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Ghach W, Takshe AA, Rababa M, Al-Rawashdeh S, Alwan N. Evaluation of awareness and performance towards COVID-related disinfectant use: a comparative study between Jordan and United Arab Emirates. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:563. [PMID: 38840257 PMCID: PMC11155124 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09447-1] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommended the use of chemical-based disinfectants as an effective prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, calls for poisoning were reported in several medical centers. The widespread use of chemical-based disinfectants as a preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored potential gaps in community awareness and performance, posing health risks. This study evaluates and compares levels of awareness and performance regarding the safe use of disinfectants in Jordan and UAE. METHODS The study was conducted between October 2022 and June 2023 via an online questionnaire. Data of respondents from Jordan (n = 828) and UAE (n = 619) were analyzed using SPSS. ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests evaluated significant differences in awareness and performance levels across different demographic groups in Jordan/UAE and between them. Spearman's correlation test examined the correlation between awareness and performance among respondents. Multinomial logistic regression analysis explored associations between various variables and awareness/performance levels within each population. RESULTS Findings reveal weak awareness (72.4% and 9.03% in UAE and Jordan, respectively) and moderate performance level (98.8% in UAE and Jordan), with a weak correlation (UAE, rho = 0.093; Jordan, rho = 0.164) observed between the two countries (P < 0.05). Multinomial logistic regression analysis indicates gender-related associations with awareness levels and education-related associations with performance levels. CONCLUSIONS The study emphasizes the urgent need for awareness campaigns and workshops to promote safer disinfectant practices to develop effective interventions aligning with sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Ghach
- Department of Public Health, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Aseel A Takshe
- Department of Public Health, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Rababa
- Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sami Al-Rawashdeh
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Nisreen Alwan
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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2
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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.
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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
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3
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Ijaz MK, Sattar SA, Nims RW, Boone SA, McKinney J, Gerba CP. Environmental dissemination of respiratory viruses: dynamic interdependencies of respiratory droplets, aerosols, aerial particulates, environmental surfaces, and contribution of viral re-aerosolization. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16420. [PMID: 38025703 PMCID: PMC10680453 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16420] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During the recent pandemic of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), influential public health agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have favored the view that SARS CoV-2 spreads predominantly via droplets. Many experts in aerobiology have openly opposed that stance, forcing a vigorous debate on the topic. In this review, we discuss the various proposed modes of viral transmission, stressing the interdependencies between droplet, aerosol, and fomite spread. Relative humidity and temperature prevailing determine the rates at which respiratory aerosols and droplets emitted from an expiratory event (sneezing, coughing, etc.) evaporate to form smaller droplets or aerosols, or experience hygroscopic growth. Gravitational settling of droplets may result in contamination of environmental surfaces (fomites). Depending upon human, animal and mechanical activities in the occupied space indoors, viruses deposited on environmental surfaces may be re-aerosolized (re-suspended) to contribute to aerosols, and can be conveyed on aerial particulate matter such as dust and allergens. The transmission of respiratory viruses may then best be viewed as resulting from dynamic virus spread from infected individuals to susceptible individuals by various physical states of active respiratory emissions, instead of the current paradigm that emphasizes separate dissemination by respiratory droplets, aerosols or by contaminated fomites. To achieve the optimum outcome in terms of risk mitigation and infection prevention and control (IPAC) during seasonal infection peaks, outbreaks, and pandemics, this holistic view emphasizes the importance of dealing with all interdependent transmission modalities, rather than focusing on one modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Khalid Ijaz
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, NJ, United States of America
| | - Syed A. Sattar
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie A. Boone
- Water & Energy Sustainable Technology Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Julie McKinney
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, NJ, United States of America
| | - Charles P. Gerba
- Water & Energy Sustainable Technology Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
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Haas M, Fürhacker P, Hodek J, Stangl P, Alon I, Kainz K, Fajgelj V, Mädel C, Dotzler S, Götzinger F, Ulrychová L, Preuner S, Fortschegger M, Schinnerl D, Walter C, Obrova K, Weber J, Zacharasiewicz A, Lion T. Detection of viable SARS-CoV-2 on the hands of hospitalized children with COVID-19. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:1211-1213. [PMID: 37321398 PMCID: PMC10263223 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meryl Haas
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Fürhacker
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; Labdia Labordiagnostik GmbH, Vienna, Austria; University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Hodek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Stangl
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabelle Alon
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Kainz
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Fajgelj
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Mädel
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophia Dotzler
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Götzinger
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucie Ulrychová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sandra Preuner
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; Labdia Labordiagnostik GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Fortschegger
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; Labdia Labordiagnostik GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Klara Obrova
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Angela Zacharasiewicz
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Lion
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; Labdia Labordiagnostik GmbH, Vienna, Austria; Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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5
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Hui KPY, Chin AWH, Ehret J, Ng KC, Peiris M, Poon LLM, Wong KHM, Chan MCW, Hosegood I, Nicholls JM. Stability of SARS-CoV-2 on Commercial Aircraft Interior Surfaces with Implications for Effective Control Measures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6598. [PMID: 37623181 PMCID: PMC10454724 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166598] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2022 devastated many aspects of life and the economy, with the commercial aviation industry being no exception. One of the major concerns during the pandemic was the degree to which the internal aircraft environment contributed to virus transmission between humans and, in particular, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on contact surfaces in the aircraft cabin interior. METHOD In this study, the stability of various major strains of SARS-CoV-2 on interior aircraft surfaces was evaluated using the TCID50 assessment. RESULTS In contrast to terrestrial materials, SARS-CoV-2 was naturally less stable on common contact points in the aircraft interior, and, over a 4 h time period, there was a 90% reduction in culturable virus. Antiviral and surface coatings were extremely effective at mitigating the persistence of the virus on surfaces; however, their benefit was diminished by regular cleaning and were ineffective after 56 days of regular use and cleaning. Finally, successive strains of SARS-CoV-2 have not evolved to be more resilient to survival on aircraft surfaces. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the mitigation strategies for SARS-CoV-2 on interior aircraft surfaces are more than sufficient, and epidemiological evidence over the past three years has not found that surface spread is a major route of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenrie P. Y. Hui
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex W. H. Chin
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John Ehret
- Qantas Airways Ltd., Qantas 10 Bourke Rd Mascot, Sydney, NSW 2020, Australia
| | - Ka-Chun Ng
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leo L. M. Poon
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen H. M. Wong
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael C. W. Chan
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ian Hosegood
- Qantas Airways Ltd., Qantas 10 Bourke Rd Mascot, Sydney, NSW 2020, Australia
| | - John M. Nicholls
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
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6
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Ghach W, Safwan J, Kerek R, Alwan N. Evaluation of awareness and performance towards COVID-related disinfectant use among the university communities in Lebanon. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1582. [PMID: 37596576 PMCID: PMC10439643 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16515-9] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fast spread of COVID-19 reinforced the daily use of disinfectants around the world. However, the awareness gap of disinfectant use could lead to health risks during the prevention of the pandemic. This study aims to assess the level of awareness and performance towards COVID-related disinfectant use among various university communities (student, staff, and faculty) in Lebanon. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and June 2022 among 925 participants (males and females aged between 18 and 64 years old) from academic settings in Lebanese universities using convenience sampling. An online validated survey (score-based questionnaire) of personal disinfectants' utilization was conducted to evaluate the awareness and performance levels using SPSS (version 21). Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to check significant differences in awareness and performance levels among gender, age, provinces, educational level, university status, and field of study. Friedman test was used to test for significant differences in performance level questions pre-and post-COVID-19. The Spearman correlation test was used to determine the correlation between the awareness and performance of the respondents regarding the use of disinfectants. RESULTS It was found that the majority of the respondents showed a weak level of awareness (70.8%) while their performance (61.9%) was moderate. Spearman's correlation analysis concluded a weak correlation between the awareness and performance levels (p < 0.01). The Mann-Whitney test indicated that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in awareness and performance levels between males and females. Another notable variable was the educational level of the respondents (p < 0.05) with postgraduate degrees holders recording higher mean scores of awareness than the ones with undergraduate and high school degrees as per Kruskal-Wallis test. Significant differences were shown in awareness scores among the age groups and in performance scores among the field of study (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The study findings highlighted the necessity of awareness campaigns and training programs addressing the technical handling of disinfectants among the communities in Lebanon. Lebanese governmental authorities (Ministry of Public Health, MoPH, and Ministry of Education and Higher Education, MEHE), and the healthcare professionals and public health researchers in Lebanon may utilize this new evidence to initiate public health interventions as a part of the United Nations (UN) sustainability goal of wellbeing (Sustainable Development Goal 3, SDG 3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Ghach
- Faculty of Communication, Arts and Sciences, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Jihan Safwan
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB, Institut National de Santé Publique d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Racha Kerek
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Nisreen Alwan
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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7
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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.
