Khatun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya, Izumo 693-8504, Shimane, Japan; (A.F.A.A.W.); (M.M.K.); (S.O.); (H.I.)
| | - Shunpei Okada
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya, Izumo 693-8504, Shimane, Japan; (A.F.A.A.W.); (M.M.K.); (S.O.); (H.I.)
| | - Hisashi Iizasa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya, Izumo 693-8504, Shimane, Japan; (A.F.A.A.W.); (M.M.K.); (S.O.); (H.I.)
| | - Hironori Yoshiyama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya, Izumo 693-8504, Shimane, Japan; (A.F.A.A.W.); (M.M.K.); (S.O.); (H.I.)
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2
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Reuschl AK, Thorne LG, Whelan MVX, Ragazzini R, Furnon W, Cowton VM, De Lorenzo G, Mesner D, Turner JLE, Dowgier G, Bogoda N, Bonfanti P, Palmarini M, Patel AH, Jolly C, Towers GJ. Evolution of enhanced innate immune suppression by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:451-463. [PMID: 38228858 PMCID: PMC10847042 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01588-4] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) human adaptation resulted in distinct lineages with enhanced transmissibility called variants of concern (VOCs). Omicron is the first VOC to evolve distinct globally dominant subvariants. Here we compared their replication in human cell lines and primary airway cultures and measured host responses to infection. We discovered that subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 have improved their suppression of innate immunity when compared with earlier subvariants BA.1 and BA.2. Similarly, more recent subvariants (BA.2.75 and XBB lineages) also triggered reduced innate immune activation. This correlated with increased expression of viral innate antagonists Orf6 and nucleocapsid, reminiscent of VOCs Alpha to Delta. Increased Orf6 levels suppressed host innate responses to infection by decreasing IRF3 and STAT1 signalling measured by transcription factor phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Our data suggest that convergent evolution of enhanced innate immune antagonist expression is a common pathway of human adaptation and link Omicron subvariant dominance to improved innate immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy G Thorne
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Mary's Medical School, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew V X Whelan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Roberta Ragazzini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Wilhelm Furnon
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vanessa M Cowton
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Dejan Mesner
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jane L E Turner
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giulia Dowgier
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- COVID Surveillance Unit, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Nathasha Bogoda
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Arvind H Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Clare Jolly
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Greg J Towers
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.
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3
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Zeng Y, Xia F, Guo C, Hu C, Li Y, Wang X, Wu Q, Chen Z, Lu J, Wang Z. Virological Characteristics of Five SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Including Beta, Delta and Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.5. Viruses 2023; 15:2394. [PMID: 38140635 PMCID: PMC10747097 DOI: 10.3390/v15122394] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) show increasing transmissibility and infectivity and induce substantial injuries to human health and the ecology. Therefore, it is vital to understand the related features for controlling infection. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 WIV04 (prototype) and five VOCs (Beta, Delta, Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 variants) were inoculated in Vero cells to observe their growth activities. Apart from evaluating the environmental stability at different temperatures, residual virus titers and infectivity at different temperatures (4 °C, room temperature (RT) and 37 °C) were measured over 7 days. The experiment also assessed the infectivity for different incubation durations. The growth capacity assay suggested that the WIV04, Beta and Delta variants replicated efficiently in Vero cells compared with Omicron Variants, and BA.2 replicated more efficiently in Vero cells than BA.1 and BA.5. In addition, all variants exhibited longer survivals at 4 °C and could remain infectious after 7 days, compared to RT' survival after 5 days and at 37 °C after 1 day. The virus infection assay indicated that the Omicron variant had a weaker ability to infect cells compared to the WIV04, Beta and Delta strains, and a longer infection time was required for these strains, except for BA.2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jia Lu
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China; (Y.Z.); (F.X.); (C.G.); (C.H.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zejun Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China; (Y.Z.); (F.X.); (C.G.); (C.H.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.)