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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
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8
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Li G, Wang Y, Wang Z, Wang Y, Qi Y, Bai L, Liu Z, Li N. Contamination and Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Cold-Chain Food and Food Packaging. China CDC Wkly 2023; 5:485-491. [PMID: 37408615 PMCID: PMC10318554 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2023.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Yeru Wang
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Yibaina Wang
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Qi
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Li Bai
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoping Liu
- NHC Key Lab of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
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9
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Jung S, Yeo D, Wang Z, Woo S, Seo Y, Hossain MI, Choi C. Viability of SARS-CoV-2 on lettuce, chicken, and salmon and its inactivation by peracetic acid, ethanol, and chlorine dioxide. Food Microbiol 2023; 110:104164. [PMID: 36462820 PMCID: PMC9560751 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104164] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the first SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Wuhan, China, there has been continued concern over the link between SARS-CoV-2 transmission and food. However, there are few studies on the viability and removal of SARS-CoV-2 contaminating food. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on food matrices, depending on storage temperature, and inactivate the virus contaminating food using disinfectants. Two SARS-CoV-2 strains (L and S types) were used to contaminate lettuce, chicken, and salmon, which were then stored at 20,4 and -40 °C. The half-life of SARS-CoV-2 at 20 °C was 3-7 h but increased to 24-46 h at 4 °C and exceeded 100 h at -40 °C. SARS-CoV-2 persisted longer on chicken or salmon than on lettuce. Treatment with 70% ethanol for 1 min inactivated 3.25 log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 inoculated on lettuce but not on chicken and salmon. ClO2 inactivated up to 2 log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 on foods. Peracetic acid was able to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 from all foods. The virucidal effect of all disinfectants used in this study did not differ between the two SARS-CoV-2 strains; therefore, they could also be effective against other SARS-CoV-2 variants. This study demonstrated that the viability of SARS-CoV-2 can be extended at 4 and -40 °C and peracetic acid can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on food matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soontag Jung
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
| | - Daseul Yeo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhaoqi Wang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyoung Woo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeeun Seo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Iqbal Hossain
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsun Choi
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Mardiko AA, Bludau A, Heinemann S, Kaba HEJ, Fenz D, Leha A, von Maltzahn N, Mutters NT, Leistner R, Mattner F, Scheithauer S. Infection control strategies for healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in German hospitals: A cross-sectional study in march-april 2021. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14658. [PMID: 36945349 PMCID: PMC10022461 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14658] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCW) are at risk of getting infected with COVID-19 at work. To prevent such incidents and provide a safe environment in hospitals, comprehensive infection control strategies are necessary. We aimed to collect information on COVID-19 infection control strategies regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), regulations during breaks for HCW and dissemination of pandemic-related information. Methods We invited infection control practitioners from 987 randomly selected German hospitals in March-April 2021 to participate in our cross-sectional online survey. We categorized the hospital based on bed capacity (≤499 beds = small; ≥500 beds = large). Fisher's exact test was performed and p < 0.05 defined as statistically significant. Findings 100 participants completed the questionnaire. Small hospitals were more directive about requiring FFP2 respirators (63%), whereas larger hospitals more often gave their HCW a choice between these and medical masks (67%). For the care of COVID-19 and suspected COVID-19 cases, >90% of the participants recommended the use of gloves. Notably, gloves were recommended beyond COVID-19 in 30% of the hospitals. During meal breaks various strategies were followed. Conclusion Recommendations for PPE varied across hospital sizes, which could be due to different assessments of necessity and safety. Regulations during breaks varied strongly which illustrates the need for clear official guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia A Mardiko
- Department of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anna Bludau
- Department of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Heinemann
- Local Task Force of the Network University Medicine (NUM), University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hani E J Kaba
- Department of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Diana Fenz
- Department of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Leha
- Department of Medical Statistic, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicole von Maltzahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nico T Mutters
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rasmus Leistner
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Medical Department, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frauke Mattner
- Institute for Hygiene, Cologne Merheim Medical Centre, University Witten-Herdecke, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simone Scheithauer
- Department of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
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11
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Glass A, Klinkhammer KE, Christofferson RC, Mores CN. Efficacy of copper blend coatings in reducing SARS-CoV-2 contamination. Biometals 2023; 36:217-225. [PMID: 36474101 PMCID: PMC9735165 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00473-7] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly infectious virus and etiologic agent of COVID-19, which is spread by respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces. Copper is a known antiviral agent, and has resulted in successful reduction of pathogens and infections by 83-99.9% when coated on surfaces in intensive care units. Additionally, copper has been shown to inactivate pathogens such as Coronavirus 226E, a close relative of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we examine the ability of two copper blends with differing compositions to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus at different time points. Copper Blend 2 (75.07% pure copper) was found to significantly reduce (over 50%) the viability of SARS-CoV-2 at 5 min of contact, with at least 98% reduction in recovered virus at 20 min (vs. plastic control). However, Copper Blend 1 (48.26% pure copper), was not found to significantly reduce viability of SARS-CoV-2 at any time point when compared to plastic. This may indicate that there is an important percentage of copper content in materials that is needed to effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Overall, this study shows that over the course of 20 min, coatings made of copper materials can significantly reduce the recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 compared to uncoated controls, indicating the effective use of copper for viral inactivation on surfaces. Furthermore, it may suggest higher copper content has stronger antiviral properties. This could have important implications when short turnaround times are needed for cleaning and disinfecting rooms or equipment, especially in strained healthcare settings which are struggling to keep up with demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Glass
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katharina E Klinkhammer
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Christopher N Mores
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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12
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Vundavalli S, Sujanamulk B, Kotti AB, Raghunath RG, Manyam R, Doppalapudi R, Chalapathi Rao D. COVID-19 prevalence and infection control practices among dentists in Andhra Pradesh State, India. Work 2023:WOR210362. [PMID: 36683521 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed a new challenge not only to public health but also to the health care systems and dentists are one of the highly vulnerable health care professionals for COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE To assess the COVID-19 prevalence, associated factors, and infection control practices among dentists in Andhra Pradesh State, IndiaMETHODS:A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among dentists in Andhra Pradesh state, India. 21-item pretested questionnaire was used for data collection between January 30, 2021 and February 21, 2021. 3700 dentists from the Andhra Pradesh state were selected from the Dentists Register of India through systematic random sampling method. RESULTS Out of 3700 dentists invited to participate in this study, responses from 1876 dentists were received with response rate of 51%. Prevalence of 8 among the study population was 9%. Patients were the primary source of infection for 60.5% of the COVID-19 positive study participants. 65.8% of total respondents using full face shield and two-third of them using N-95 or equivalent mask while providing dental care. CONCLUSION This study found a high prevalence rate of COVID 19 among the dentists. Among the associated factors, being into active practice during the pandemic was found to be statistically significant. This study recommend for additional infection control protocols specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhakar Vundavalli
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavana Sujanamulk
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Drs Sudha and Nageswara Rao Siddhartha Institute of Dental Sciences, Chinnaoutpalli, India
| | - Ajay Benarji Kotti
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Drs Sudha and Nageswara Rao Siddhartha Institute of Dental Sciences, Chinnaoutpalli, India
| | - Ravi Gummaraju Raghunath
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Faisal University, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ravikanth Manyam
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, India
| | - Radhika Doppalapudi
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia
| | - D Chalapathi Rao
- Department of Prosthodontics, Mamata Dental College, Telangana, India
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13
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Aikebaier S, Song Y, Li M, Liu J. Exploring the Impact and Prevention of Epidemics from a New Perspective: COVID-19 Transmission through Express Boxes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16884. [PMID: 36554764 PMCID: PMC9778959 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The number of express boxes worldwide exceeded 170 billion in 2021, and, from several regions in China, tested positive. Therefore, it is important to study the transmission of viruses through express boxes. In this paper, we establish a model of express box virus transmission based on comprehensive consideration of environmental factors, such as temperature, disinfection, humidity, virus release intensity, and volume of vehicle, to study the transmission of express box virus, and explore the spatial and geographic spread variation of express box viruses in China. Several important findings emerged from the study, including: (1) Disinfection can prolong the spread of viruses in the express box for ≥21 h; (2) For every 1 °C rise in temperature, the infected time can be prolonged by ≥1.2 h, and for every 10% rise in relative humidity, the virus transmission time can be prolonged by ≥1.32 h; (3) In an environment suitable for virus transmission, when loaded with 1000, 2000, 4000 express boxes, areas where the express delivery time exceeds 22.56, 18, 14.64 h will face the risk of all the boxes in the carriage being infected. These findings could help public health departments prevent the risk of virus transmission from express boxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saierdaer Aikebaier
- China Emergency Management Research Center, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center of Safety Early Warning and Emergency Response Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yinghua Song
- China Emergency Management Research Center, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center of Safety Early Warning and Emergency Response Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Moxiao Li
- China Emergency Management Research Center, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center of Safety Early Warning and Emergency Response Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiexin Liu
- China Emergency Management Research Center, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center of Safety Early Warning and Emergency Response Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
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14
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Murray AF, Bryan D, Garfinkel DA, Jorgensen CS, Tang N, Liyanage WLNC, Lass EA, Yang Y, Rack PD, Denes TG, Gilbert DA. Antimicrobial properties of a multi-component alloy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21427. [PMID: 36503913 PMCID: PMC9741758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25122-4] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High traffic touch surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and handrails can be transmission points for the spread of pathogens, emphasizing the need to develop materials that actively self-sanitize. Metals are frequently used for these surfaces due to their durability, but many metals also possess antimicrobial properties which function through a variety of mechanisms. This work investigates metallic alloys comprised of several metals which individually possess antimicrobial properties, with the target of achieving broad-spectrum, rapid sanitation through synergistic activity. An entropy-motivated stabilization paradigm is proposed to prepare scalable alloys of copper, silver, nickel and cobalt. Using combinatorial sputtering, thin-film alloys were prepared on 100 mm wafers with ≈50% compositional grading of each element across the wafer. The films were then annealed and investigated for alloy stability. Antimicrobial activity testing was performed on both the as-grown alloys and the annealed films using four microorganisms-Phi6, MS2, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli-as surrogates for human viral and bacterial pathogens. Testing showed that after 30 s of contact with some of the test alloys, Phi6, an enveloped, single-stranded RNA bacteriophage that serves as a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, was reduced up to 6.9 orders of magnitude (> 99.9999%). Additionally, the non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA bacteriophage MS2, and the Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive B. subtilis bacterial strains showed a 5.0, 6.4, and 5.7 log reduction in activity after 30, 20 and 10 min, respectively. Antimicrobial activity in the alloy samples showed a strong dependence on the composition, with the log reduction scaling directly with the Cu content. Concentration of Cu by phase separation after annealing improved activity in some of the samples. The results motivate a variety of themes which can be leveraged to design ideal antimicrobial surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne F. Murray
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Food Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ,grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Daniel Bryan
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Food Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - David A. Garfinkel
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Cameron S. Jorgensen
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Nan Tang
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - WLNC Liyanage
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Eric A. Lass
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Ying Yang
- grid.135519.a0000 0004 0446 2659Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 USA
| | - Philip D. Rack
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Thomas G. Denes
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Food Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Dustin A. Gilbert
- grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA ,grid.411461.70000 0001 2315 1184Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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15
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Valenzuela-Fernández A, Cabrera-Rodriguez R, Ciuffreda L, Perez-Yanes S, Estevez-Herrera J, González-Montelongo R, Alcoba-Florez J, Trujillo-González R, García-Martínez de Artola D, Gil-Campesino H, Díez-Gil O, Lorenzo-Salazar JM, Flores C, Garcia-Luis J. Nanomaterials to combat SARS-CoV-2: Strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1052436. [PMID: 36507266 PMCID: PMC9732709 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1052436] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which severely affect the respiratory system and several organs and tissues, and may lead to death, have shown how science can respond when challenged by a global emergency, offering as a response a myriad of rapid technological developments. Development of vaccines at lightning speed is one of them. SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have stressed healthcare systems, questioning patients care by using standard non-adapted therapies and diagnostic tools. In this scenario, nanotechnology has offered new tools, techniques and opportunities for prevention, for rapid, accurate and sensitive diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. In this review, we focus on the nanotechnological applications and nano-based materials (i.e., personal protective equipment) to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission, infection, organ damage and for the development of new tools for virosurveillance, diagnose and immune protection by mRNA and other nano-based vaccines. All the nano-based developed tools have allowed a historical, unprecedented, real time epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, at community and international levels. The nano-based technology has help to predict and detect how this Sarbecovirus is mutating and the severity of the associated COVID-19 disease, thereby assisting the administration and public health services to make decisions and measures for preparedness against the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and severe or lethal COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Valenzuela-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Romina Cabrera-Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Laura Ciuffreda
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Silvia Perez-Yanes
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Judith Estevez-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Julia Alcoba-Florez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Trujillo-González
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Análisis Matemático, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Helena Gil-Campesino
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Oscar Díez-Gil
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - José M. Lorenzo-Salazar
- Genomics Division, Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carlos Flores
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Genomics Division, Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jonay Garcia-Luis
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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16
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Tyrkalska SD, Candel S, Pedoto A, García-Moreno D, Alcaraz-Pérez F, Sánchez-Ferrer Á, Cayuela ML, Mulero V. Zebrafish models of COVID-19. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 47:6794271. [PMID: 36323404 PMCID: PMC9841970 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although COVID-19 has only recently appeared, research studies have already developed and implemented many animal models for deciphering the secrets of the disease and provided insights into the biology of SARS-CoV-2. However, there are several major factors that complicate the study of this virus in model organisms, such as the poor infectivity of clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 in some model species, and the absence of persistent infection, immunopathology, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, and, in general, all the systemic complications which characterize COVID-19 clinically. Another important limitation is that SARS-CoV-2 mainly causes severe COVID-19 in older people with comorbidities, which represents a serious problem when attempting to use young and immunologically naïve laboratory animals in COVID-19 testing. We review here the main animal models developed so far to study COVID-19 and the unique advantages of the zebrafish model that may help to contribute to understand this disease, in particular to the identification and repurposing of drugs to treat COVID-19, to reveal the mechanism of action and side-effects of Spike-based vaccines, and to decipher the high susceptibility of aged people to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Annamaria Pedoto
- Departmento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana García-Moreno
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Alcaraz-Pérez
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain,Grupo de Telomerasa, Cáncer y Envejecimiento (TCAG), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Álvaro Sánchez-Ferrer
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain,Departmento de Bioloquímica y Biología Molecular A, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Victoriano Mulero
- Corresponding author: Departmento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain. E-mail:
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17
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Thalheim T, Krüger T, Galle J. Indirect Virus Transmission via Fomites Can Counteract Lock-Down Effectiveness. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14011. [PMID: 36360891 PMCID: PMC9658534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised major health policy questions. Direct transmission via respiratory droplets seems to be the dominant route of its transmission. However, indirect transmission via shared contact of contaminated objects may also occur. The contribution of each transmission route to epidemic spread might change during lock-down scenarios. Here, we simulate viral spread of an abstract epidemic considering both routes of transmission by use of a stochastic, agent-based SEIR model. We show that efficient contact tracing (CT) at a high level of incidence can stabilize daily cases independently of the transmission route long before effects of herd immunity become relevant. CT efficacy depends on the fraction of cases that do not show symptoms. Combining CT with lock-down scenarios that reduce agent mobility lowers the incidence for exclusive direct transmission scenarios and can even eradicate the epidemic. However, even for small fractions of indirect transmission, such lockdowns can impede CT efficacy and increase case numbers. These counterproductive effects can be reduced by applying measures that favor distancing over reduced mobility. In summary, we show that the efficacy of lock-downs depends on the transmission route. Our results point to the particular importance of hygiene measures during mobility lock-downs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Thalheim
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), Leipzig University, Haertelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tyll Krüger
- Institute of Computer Engineering, Control and Robotics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Janiszewskiego 11-17, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jörg Galle
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), Leipzig University, Haertelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
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18
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Benedusi M, Tamburini E, Sicurella M, Summa D, Ferrara F, Marconi P, Cervellati F, Costa S, Valacchi G. The Lesson Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Can an Active Chemical Be Effective, Safe, Harmless-for-Humans and Low-Cost at a Time? Evidence on Aerosolized Hypochlorous Acid. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13163. [PMID: 36293740 PMCID: PMC9602504 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of disinfectants as tools to prevent and fight against coronavirus spreading. An ideal disinfectant and sanitizer must be nontoxic to surface contact, noncorrosive, effective, and relatively inexpensive as it is hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The present work intended to evaluate, on different surfaces, the bactericidal and virucidal effectiveness of nebulized HOCl and test its safety usage in 2D and 3D skin and lung models. Our data showed that HOCl at the dose of 300 ppm did not affect cellular and tissue viability, not their morphology. The HOCl bactericidal properties varies with the surface analyzed: 69% for semi-porous, 96-99.9% for flat and porous. This discrepancy was not noticed for the virucidal properties. Overall, this study showed that nebulized HOCl can prevent virus and bacteria growth without affecting lung and skin tissues, making this compound a perfect candidate to sanitize indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mascia Benedusi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Tamburini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariaconcetta Sicurella
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Summa
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrara
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Peggy Marconi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Franco Cervellati
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Costa
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Kumar U, Fox CR, Kolanthai E, Neal CJ, Kedarinath K, Fu Y, Marcelo E, Babu B, Parks GD, Seal S. Potent Inactivation of Human Respiratory Viruses Including SARS-CoV-2 by a Photoactivated Self-Cleaning Regenerative Antiviral Coating. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:40659-40673. [PMID: 36004755 PMCID: PMC9438480 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic marks an inflection point in the perception and treatment of human health. Substantial resources have been reallocated to address the direct medical effects of COVID-19 and to curtail the spread of the virus. Thereby, shortcomings of traditional disinfectants, especially their requirement for regular reapplication and the related complications (e.g., dedicated personnel and short-term activity), have become issues at the forefront of public health concerns. This issue became especially pressing when infection-mitigating supplies dwindled early in the progression of the pandemic. In consideration of the constant threat posed by emerging novel viruses, we report a platform technology for persistent surface disinfection to combat virus transmission through nanomaterial-mediated, localized UV radiation emission. In this work, two formulations of Y2SiO5-based visible-to-UV upconversion nanomaterials were developed using a facile sol-gel-based synthesis. Our formulations have shown substantial antiviral activities (4 × 104 to 0 TCID50 units in 30 min) toward an enveloped, circulating human coronavirus strain (OC43) under simple white light exposure as an analogue to natural light or common indoor lighting. Additionally, we have shown that our two formulations greatly reduce OC43 RNA recovery from surfaces. Antiviral activities were further demonstrated toward a panel of structurally diverse viruses including enveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2, vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, parainfluenza virus, and Zika virus, as well as nonenveloped viruses, rhinovirus, and calicivirus, as evidence of the technology's broad antiviral activity. Remarkably, one formulation completely inactivated 105 infectious units of SARS-CoV-2 in only 45 min. The detailed technology has implications for the design of more potent, long-lived disinfectants and modified/surface-treated personal protective equipment targeting a wide range of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udit Kumar