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4
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McCormack CP, Yan AWC, Brown JC, Sukhova K, Peacock TP, Barclay WS, Dorigatti I. Modelling the viral dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants in different cell types. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230187. [PMID: 37553993 PMCID: PMC10410224 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0187] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We use viral kinetic models fitted to viral load data from in vitro studies to explain why the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant replicates faster than the Delta variant in nasal cells, but slower than Delta in lung cells, which could explain Omicron's higher transmission potential and lower severity. We find that in both nasal and lung cells, viral infectivity is higher for Omicron but the virus production rate is higher for Delta, with an estimated approximately 200-fold increase in infectivity and 100-fold decrease in virus production when comparing Omicron with Delta in nasal cells. However, the differences are unequal between cell types, and ultimately lead to the basic reproduction number and growth rate being higher for Omicron in nasal cells, and higher for Delta in lung cells. In nasal cells, Omicron alone can enter via a TMPRSS2-independent pathway, but it is primarily increased efficiency of TMPRSS2-dependent entry which accounts for Omicron's increased activity. This work paves the way for using within-host mathematical models to understand the transmission potential and severity of future variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare P. McCormack
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ada W. C. Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan C. Brown
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ksenia Sukhova
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas P. Peacock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wendy S. Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ilaria Dorigatti
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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5
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Zeng L, Li J, Lv M, Li Z, Yao L, Gao J, Wu Q, Wang Z, Yang X, Tang G, Qu G, Jiang G. Environmental Stability and Transmissibility of Enveloped Viruses at Varied Animate and Inanimate Interfaces. ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 1:15-31. [PMID: 37552709 PMCID: PMC10255587 DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.3c00005] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Enveloped viruses have been the leading causative agents of viral epidemics in the past decade, including the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. In epidemics caused by enveloped viruses, direct contact is a common route of infection, while indirect transmissions through the environment also contribute to the spread of the disease, although their significance remains controversial. Bridging the knowledge gap regarding the influence of interfacial interactions on the persistence of enveloped viruses in the environment reveals the transmission mechanisms when the virus undergoes mutations and prevents excessive disinfection during viral epidemics. Herein, from the perspective of the driving force, partition efficiency, and viral survivability at interfaces, we summarize the viral and environmental characteristics that affect the environmental transmission of viruses. We expect to provide insights for virus detection, environmental surveillance, and disinfection to limit the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junya Li
- College of Sciences, Northeastern
University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Meilin Lv
- College of Sciences, Northeastern
University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Zikang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Linlin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute
for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute
for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ziniu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Gang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute
for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Institute of Environment and Health,
Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and
Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute
for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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6
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Lyu H, Zhong X, Huang Q, Zheng L, Chen H, Cai S. High-rise buildings: A risk factor in the COVID-19 Omicron epidemic period. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2023; 5:100389. [PMID: 37234095 PMCID: PMC10199749 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100389] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate possible viral transmission scenarios inside a high-rise building during the Omicron phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design Cross-sectional study design. Methods In order to determine the pathogenicity of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, demographic, vaccination and clinical data were collected from COVID-19 positive cases during an outbreak in a high-rise residential building in Shenzhen, China, in early 2022. The pattern of viral transmission inside the building was determined through field investigation and engineering analysis. The results highlight the risk of Omicron infection in high-rise residential buildings. Results Symptoms of infection with the Omicron variant are predominantly mild. Younger age has a greater impact on the severity of disease than vaccination status. Each floor of the high-rise building investigated contained 7 apartments, numbered 01 to 07, positioned in the same layout on each floor. The drainage system included vertical pipes from the ground to the roof of the building. There were statistically significant differences in infection rates at different time points and incidence ratios between apartment numbers ending in 07 (type 07) and other apartments (P < 0.001). Households with early disease onset were concentrated in apartment type 07 and the severity of their disease was more severe. The incubation period of the outbreak was 5.21-5.31 days and the time-dependent reproduction number (Rt) was 12.08 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.66, 18.29). Results suggest both non-contact and contact viral transmission may have contributed to the outbreak. The drainage system in the building allows aerosol regurgitation, thus indicating that the structure of the building may have led to spread of the virus from the sewage pipes. Infections in other apartments may have been as result of viral transmission in the elevators and intimate family contact. Conclusions Results from this study suggest that Omicron transmission was likely to be via the sewage system, supplemented by contact transmission in the stairs and elevators. The environmental spread of Omicron needs to be highlighted and prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Lyu