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center,
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central
Florida, Orlando, Florida32816, United States
| | - Candace R. Fox
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of
Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida32827,
United States
| | - Elayaraja Kolanthai
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center,
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central
Florida, Orlando, Florida32816, United States
| | - Craig J. Neal
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center,
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central
Florida, Orlando, Florida32816, United States
| | - Kritika Kedarinath
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of
Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida32827,
United States
| | - Yifei Fu
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center,
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central
Florida, Orlando, Florida32816, United States
| | - Erik Marcelo
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center,
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central
Florida, Orlando, Florida32816, United States
| | - Balaashwin Babu
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center,
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central
Florida, Orlando, Florida32816, United States
- NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC),
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida32816,
United States
| | - Griffith D. Parks
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of
Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida32827,
United States
| | - Sudipta Seal
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center,
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central
Florida, Orlando, Florida32816, United States
- NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC),
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida32816,
United States
- Biionix Cluster, College of Medicine,
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida32816,
United States
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20
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Del Álamo C, Vázquez-Calvo Á, Alcamí A, Sánchez-García-Casarrubios J, Pérez-Díaz JL. Assessment of Surface Disinfection Effectiveness of Decontamination System COUNTERFOG® SDR-F05A+ Against Bacteriophage ɸ29. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2022; 14:304-313. [PMID: 35851946 PMCID: PMC9294796 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-022-09526-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The experience of COVID19 pandemic has demonstrated the real concern of biological agents dispersed in the air and surfaces environments. Therefore, the need of a fast and large-scale disinfection method has arisen for prevention of contagion. COUNTERFOG® is an innovative technology developed for large-scale decontamination of air and surfaces. The objective of this study is to assess experimentally the effectiveness of COUNTERFOG® in disinfecting viral-contaminated surfaces. We also aim to measure the necessary time to disinfect said surfaces. Stainless steel surfaces were contaminated with bacteriophage φ29 and disinfected using COUNTERFOG® SDR-F05A+, which uses a sodium hypochlorite solution at different concentrations and for different exposure times. A log reduction over 6 logs of virus titer is obtained in 1 min with 1.2% sodium hypochlorite when the application is direct; while at a radial distance of 5 cm from the point of application the disinfection reaches a reduction of 5.5 logs in 8 min. In the same way, a higher dilution of the sodium hypochlorite concentration (0.7% NaOCl) requires more exposure time (16 min) to obtain the same log reduction (> 6 logs). COUNTERFOG® creates, in a short time and at a distance of 2 m from the point of application, a thin layer of disinfectant that covers the surfaces. The selection of the concentration and exposure time is critical for the efficacy of disinfection. These tests demonstrate that a concentration between 0.7- 1.2% sodium hypochlorite is enough for a fast and efficient ɸ29 phage inactivation. The fact that ɸ29 phage is more resistant to disinfection than SARS-CoV-2 sustains this disinfection procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Del Álamo
- Escuela Politécnica Superior UAH, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33,600, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
| | - Ángela Vázquez-Calvo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Alcamí
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - José Luis Pérez-Díaz
- Escuela Politécnica Superior UAH, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33,600, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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21
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Roundy CM, Hamer SA, Zecca IB, Davila EB, Auckland LD, Tang W, Gavranovic H, Swiger SL, Tomberlin JK, Fischer RSB, Pauvolid-Corrêa A, Hamer GL. No Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Among Flies or Cockroaches in Households Where COVID-19 Positive Cases Resided. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1479-1483. [PMID: 35640635 PMCID: PMC9278844 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Flies and other arthropods mechanically transmit multiple pathogens and a recent experimental study demonstrated house flies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), can mechanically transmit SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by domestic insects and their potential as a xenosurveillance tool for detection of the virus. Flies were trapped in homes where at least one confirmed human COVID-19 case(s) resided using sticky and liquid-baited fly traps placed inside and outside the home in the Texas counties of Brazos, Bell, and Montgomery, from June to September 2020. Flies from sticky traps were identified, pooled by taxa, homogenized, and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Liquid traps were drained, and the collected fluid similarly tested after RNA concentration. We processed the contents of 133 insect traps from 40 homes, which contained over 1,345 individual insects of 11 different Diptera families and Blattodea. These individuals were grouped into 243 pools, and all tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Fourteen traps in seven homes were deployed on the day that cat or dog samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by nasal, oral, body, or rectal samples. This study presents evidence that biting and nonbiting flies and cockroaches (Blattodea) are not likely to contribute to mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or be useful in xenosurveillance for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Italo B Zecca
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Edward B Davila
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Wendy Tang
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University and AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Haley Gavranovic
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University and AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sonja L Swiger
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University and AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jeffery K Tomberlin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University and AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Rebecca S B Fischer
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles, SARS-CoV-2 National Reference Laboratory and Regional Reference Laboratory in the Americas (PAHO/WHO), Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
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22
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Purwar T, Dey S, Al-Kayyali OZA, Zalar AF, Doosttalab A, Castillo L, Castano VM. Electrostatic Spray Disinfection Using Nano-Engineered Solution on Frequently Touched Surfaces in Indoor and Outdoor Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7241. [PMID: 35742489 PMCID: PMC9223583 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in high demand for disinfection technologies. However, the corresponding spray technologies are still not completely optimized for disinfection purposes. There are important problems, like the irregular coverage and dripping of disinfectant solutions on hard and vertical surfaces. In this study, we highlight two major points. Firstly, we discuss the effectiveness of the electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) of nanoparticle-based disinfectant solutions for systematic and long-lasting disinfection. Secondly, we show that, based on the type of material of the substrate, the effectiveness of ESD varies. Accordingly, 12 frequently touched surface materials were sprayed using a range of electrostatic spray system parameters, including ion generator voltage, nozzle spray size and distance of spray. It was observed that for most cases, the surfaces become completely covered with the nanoparticles within 10 s. Acrylic, Teflon, PVC, and polypropylene surfaces show a distinct effect of ESD and non-ESD sprays. The nanoparticles form a uniform layer with better surface coverage in case of electrostatic deposition. Quantitative variations and correlations show that 1.5 feet of working distance, an 80 μm spray nozzle diameter and an ion generator voltage of 3-7 kV ensures a DEF (differential electric field) that corresponds to an optimized charge-to-mass ratio, ensuring efficient coverage of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Purwar
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Shamya Dey
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Osama Zaid Ali Al-Kayyali
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Aaron Floyd Zalar
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Ali Doosttalab
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Luciano Castillo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Victor M. Castano
- Centro de Física Aplicada Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
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23
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Sobolik JS, Sajewski ET, Jaykus LA, Cooper DK, Lopman BA, Kraay AN, Ryan PB, Guest JL, Webb-Girard A, Leon JS. Decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 from cold-chain food packaging provides no marginal benefit in risk reduction to food workers. Food Control 2022; 136:108845. [PMID: 35075333 PMCID: PMC8770992 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Countries continue to debate the need for decontamination of cold-chain food packaging to reduce possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) fomite transmission among frontline workers. While laboratory-based studies demonstrate persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, the likelihood of fomite-mediated transmission under real-life conditions is uncertain. Using a quantitative microbial risk assessment model of a frozen food packaging facility, we simulated 1) SARS-CoV-2 fomite-mediated infection risks following worker exposure to contaminated plastic packaging; and 2) reductions in these risks from masking, handwashing, and vaccination. In a frozen food facility without interventions, SARS-CoV-2 infection risk to a susceptible worker from contact with contaminated packaging was 1.5 × 10-3 per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 9.2 × 10-6, 1.2 × 10-2). Standard food industry infection control interventions, handwashing and masking, reduced risk (99.4%) to 8.5 × 10-6 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 2.8 × 10-8, 6.6 × 10-5). Vaccination of the susceptible worker (two doses Pfizer/Moderna, vaccine effectiveness: 86-99%) with handwashing and masking reduced risk to 5.2 × 10-7 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 1.8 × 10-9, 5.4 × 10-6). Simulating increased transmissibility of current and future variants (Delta, Omicron), (2-, 10-fold viral shedding) among a fully vaccinated workforce, handwashing and masking continued to mitigate risk (1.4 × 10-6 - 8.8 × 10-6 risk per 1h-period). Additional decontamination of frozen food plastic packaging reduced infection risks to 1.2 × 10-8 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 1.9 × 10-11, 9.5 × 10-8). Given that standard infection control interventions reduced risks well below 1 × 10-4 (World Health Organization water quality risk thresholds), additional packaging decontamination suggest no marginal benefit in risk reduction. Consequences of this decontamination may include increased chemical exposures to workers, food quality and hazard risks to consumers, and unnecessary added costs to governments and the global food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Sobolik
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA,Corresponding author. 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Lee-Ann Jaykus
- Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - D. Kane Cooper
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ben A. Lopman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alicia N.M. Kraay
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - P. Barry Ryan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jodie L. Guest
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Amy Webb-Girard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Juan S. Leon
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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24
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Kumar A, Soni V, Singh P, Parwaz Khan AA, Nazim M, Mohapatra S, Saini V, Raizada P, Hussain CM, Shaban M, Marwani HM, Asiri AM. Green aspects of photocatalysts during corona pandemic: a promising role for the deactivation of COVID-19 virus. RSC Adv 2022; 12:13609-13627. [PMID: 35530385 PMCID: PMC9073611 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08981a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The selection of a facile, eco-friendly, and effective methodology is the need of the hour for efficient curing of the COVID-19 virus in air, water, and many food products. Recently, semiconductor-based photocatalytic methodologies have provided promising, green, and sustainable approaches to battle against viral activation via the oxidative capabilities of various photocatalysts with excellent performance under moderate conditions and negligible by-products generation as well. Considering this, recent advances in photocatalysis for combating the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are inclusively highlighted. Starting from the origin to the introduction of the coronavirus, the significant potential of photocatalysis against viral prevention and -disinfection is discussed thoroughly. Various photocatalytic material-based systems including metal-oxides, metal-free and advanced 2D materials (MXenes, MOFs and COFs) are systematically examined to understand the mechanistic insights of virus-disinfection in the human body to fight against COVID-19 disease. Also, a roadmap toward sustainable solutions for ongoing COVID-19 contagion is also presented. Finally, the challenges in this field and future perspectives are comprehensively discussed involving the bottlenecks of current photocatalytic systems along with potential recommendations to deal with upcoming pandemic situations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinandan Kumar
- School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Shoolini University Solan Himachal Pradesh 173229 India
| | - Vatika Soni
- School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Shoolini University Solan Himachal Pradesh 173229 India
| | - Pardeep Singh
- School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Shoolini University Solan Himachal Pradesh 173229 India
| | - Aftab Aslam Parwaz Khan
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University P. O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University P. O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Nazim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology 61 Daehak-ro Gumi-si Gyeongbuk-do 39177 Republic of Korea
| | - Satyabrata Mohapatra
- University School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Dwarka New Delhi 110078 India
| | - Vipin Saini
- Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College Kumarhatti Solan Himachal Pradesh 173229 India
| | - Pankaj Raizada
- School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Shoolini University Solan Himachal Pradesh 173229 India
| | | | - Mohamed Shaban
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University Beni-Suef 62514 Egypt
| | - Hadi M Marwani
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University P. O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University P. O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Asiri
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University P. O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University P. O. Box 80203 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia
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25
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Abstract
The antimicrobial properties of photocatalysts have long been studied. However, most of the available literature describes their antibacterial properties, while knowledge of their antiviral activity is rather scarce. Since the outset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an increasing body of research has suggested their antiviral potential and highlighted the need for further research in this area. In this study, we investigated the virucidal properties of a commercial TiO2-coated photocatalytic glass against a model human coronavirus. Our findings demonstrate that the TiO2-coated glass consistently inactivates coronaviruses upon contact under daylight illumination, in a time-dependent manner. A 99% drop in virus titer was achieved after 3.9 h. The electron micrographs of virus-covered TiO2-glass showed a reduced number of virions compared to control glass. Morphological alterations of TiO2-exposed viruses included deformation, disruption of the viral envelope, and virion ghosts, endorsing the application of this material in the construction of protective elements to mitigate the transmission of viruses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing direct visual evidence of human coronaviruses being damaged and morphologically altered following exposure to this photocatalyst. IMPORTANCE Surface contamination is an important contributor to SARS-CoV-2 spread. The use of personal protective elements and physical barriers (i.e., masks, gloves, and indoor glass separators) increases safety and has proven invaluable in preventing contagion. Redesigning these barriers so that the virus cannot remain infectious on them could make a difference in COVID-19 epidemiology. The introduction of additives with virucidal activity could potentiate the protective effects of these barriers to serve not only as physical containment but also as virus killers, reducing surface contamination after hand touch or aerosol deposition. We performed in-depth analysis of the kinetics of photocatalysis-triggered coronavirus inactivation on building glass coated with TiO2. This is the first report showing direct visual evidence (electron microscopy) of coronaviruses being morphologically damaged following exposure to this photocatalyst, demonstrating the high potential of this material to be incorporated into daily-life high-touch surfaces, giving them an added value in decelerating the virus spread.
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26
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Sun ZP, Yang SY, Cai X, Han WD, Hu GW, Qian Y, Wang YY, Zhang R, Xie YH, Qu D. Survival of SARS-CoV-2 in artificial seawater and on the surface of inanimate materials. J Med Virol 2022; 94:3982-3987. [PMID: 35474579 PMCID: PMC9088490 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is a potential risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spread through human contact with seafood and the inanimate materials contaminated by the virus. In this study, we examined the stability of the virus in artificial seawater (ASW) and on the surface of selected materials. SARS‐CoV‐2 (3.75 log10 TCID50) in ASW at 22℃ maintained infectious about 3 days and at 4℃ the virus survived more than 7 days. It should be noticed that viable virus at high titer (5.50 log10 TCID50) may survive more than 20 days in ASW at 4℃ and for 7 days at 22℃. SARS‐CoV‐2 on stainless steel and plastic bag maintained infectious for 3 days, and on nonwoven fabric for 1 day at 22℃. In addition, the virus remained infectious for 9 days on stainless steel and non‐woven fabric, and on plastic bag for 12 days at 4℃. It is important to highlight the role of inanimate material surfaces as a source of infection and the necessity for surface decontamination and disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ping Sun
- BSL-3 laboratory of Fudan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - Si-Yu Yang
- BSL-3 laboratory of Fudan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - Xia Cai
- BSL-3 laboratory of Fudan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - Wen-Dong Han
- BSL-3 laboratory of Fudan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - Gao-Wei Hu
- BSL-3 laboratory of Fudan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - Yun Qian
- BSL-3 laboratory of Fudan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - Yu-Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - You-Hua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
| | - Di Qu
- BSL-3 laboratory of Fudan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
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27
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Schilling-Loeffler K, Falkenhagen A, Johne R. Coronaviruses are stable on glass, but are eliminated by manual dishwashing procedures. Food Microbiol 2022; 106:104036. [PMID: 35690440 PMCID: PMC8986060 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is primarily transmitted from human to human via droplets and aerosols. While transmission via contaminated surfaces is also considered possible, the overall risk of this transmission route is assumed to be low. Nevertheless, transmission through contaminated drinking glasses may pose an increased risk as the glass is in direct contact with the mouth and oral cavity. Using human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) as surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, this study examined coronavirus stability on glass, inactivation by dishwashing detergents, and virus elimination by a manual glass scrubbing device. Infectious HCoV-229E was recovered from glass for 7 and 21 days of storage under daylight and dark conditions, respectively. Near complete inactivation of HCoV-229E (>4 log10 reduction) was observed after incubation with two common dishwashing detergents at room temperature for 15 s, whereas incubation at 43 °C for 60 s was necessary for a third detergent to achieve a similar titer reduction. The virus was efficiently removed from contaminated drinking glasses using a manual glass scrubbing device in accordance with German standard DIN 6653-3. The results confirm that coronaviruses are relatively stable on glass, but indicate that common manual dishwashing procedures can efficiently eliminate coronaviruses from drinking glasses.
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28
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Chen C, Feng Y, Chen Z, Xia Y, Zhao X, Wang J, Nie K, Niu P, Han J, Xu W. SARS-CoV-2 cold-chain transmission: Characteristics, risks and strategies. J Med Virol 2022; 94:3540-3547. [PMID: 35355277 PMCID: PMC9088485 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Low temperature and certain humidity are conducive to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) for long‐time survival and long‐distance spread during logistics and trades. Contaminated cold‐chain or frozen products and outer packaging act as the carrier of SARS‐CoV‐2, that infects the high‐risk population who works in the ports, cold storage or seafood market. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic worldwide, multiple localized outbreaks caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 contaminated imported cold‐chain products have been reported in China, which brought challenges to COVID‐19 prevention and control. Here, we review the evidences of SARS‐CoV‐2 cold‐chain transmission from six confirmed cold‐chain related COVID‐19 outbreaks in China, especially in terms of SARS‐CoV‐2 whole‐genome sequencing and virus isolation. In addition, we summarize the characteristics and mode of SARS‐CoV‐2 cold‐chain transmission from both six COVID‐19 outbreaks in China and the outbreaks suspected cold‐chain transmission in other countries. Finally, we analyze the underlying risks of SARS‐CoV‐2 cold‐chain transmission and propose the preventive countermeasures. SARS‐CoV‐2 contaminated cold‐chain products can infect high‐risk populations and subsequently cause community transmission Specific locations, such as seafood market stalls, can amplify outbreaks Cold‐chain fomites accelerate global spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 and cause “silent transmission” Rational sampling, comprehensive disinfection, protection of high‐risk groups and pollution classification are the main strategies
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Chen
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China.,Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yenan Feng
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixiao Chen
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xia
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Wang
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Nie
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Peihua Niu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Han
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Beijing, China
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The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Halting Sustainable Development in the Colca y Volcanes de Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark in Peru—Prospects and Future. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that rapidly impact global communication and travel have significant consequences for the tourism industry, which is one of the pillars of global development. We assess the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the Colca y Volcanes de Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark in Peru. The Colca y Volcanes de Andagua Geopark was established immediately prior to the pandemic in October 2019. The instability of the government in Peru during the pandemic and the difficult living conditions in the high Andes, such as the lack of drinking water, cleaning agents, medical care, and the high levels of poverty, particularly in the geopark region, has contributed to the significantly high COVID-19 infection rates. In addition, detrimental impacts faced by the local community are a direct result of a reduction in travellers to the area due to legislative restrictions, which have had negative consequences on the local tourism industry. There is an urgent need for the recovery of the local tourism industry to prevent the permanent closure of tourism facilities and to minimise poverty rates.