- Shenzhen Longhua Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianwu Zhong
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | | | - Hongbiao Chen
- Shenzhen Longhua Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Song Cai
- Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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7
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Derqui N, Koycheva A, Zhou J, Pillay TD, Crone MA, Hakki S, Fenn J, Kundu R, Varro R, Conibear E, Madon KJ, Barnett JL, Houston H, Singanayagam A, Narean JS, Tolosa-Wright MR, Mosscrop L, Rosadas C, Watber P, Anderson C, Parker E, Freemont PS, Ferguson NM, Zambon M, McClure MO, Tedder R, Barclay WS, Dunning J, Taylor GP, Lalvani A, Cutajar J, Quinn V, Hammett S, McDermott E, Luca C, Timcang K, Samuel J, Bremang S, Evetts S, Wang L, Nevin S, Davies M, Tejpal C, Essoussi M, Ketkar AV, Miserocchi G, Catchpole H, Badhan A, Dustan S, Day Weber IJ, Marchesin F, Whitfield MG, Poh J, Kondratiuk A. Risk factors and vectors for SARS-CoV-2 household transmission: a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. THE LANCET MICROBE 2023:S2666-5247(23)00069-1. [PMID: 37031689 PMCID: PMC10132910 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00069-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite circumstantial evidence for aerosol and fomite spread of SARS-CoV-2, empirical data linking either pathway with transmission are scarce. Here we aimed to assess whether the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on frequently-touched surfaces and residents' hands was a predictor of SARS-CoV-2 household transmission. METHODS In this longitudinal cohort study, during the pre-alpha (September to December, 2020) and alpha (B.1.1.7; December, 2020, to April, 2021) SARS-CoV-2 variant waves, we prospectively recruited contacts from households exposed to newly diagnosed COVID-19 primary cases, in London, UK. To maximally capture transmission events, contacts were recruited regardless of symptom status and serially tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR on upper respiratory tract (URT) samples and, in a subcohort, by serial serology. Contacts' hands, primary cases' hands, and frequently-touched surface-samples from communal areas were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. SARS-CoV-2 URT isolates from 25 primary case-contact pairs underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS). FINDINGS From Aug 1, 2020, until March 31, 2021, 620 contacts of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected primary cases were recruited. 414 household contacts (from 279 households) with available serial URT PCR results were analysed in the full household contacts' cohort, and of those, 134 contacts with available longitudinal serology data and not vaccinated pre-enrolment were analysed in the serology subcohort. Household infection rate was 28·4% (95% CI 20·8-37·5) for pre-alpha-exposed contacts and 51·8% (42·5-61·0) for alpha-exposed contacts (p=0·0047). Primary cases' URT RNA viral load did not correlate with transmission, but was associated with detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on their hands (p=0·031). SARS-CoV-2 detected on primary cases' hands, in turn, predicted contacts' risk of infection (adjusted relative risk [aRR]=1·70 [95% CI 1·24-2·31]), as did SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence on household surfaces (aRR=1·66 [1·09-2·55]) and contacts' hands (aRR=2·06 [1·57-2·69]). In six contacts with an initial negative URT PCR result, hand-swab (n=3) and household surface-swab (n=3) PCR positivity preceded URT PCR positivity. WGS corroborated household transmission. INTERPRETATION Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on primary cases' and contacts' hands and on frequently-touched household surfaces associates with transmission, identifying these as potential vectors for spread in households. FUNDING National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Respiratory Infections, Medical Research Council.
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8
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Ancestral Lineage of SARS-CoV-2 Is More Stable in Human Biological Fluids than Alpha, Beta, and Omicron Variants of Concern. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0330122. [PMID: 36688691 PMCID: PMC9927102 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03301-22] [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] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic virus first identified in 2019, and has quickly spread worldwide. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected persons; however, the virus-laden excretions can contaminate surfaces which can serve as a potential source of infection. Since the beginning of the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has continued to evolve and accumulate mutations throughout its genome leading to the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) which exhibit increased fitness, transmissibility, and/or virulence. However, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in biological fluids has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the stability of different SARS-CoV-2 strains in human biological fluids. Here, we demonstrate that the ancestral strain of the Wuhan-like lineage A was more stable than the Alpha VOC B.1.1.7, and the Beta VOC B.1.351 strains in human liquid nasal mucus and sputum. In contrast, there was no difference in stability among the three strains in dried biological fluids. Furthermore, we also show that the Omicron VOC B.1.1.529 strain was less stable than the ancestral Wuhan-like strain in liquid nasal mucus. These studies provide insight into the effect of the molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental virus stability, which is important information for the development of countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE Genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 leads to the continuous emergence of novel virus variants, posing a significant concern to global public health. Five of these variants have been classified to date into variants of concern (VOCs); Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. Previous studies investigated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 under various conditions, but there is a gap of knowledge on the survival of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in human biological fluids which are clinically relevant. Here, we present evidence that Alpha, Beta, and Omicron VOCs were less stable than the ancestral Wuhan-like strain in human biological fluids. Our findings highlight the potential risk of contaminated human biological fluids in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and contribute to the development of countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2.