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Gwenzi W. Wastewater, waste, and water-based epidemiology (WWW-BE): A novel hypothesis and decision-support tool to unravel COVID-19 in low-income settings? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150680. [PMID: 34599955 PMCID: PMC8481624 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Traditional wastewater-based epidemiology (W-BE) relying on SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in wastewater is attractive for understanding COVID-19. Yet traditional W-BE based on centralized wastewaters excludes putative SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs such as: (i) wastewaters from shared on-site sanitation facilities, (ii) solid waste including faecal sludge from non-flushing on-site sanitation systems, and COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE), (iii) raw/untreated water, and (iv) drinking water supply systems in low-income countries (LICs). A novel hypothesis and decision-support tool based on Wastewater (on-site sanitation, municipal sewer systems), solid Waste, and raw/untreated and drinking Water-based epidemiology (WWW-BE) is proposed for understanding COVID-19 in LICs. The WWW-BE conceptual framework, including components and principles is presented. Evidence on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its proxies in wastewaters, solid materials/waste (papers, metals, fabric, plastics), and raw/untreated surface water, groundwater and drinking water is discussed. Taken together, wastewaters from municipal sewer and on-site sanitation systems, solid waste such as faecal sludge and COVID-19 PPE, raw/untreated surface water and groundwater, and drinking water systems in LICs act as potential reservoirs that receive and harbour SARS-CoV-2, and then transmit it to humans. Hence, WWW-BE could serve a dual function in estimating the prevalence and potential transmission of COVID-19. Several applications of WWW-BE as a hypothesis and decision support tool in LICs are discussed. WWW-BE aggregates data from various infected persons in a spatial unit, hence, putatively requires less resources (analytical kits, personnel) than individual diagnostic testing, making it an ideal decision-support tool for LICs. The novelty, and a critique of WWW-BE versus traditional W-BE are presented. Potential challenges of WWW-BE include: (i) biohazards and biosafety risks, (ii) lack of expertise, analytical equipment, and accredited laboratories, and (iii) high uncertainties in estimates of COVID-19 cases. Future perspectives and research directions including key knowledge gaps and the application of novel and emerging technologies in WWW-BE are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willis Gwenzi
- Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
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Michelini Z, Mazzei C, Magurano F, Baggieri M, Marchi A, Andreotti M, Cara A, Gaudino A, Mazzalupi M, Antonelli F, Sommella L, Angeletti S, Razzano E, Runge A, Petrinca P. UltraViolet SANitizing System for Sterilization of Ambulances Fleets and for Real-Time Monitoring of Their Sterilization Level. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:331. [PMID: 35010590 PMCID: PMC8750941 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contamination of ambulances with pathogenic agents represents a potential threat for the public health, not only for common pathogens but also for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this project was to exploits the germicidal effect of the UVC radiation at 254 nm to sanitize the patient's compartment of ambulances with an advanced UltraViolet SANitizing System (UV-SAN) and assess its relevance for avoiding the spread of COVID-19 and other drug resistant pathogens. METHODS The system is equipped with UVC lamps that are activated when the ambulance compartment is empty and sanitize the environment in less than 15 min. An Ozone sensor continuously monitors the gas concentration, ensuring it does not exceed threshold value harmful for patients and operators' health. The system is relying on GNSS data and a satellite communication link, which allow to monitor and record traceability (when, where and what) of all the sanitation operations performed. This information is real-time monitored from a dedicated web-application. RESULTS UVC irradiation efficiently reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus titer (>99.99%), on inanimate surfaces such as plastic, stainless steel or rubber, with doses ranging from 5.5 to 24.8 mJ/cm2 and the UV-SAN system is effective against multi drug resistant (MDR) bacteria up to >99.99%, after 10 to 30 min of irradiation. CONCLUSIONS UV-SAN can provide rapid, efficient and sustainable sanitization procedures of ambulances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuleika Michelini
- National Center Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (A.C.)
| | - Chiara Mazzei
- National Center Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (A.C.)
| | - Fabio Magurano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (M.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Melissa Baggieri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (M.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonella Marchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (M.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Mauro Andreotti
- National Center Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Cara
- National Center Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandro Gaudino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | | | | | - Lorenzo Sommella
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Elena Razzano
- European Space Agency—ECSAT, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0FD, UK;
| | - Arnaud Runge
- European Space Agency—ESTEC, 2201 AZ Noordwijk, The Netherlands;
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Jarvis MC. Drying of virus-containing particles: modelling effects of droplet origin and composition. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1987-1996. [PMID: 34754455 PMCID: PMC8569499 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Virus-containing aerosol droplets emitted by breathing, speech or coughing dry rapidly to equilibrium with ambient relative humidity (RH), increasing in solute concentration with effects on virus survival and decreasing in diameter with effects on sedimentation and respiratory uptake. The aim of this paper is to model the effect of ionic and macromolecular solutes on droplet drying and solute concentration. METHODS Deliquescence-efflorescence concepts and Kohler theory were used to simulate the evolution of solute concentrations and water activity in respiratory droplets, starting from efflorescence data on mixed NaCl/KCl aerosols and osmotic pressure data on respiratory macromolecules. RESULTS In NaCl/KCl solutions total salt concentrations were shown to reach 10-13 M at the efflorescence RH of 40-55%, depending on the K:Na ratio. Dependence on K:Na ratio implies that the evaporation curves differ between aerosols derived from saliva and from airway surfaces. The direct effect of liquid droplet size through the Kelvin term was shown to be smaller and restricted to the evolution of breath emissions. Modelling the effect of proteins and glycoproteins showed that salts determine drying equilibria down to the efflorescence RH, and macromolecules at lower RH. CONCLUSION Differences in solute composition between airway surfaces and saliva are predicted to lead to different drying behaviour of droplets emitted by breathing, speech and coughing. These differences may influence the inactivation of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Jarvis
- School of Chemistry, Glasgow University, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ UK
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Marchesi I, Sala A, Frezza G, Paduano S, Turchi S, Bargellini A, Borella P, Cermelli C. In vitro virucidal efficacy of a dry steam disinfection system against Human Coronavirus, Human Influenza Virus, and Echovirus. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2021; 18:541-546. [PMID: 34637686 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2021.1989442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This in vitro study was aimed to assess the efficacy of dry steam in inactivating Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) as surrogate of SARS-CoV-2, Human Influenza Virus A/H1N1/WSN/33 and Echovirus 7 on stainless steel, polypropylene, and cotton. The virus models were chosen on the basis of their transmission route and environmental resistance. Tests were carried out under a laminar flow cabinet, where two panels of each material were contaminated with a viral suspension. The inocula were left to dry and then the virus on untreated panel (control) was collected by swabbing in order to determine the initial titer. The other panel was treated using a professional vacuum cleaner equipped with a dry steam generator. Dry steam is generated in a boiler where tap water is heated up to 155 °C at 5.5 bar pressure and then during the passage along the flexible hose the temperature decreases to a value between 100 °C and 110 °C at the output. The dry steam was applied for four sec with a window wiper on metal and plastic panels or a brush covered by a microfiber cap on cotton, simulating the steam application during routine cleaning. After the treatment, infectious virus possibly remained on the surface was collected following the same swabbing procedure applied for controls. HCoV-OC43 and Echovirus 7 were titrated by end-point method on HCT-8 line cells and Vero cells, respectively, while Human Influenza Virus was quantified by plaque reduction assay on MDCK cells. Dry steam resulted effective against the three viruses on all tested materials, achieving a mean Log10 reduction factor ≥4 in viral titer of treated samples compared with controls according to UNI EN 14476:2019. Thus, dry steam may be proposed as an ease to use, effective, fast, and nontoxic alternative to chemicals for surface disinfection without damaging materials. Therefore, this device could be employed not only in healthcare facilities but also in occupational, domestic, and community settings, with advantages for environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Marchesi
- Department of Biomedical Metabolic and Neuro Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Arianna Sala
- Department of Biomedical Metabolic and Neuro Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Frezza
- Department of Biomedical Metabolic and Neuro Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Paduano
- Department of Biomedical Metabolic and Neuro Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Turchi
- Department of Biomedical Metabolic and Neuro Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bargellini
- Department of Biomedical Metabolic and Neuro Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Borella
- Department of Biomedical Metabolic and Neuro Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Cermelli
- Department of Surgery Medicine Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with an Interest in Transplant Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Takeda Y, Jamsransuren D, Nagao T, Fukui Y, Matsuda S, Ogawa H. Application of Copper Iodide Nanoparticle-Doped Film and Fabric To Inactivate SARS-CoV-2 via the Virucidal Activity of Cuprous Ions (Cu +). Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0182421. [PMID: 34613751 PMCID: PMC8612262 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01824-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, strengthening control measures against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become an urgent global issue. In addition to antiviral therapy and vaccination strategies, applying available virucidal substances for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation is also a target of research to prevent the spread of infection. Here, we evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation activity of a copper iodide (CuI) nanoparticle dispersion, which provides Cu+ ions having high virucidal activity, and its mode of actions. In addition, the utility of CuI-doped film and fabric for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation was evaluated. The CuI dispersion exhibited time-dependent rapid virucidal activity. Analyses of the modes of action of CuI performed by Western blotting and real-time reverse transcription-PCR targeting viral proteins and the genome revealed that CuI treatment induced the destruction of these viral components. In this setting, the indirect action of CuI-derived reactive oxygen species contributed to the destruction of viral protein. Moreover, the CuI-doped film and fabric demonstrated rapid inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 solution in which the viral titer was high. These findings indicated the utility of the CuI-doped film and fabric as anti-SARS-CoV-2 materials for the protection of high-touch environmental surfaces and surgical masks/protective clothes. Throughout this study, we demonstrated the effectiveness of CuI nanoparticles for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 and revealed a part of its virucidal mechanism of action. IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented number of infections and deaths. As the spread of the disease is rapid and the risk of infection is severe, hand and environmental hygiene may contribute to suppressing contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation activity of CuI nanoparticles, which provide the Cu+ ion as an antiviral agent, and we provided advanced findings of the virucidal mechanisms of action of Cu+. Our results showed that the CuI dispersion, as well as CuI-doped film and fabric, rapidly inactivated SARS-CoV-2 with a high viral titer. We also demonstrated the CuI's virucidal mechanisms of action, specifically the destruction of viral proteins and the genome by CuI treatment. Protein destruction largely depended on CuI-derived reactive oxygen species. This study provides novel information about the utility and mechanisms of action of promising virucidal material against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Takeda
- Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Dulamjav Jamsransuren
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Nagao
- Emergent Research Center, R&D Headquarter, NBC Meshtec Inc., Hino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Fukui
- Emergent Research Center, R&D Headquarter, NBC Meshtec Inc., Hino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Haruko Ogawa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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Mohamadi M, Babington-Ashaye A, Lefort A, Flahault A. Risks of Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Due to Contaminated Surfaces: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11019. [PMID: 34769538 PMCID: PMC8583529 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak is a global health concern. Understanding the transmission modes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to limit the spread of the pandemic. A lack of knowledge about the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection through contaminated surfaces is noticeable and recent studies have stated conflicting findings. This scoping review aims to understand the risks of contaminations via fomites better. Relevant publications were selected through Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library, with related keywords. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Out of the 565 articles found, exclusion criteria were applied, duplicates removed, and a total of 25 articles were finally included in the study. The included documents were assessed by the contamination risk: "low" (37.5%), "high" (16.7%), "plausible" (8.3%), "unlikely" (8.3%) risk, and "insufficient evidence" (29.2%). Research in hospital settings was found as the main setting in the reviewed papers, which precisely indicated the risk of contaminated surfaces. This scoping review underscores the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection via contaminated surfaces assessed as low in the majority of the reviewed articles. Further evaluation of the risk of the virus transmission by fomites and providing adequate information on its infectivity via contaminated surfaces in real-life conditions is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Mohamadi
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Awa Babington-Ashaye
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Agnès Lefort
- Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy and IAME, UMR1137, INSERM and Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.M.); (A.F.)
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Raiteux J, Eschlimann M, Marangon A, Rogée S, Dadvisard M, Taysse L, Larigauderie G. Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Simulated Sunlight on Contaminated Surfaces. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0033321. [PMID: 34287031 PMCID: PMC8552605 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00333-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the stability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) under different simulated outdoor conditions by changing the temperature (20°C and 35°C), the illuminance (darkness, 10 klx, and 56 klx), and/or the cleanness of the surfaces at 50% relative humidity (RH). In darkness, the loss of viability of the virus on stainless steel is temperature dependent, but this is hidden by the effect of the sunlight from the first minutes of exposure. The virus shows a sensitivity to sunlight proportional to the illuminance intensity of the sunlight. The presence of interfering substances has a moderate effect on virus viability even with an elevated illuminance. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly inactivated by simulated sunlight in the presence or absence of high levels of interfering substances at 20°C or 35°C and 50% relative humidity. IMPORTANCE Clinical matrix contains high levels of interfering substances. This study is the first to reveal that the presence of high levels of interfering substances had little impact on the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on stainless steel following exposure to simulated sunlight. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 should be rapidly inactivated in outdoor environments in the presence or absence of interfering substances. Our results indicate that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely to occur through outdoor surfaces, dependent on illuminance intensity. Moreover, most studies are interested in lineage S of SARS-CoV-2. In our experiments, we studied the stability of L-type strains, which comprise the majority of strains isolated from worldwide patients. Nevertheless, the effect of sunlight seems to be similar regardless of the strain studied, suggesting that the greater spread of certain variants is not correlated with better survival in outdoor conditions.
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Sobolik JS, Sajewski ET, Jaykus LA, Cooper DK, Lopman BA, Kraay ANM, Ryan PB, Guest JL, Webb-Girard A, Leon JS. Low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via fomite, even in cold-chain. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.08.23.21262477. [PMID: 34462753 PMCID: PMC8404890 DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.23.21262477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Countries continue to debate the need for decontamination of cold-chain food packaging to reduce possible SARS-CoV-2 fomite transmission among workers. While laboratory-based studies demonstrate persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, the likelihood of fomite-mediated transmission under real-life conditions is uncertain. METHODS Using a quantitative risk assessment model, we simulated in a frozen food packaging facility 1) SARS-CoV-2 fomite-mediated infection risks following worker exposure to contaminated plastic packaging; and 2) reductions in these risks attributed to masking, handwashing, and vaccination. FINDINGS In a representative facility with no specific interventions, SARS-CoV-2 infection risk to a susceptible worker from contact with contaminated packaging was 2·8 × 10 -3 per 1h-period (95%CI: 6·9 × 10 -6 , 2·4 × 10 -2 ). Implementation of standard infection control measures, handwashing and masks (9·4 × 10 -6 risk per 1h-period, 95%CI: 2·3 × 10 -8 , 8·1 × 10 -5 ), substantially reduced risk (99·7%). Vaccination of the susceptible worker (two doses Pfizer/Moderna, vaccine effectiveness: 86-99%) combined with handwashing and masking reduced risk to less than 1·0 × 10 -6 . Simulating increased infectiousness/transmissibility of new variants (2-, 10-fold viral shedding) among a fully vaccinated workforce, handwashing and masks continued to mitigate risk (2·0 × 10 -6 -1·1 × 10 -5 risk per 1h-period). Decontamination of packaging in addition to these interventions reduced infection risks to below the 1·0 × 10 -6 risk threshold. INTERPRETATION Fomite-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection risks were very low under cold-chain conditions. Handwashing and masking provide significant protection to workers, especially when paired with vaccination. FUNDING U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Sobolik
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | | | - Lee-Ann Jaykus
- Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA, 27695
| | - D. Kane Cooper
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Ben A. Lopman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Alicia NM. Kraay
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - P. Barry Ryan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Jodie L. Guest
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Amy Webb-Girard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Juan S. Leon
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
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Todt D, Meister TL, Tamele B, Howes J, Paulmann D, Becker B, Brill FH, Wind M, Schijven J, Heinen N, Kinast V, Mhlekude B, Goffinet C, Krawczyk A, Steinmann J, Pfaender S, Brüggemann Y, Steinmann E. A realistic transfer method reveals low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via contaminated euro coins and banknotes. iScience 2021; 24:102908. [PMID: 34337354 PMCID: PMC8312053 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has created a significant threat to global health. While respiratory aerosols or droplets are considered as the main route of human-to-human transmission, secretions expelled by infected individuals can also contaminate surfaces and objects, potentially creating the risk of fomite-based transmission. Consequently, frequently touched objects such as paper currency and coins have been suspected as potential transmission vehicle. To assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by banknotes and coins, we examined the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and bovine coronavirus, as surrogate with lower biosafety restrictions, on these different means of payment and developed a touch transfer method to examine transfer efficiency from contaminated surfaces to fingertips. Although we observed prolonged virus stability, our results indicate that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via contaminated coins and banknotes is unlikely and requires high viral loads and a timely order of specific events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Toni Luise Meister
- Department of Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Barbora Tamele
- European Central Bank (ECB), 60314 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - John Howes
- European Central Bank (ECB), 60314 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dajana Paulmann
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, 28259 Bremen, Germany
| | - Britta Becker
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, 28259 Bremen, Germany
| | - Florian H. Brill
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, 28259 Bremen, Germany
| | - Mark Wind
- Cash Policy Department, De Nederlandsche Bank, 1000 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Schijven
- Department of Statistics, Informatics and Modeling, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, 3720 Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, 3508 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Natalie Heinen
- Department of Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Volker Kinast
- Department of Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Baxolele Mhlekude
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Goffinet
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Adalbert Krawczyk
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, Universitätsmedizin Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, General Hospital Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Pfaender
- Department of Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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39
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Shah SR, Kane SR, Elsheikh M, Alfaro TM. Development of a Rapid Viability RT-PCR (RV-RT-PCR) Method to Detect Infectious SARS-CoV-2 from Swabs. J Virol Methods 2021; 297:114251. [PMID: 34380012 PMCID: PMC8349479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since the rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, its causative virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to spread and increase the number of fatalities. To expedite studies on understanding potential surface transmission of the virus and to aid environmental epidemiological investigations, we developed a rapid viability reverse transcriptase PCR (RV-RT-PCR) method that detects viable (infectious) SARS-CoV-2 from swab samples in <1 day compared to several days required by current gold-standard cell-culture-based methods. The method integrates cell-culture-based viral enrichment in a 96-well plate format with gene-specific RT-PCR-based analysis before and after sample incubation to determine the cycle threshold (CT) difference (ΔCT). An algorithm based on ΔCT ≥ 6 representing ∼ 2-log or more increase in SARS-CoV-2 RNA following enrichment determines the presence of infectious virus. The RV-RT-PCR method with 2-hr viral infection and 9-hr post-infection incubation periods includes ultrafiltration to concentrate virions, resulting in detection of <50 SARS-CoV-2 virions in swab samples in 17 hours (for a batch of 12 swabs), compared to days typically required by the cell-culture based method. The SARS-CoV-2 RV-RT-PCR method may also be useful in clinical sample analysis and antiviral drug testing, and could serve as a model for developing rapid methods for other viruses of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjiv R Shah
- Homeland Security and Materials Management Division, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Staci R Kane
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA.