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9
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Stauft CB, Sangare K, Wang TT. Differences in New Variant of Concern Replication at Physiological Temperatures In Vitro. J Infect Dis 2023; 227:202-205. [PMID: 35759271 PMCID: PMC9384407 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Using multiple cell types and isolates of Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, we report differences in virus production, replication, and infectivity in vitro. Ancestral and Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant exhibit reduced virus production and replication at 34°C compared to 37°C while Omicron replication is balanced between temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Stauft
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluations and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Kotou Sangare
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluations and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Tony T Wang
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluations and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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10
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Kang S, Kim JY, Park H, Lim SY, Kim J, Chang E, Bae S, Jung J, Kim MJ, Chong YP, Lee S, Choi S, Kim YS, Park M, Kim S. Comparison of secondary attack rate and viable virus shedding between patients with SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants: A prospective cohort study. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28369. [PMID: 36458559 PMCID: PMC9877691 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28369] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
There are limited data comparing the transmission rates and kinetics of viable virus shedding of the Omicron variant to those of the Delta variant. We compared these rates in hospitalized patients infected with Delta and Omicron variants. We prospectively enrolled adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary care hospital in South Korea between September 2021 and May 2022. Secondary attack rates were calculated by epidemiologic investigation, and daily saliva samples were collected to evaluate viral shedding kinetics. Genomic and subgenomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA was measured by PCR, and virus culture was performed from daily saliva samples. A total of 88 patients with COVID-19 who agreed to daily sampling and were interviewed, were included. Of the 88 patients, 48 (59%) were infected with Delta, and 34 (41%) with Omicron; a further 5 patients gave undetectable or inconclusive RNA PCR results and 1 was suspected of being coinfected with both variants. Omicron group had a higher secondary attack rate (31% [38/124] vs. 7% [34/456], p < 0.001). Survival analysis revealed that shorter viable virus shedding period was observed in Omicron variant compared with Delta variant (median 4, IQR [1-7], vs. 8.5 days, IQR [5-12 days], p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that moderate-to-critical disease severity (HR: 1.96), and immunocompromised status (HR: 2.17) were independent predictors of prolonged viral shedding, whereas completion of initial vaccine series or first booster-vaccinated status (HR: 0.49), and Omicron infection (HR: 0.44) were independently associated with shorter viable virus shedding. Patients with Omicron infections had higher transmission rates but shorter periods of transmissible virus shedding than those with Delta infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung‐Woon Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeun Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Heedo Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BK21 Graduate ProgramKorea University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Vaccine Innovation Center, College of MedicineKorea UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - So Yun Lim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jeonghun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BK21 Graduate ProgramKorea University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Vaccine Innovation Center, College of MedicineKorea UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Euijin Chang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Seongman Bae
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Jung
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Min Jae Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yong Pil Chong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Sang‐Oh Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Sang‐Ho Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yang Soo Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Man‐Seong Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BK21 Graduate ProgramKorea University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Vaccine Innovation Center, College of MedicineKorea UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Sung‐Han Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
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11
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Semeraro S, Gaetano AS, Zupin L, Poloni C, Merlach E, Greco E, Licen S, Fontana F, Leo S, Miani A, Broccolo F, Barbieri P. Operative Protocol for Testing the Efficacy of Nasal Filters in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13790. [PMID: 36360670 PMCID: PMC9654745 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standardized methods for testing Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) of tissues and devices are lacking and few studies are available on aerosolizing, sampling and assessing infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in controlled laboratory settings. NanoAg-coated endonasal filters appear a promising aid for lowering viable virus inhalation in both adult and younger populations (e.g., adolescents). OBJECTIVE to provide an adequate method for testing SARS-CoV-2 bioaerosol VFE of bio-gel Ag nanoparticles endonasal filters, by a model system, assessing residual infectivity as cytopathic effect and viral proliferation on in vitro cell cultures. METHODS A SARS-CoV-2 aerosol transmission chamber fed by a BLAM aerosol generator produces challenges (from very high viral loads (105 PFU/mL) to lower ones) for endonasal filters positioned in a Y shape sampling port connected to a Biosampler. An aerosol generator, chamber and sampler are contained in a class II cabinet in a BSL3 facility. Residual infectivity is assessed from aliquots of liquid collecting bioaerosol, sampled without and with endonasal filters. Cytopathic effect as plaque formation and viral proliferation assessed by qRT-PCR on Vero E6 cells are determined up to 7 days post inoculum. RESULTS Each experimental setting is replicated three times and basic statistics are calculated. Efficiency of aerosolization is determined as difference between viral load in the nebulizer and in the Biosampler at the first day of experiment. Efficiency of virus filtration is calculated as RNA viral load ratio in collected bioaerosol with and without endonasal filters at the day of the experiment. Presence of infectious virus is assessed by plaque forming unit assay and RNA viral load variations. CONCLUSIONS A procedure and apparatus for assessing SARS-CoV-2 VFE for endonasal filters is proposed. The apparatus can be implemented for more sophisticated studies on contaminated aerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Semeraro