| | - Maher Elsheikh
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
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40
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Hosseini M, Behzadinasab S, Benmamoun Z, Ducker WA. The viability of SARS-CoV-2 on solid surfaces. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 55:101481. [PMID: 34149298 PMCID: PMC8205552 DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2021.101481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on life in 2020 and 2021. One method of transmission occurs when the causative virus, SARS-CoV-2, contaminates solids. Understanding and controlling the interaction with solids is thus potentially important for limiting the spread of the disease. We review work that describes the prevalence of the virus on common objects, the longevity of the virus on solids, and surface coatings that are designed to inactivate the virus. Engineered coatings have already succeeded in producing a large reduction in viral infectivity from surfaces. We also review work describing inactivation on facemasks and clothing and discuss probable mechanisms of inactivation of the virus at surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Hosseini
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Saeed Behzadinasab
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Zachary Benmamoun
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
| | - William A Ducker
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
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41
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Abstract
Controversy continues about the significance of fomite transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent papers continue to advocate concern. However, designs of studies showing virus survival on surfaces under laboratory conditions are unsuitable for extrapolation to real life. Although viral RNA is frequently found on real-life surfaces, actual tests for infectious virus are almost entirely negative, even in hospitals with COVID-19 patients. Fomite transmission should be regarded as no more than a very minor component of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Goldman
- Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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42
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Bueckert M, Gupta R, Gupta A, Garg M, Mazumder A. Correction: Bueckert et al. Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Coronaviruses on Dry Surfaces: Potential for Indirect Transmission. Materials 2020, 13, 5211. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14112816. [PMID: 34070704 PMCID: PMC8197464 DOI: 10.3390/ma14112816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Max Bueckert
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Rishi Gupta
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Mearns Centre for Learning—McPherson Library, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
| | - Mohit Garg
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
| | - Asit Mazumder
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
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43
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González N, Marquès M, Domingo JL. Respiratory viruses in foods and their potential transmission through the diet: A review of the literature. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110826. [PMID: 33529649 PMCID: PMC7963685 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses are the main agents causing respiratory tract diseases. Nowadays, coronaviruses - and specifically, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 - are the principal responsible for the major epidemic outbreaks of the 21st century. The major routes of transmission for respiratory viruses - including coronaviruses - are via direct and indirect contacts. However, transmission through contaminated foods has not been extensively assessed. The present paper was aimed at reviewing scientific data on the transmission of respiratory viruses through potentially contaminated foods. While the current data seem to suggest that this route of transmission is not likely to occur, in order to increase the knowledge on this issue further investigations are still clearly necessary for a more complete prevention of the risks. Studies should include fresh produce and cooked foods. Anyway, prevention measures and good hygienic practices for both consumers and workers are mandatory when handling and cooking foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus González
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - 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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44
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Survival of SARS-CoV-2 on Non-Porous Materials in an Experimental Setting Representative of Fomites. COATINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings11040371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To better understand plausible SARS-CoV-2 transmission through fomites, a physiological model was designed to analyze the decay rate of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. We focused on non-porous materials present in high-touch surfaces or used as containment barrier surfaces, namely glass, acrylic glass, photo-activated coated glass, stainless steel and aluminium. SARS-CoV-2 survival depended on the material considered, with half-lives on glass, photo-activated coated glass, stainless steel and aluminium equal to 6.9, 4.1, 3.5 and 2.3 h, respectively. This study highlights the potential utility of coatings in the fight against the current threat. In addition, it spotlights the need for standardizing assays to assess indirect transmission of COVID-19.
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45
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Ursachi CȘ, Munteanu FD, Cioca G. The Safety of Slaughterhouse Workers during the Pandemic Crisis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2633. [PMID: 33807936 PMCID: PMC7967316 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The working conditions in a slaughterhouse are difficult because of the low temperatures, high humidity, and little natural light. Therefore, in these facilities, there is a high demand in the maintenance of strict hygiene rules. Lately, the new SARS-CoV-2 pandemic situation has brought new challenges in the meat industry, as this sector has to maintain its operability to supply the meat and meat products demanded by the consumers. In this challenging period, the safety of the workers is as important as keeping the high demands for the safety of the meat and meat products along with consumer confidence. This paper aims to give an overview of the risks associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission between the workers in slaughterhouses and to evaluate the stability and infectivity in the working environment of these facilities. Considering the persistence of this virus on different surfaces and the environmental conditions affecting its stability (temperature, relative humidity, and natural light), in the study we proposed several short-, medium-, and long-term preventive measures for minimizing the potential threats of the actual pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu Ștefan Ursachi
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 E. Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania;
| | - Florentina-Daniela Munteanu
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 E. Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania;
| | - Gabriela Cioca
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania;
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Gidari A, Sabbatini S, Bastianelli S, Pierucci S, Busti C, Bartolini D, Stabile AM, Monari C, Galli F, Rende M, Cruciani G, Francisci D. SARS-CoV-2 Survival on Surfaces and the Effect of UV-C Light. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030408. [PMID: 33807521 PMCID: PMC7998261 DOI: 10.3390/v13030408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish the persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on inanimate surfaces such as plastic, stainless steel, and glass during UV-C irradiation which is a physical means commonly utilized in sanitization procedures. The viral inactivation rate, virus half-life, and percentage of titer reduction after UV-C irradiation were assessed. Infectivity was maintained on plastic and glass until 120 h and on stainless steel until 72 h. The virus half-life was 5.3, 4.4, and 4.2 h on plastic, stainless steel, and glass, respectively. In all cases, titer decay was >99% after drop drying. UV-C irradiation efficiently reduced virus titer (99.99%), with doses ranging from 10.25 to 23.71 mJ/cm2. Plastic and stainless steel needed higher doses to achieve target reduction. The total inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on glass was obtained with the lower dose applied. SARS-CoV-2 survival can be long lasting on inanimate surfaces. It is worth recommending efficient disinfection protocols as a measure of prevention of viral spread. UV-C can provide rapid, efficient and sustainable sanitization procedures of different materials and surfaces. The dosages and mode of irradiation are important parameters to consider in their implementation as an important means to fight the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gidari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (S.P.); (C.B.); (D.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Samuele Sabbatini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Sabrina Bastianelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (S.P.); (C.B.); (D.F.)
| | - Sara Pierucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (S.P.); (C.B.); (D.F.)
| | - Chiara Busti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (S.P.); (C.B.); (D.F.)
| | - Desirée Bartolini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Unit of Nutrition and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy; (D.B.); (F.G.)
| | - Anna Maria Stabile
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Claudia Monari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesco Galli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Unit of Nutrition and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy; (D.B.); (F.G.)
| | - Mario Rende
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Daniela Francisci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (S.B.); (S.P.); (C.B.); (D.F.)
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47
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Zheng Y, Jin D, Lin J, Zhang Y, Tian J, Lian F, Tong X. Understanding COVID-19 in Wuhan From the Perspective of Cold-Dampness: Clinical Evidences and Mechanisms. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:617659. [PMID: 33693014 PMCID: PMC7939017 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.617659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played a significant role in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan City. During the epidemic, Academician Tong Xiaolin suggested a close association of COVID-19 with cold-dampness, an etiological factor in TCM, by summarizing the characteristics of the COVID-19 patients in Wuhan. and the theory of Cold-dampness Plague was proposed. Based on the Cold-dampness Plague theory, a series of TCM drugs, such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Dropping Pills, Lianhua Qingwen Granules Hanshiyi Formula, and Tongzhi Granule were developed for the different stages, namely mild, moderate, severe, recovery, of the COVID-19. In addition, clinical evidences were obtained through randomized clinical trials or retrospective cohort studies. The Anti-SARS-CoV-2 mechanism of the TCM prescriptions were then summarized from the four aspects: targeting the ACE2 and 3CLPro, targeting cytokines, targeting acute immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, and targeting pulmonary fibrosis. Despite the clinical efficacy and therapeutic pharmacology speculation, more studies such as large-scale randomized clinical trials, cell and animal experiments are needed to further verify the theory of the Cold-dampness Plague in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - De Jin
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaran Lin
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehong Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxing Tian
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmei Lian
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Tong
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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