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Research Unit of University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Anastasia Serena Gaetano
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Research Unit of University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Carlo Poloni
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Research Unit of University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Elvio Merlach
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Greco
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Research Unit of University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- SIMA Società Italiana di Medicina Ambientale, Viale di Porta Vercellina, 9, 20123 Milano, Italy
| | - Sabina Licen
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Research Unit of University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Fontana
- Ospedale San Polo, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Via Luigi Galvani 1, 34074 Monfalcone, Italy
| | - Silvana Leo
- Division of Oncology, Vito Fazzi Hospital, P.za Muratore 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandro Miani
- SIMA Società Italiana di Medicina Ambientale, Viale di Porta Vercellina, 9, 20123 Milano, Italy
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Broccolo
- SIMA Società Italiana di Medicina Ambientale, Viale di Porta Vercellina, 9, 20123 Milano, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Cerba HealthCare Italia, Via Durini, 14, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Barbieri
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Research Unit of University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- SIMA Società Italiana di Medicina Ambientale, Viale di Porta Vercellina, 9, 20123 Milano, Italy
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12
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Mattiuzzi C, Henry BM, Lippi G. Regional Association between Mean Air Temperature and Case Numbers of Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Lineages throughout the Pandemic. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091913. [PMID: 36146720 PMCID: PMC9501826 DOI: 10.3390/v14091913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between mean air temperature and new SARS-CoV-2 case numbers throughout the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was investigated to identify whether diverse SARS-CoV-2 lineages may exhibit diverse environmental behaviors. The number of new COVID-19 daily cases in the province of Verona was obtained from the Veneto Regional Healthcare Service, whilst the mean daily air temperature during the same period was retrieved from the Regional Agency for Ambient Prevention and Protection of Veneto. A significant inverse correlation was found between new COVID-19 daily cases and mean air temperature in Verona up to Omicron BA.1/BA.2 predominance (correlation coefficients between −0.79 and −0.41). The correlation then became positive when the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 lineages were prevalent (r = 0.32). When the median value (and interquartile range; IQR) of new COVID-19 daily cases recorded during the warmer period of the year in Verona (June–July) was compared across the three years of the pandemic, a gradual increase could be seen over time, from 1 (IQR, 0–2) in 2020, to 22 (IQR, 11–113) in 2021, up to 890 (IQR, 343–1345) in 2022. These results suggest that measures for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection should not be completely abandoned during the warmer periods of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Mattiuzzi
- Service of Clinical Governance, Provincial Agency for Social and Sanitary Services (APSS), 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Brandon M. Henry
- Clinical Laboratory, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry and School of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-8124308
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13
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Kwon T, Gaudreault NN, Meekins DA, McDowell CD, Cool K, Richt JA. Ancestral lineage of SARS-CoV-2 is more stable in human biological fluids than Alpha, Beta and Omicron variants of concern. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.08.17.504362. [PMID: 36032982 PMCID: PMC9413703 DOI: 10.1101/2022.08.17.504362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic virus which was first identified in 2019, and has quickly spread worldwide. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected persons; however, the virus-laden excretions can contaminate surfaces which can serve as a potential source of infection. Since the beginning of the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has continued to evolve and accumulate mutations throughout its genome leading to the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) which exhibit increased fitness, transmissibility, and/or virulence. However, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in biological fluids has not been thoroughly investigated so far. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the stability of different SARS-CoV-2 strains in human biological fluids. Here, we demonstrate that the ancestral strain of Wuhan-like lineage A was more stable than the Alpha VOC B.1.1.7, and the Beta VOC B.1.351 strains in human liquid nasal mucus and sputum. In contrast, there was no difference in stability among the three strains in dried biological fluids. Furthermore, we also show that the Omicron VOC B.1.1.529 strain was less stable than the ancestral Wuhan-like strain in liquid nasal mucus. These studies provide insight into the effect of the molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental virus stability, which is important information for the development of countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2. Importance Genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 leads to the continuous emergence of novel variants, posing a significant concern to global public health. Five of these variants have been classified so far into variants of concern (VOCs); Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. Previous studies investigated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 under various conditions, but there is a gap of knowledge on the survival of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in human biological fluids which are clinically relevant. Here, we present evidence that Alpha, Beta, and Omicron VOCs were less stable than the ancestral Wuhan-like strain in human biological fluids. Our findings highlight the potential risk of contaminated human biological fluids in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and contribute to the development of countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyong Kwon
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - David A. Meekins
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Chester D. McDowell
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Konner Cool
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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