Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA contamination of inanimate surfaces and virus viability in a health care emergency unit

To detect possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA contamination of inanimate surfaces in areas at high risk of aerosol formation by patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Sampling was performed in the emergency unit and the sub-intensive care ward. SARS-...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical microbiology and infection 2020-08, Vol.26 (8), p.1094.e1-1094.e5
Main Authors: Colaneri, M., Seminari, E., Novati, S., Asperges, E., Biscarini, S., Piralla, A., Percivalle, E., Cassaniti, I., Baldanti, F., Bruno, R., Mondelli, M.U., Brunetti, E., Di Matteo, A., Maiocchi, L., Zuccaro, V., Pagnucco, L., Ludovisi, S., Lissandrin, R., Parisi, A., Sacchi, P., Patruno, S.F.A., Michelone, G., Gulminetti, R., Zanaboni, D., Maserati, R., Orsolini, P., Vecchia, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Betacoronavirus - genetics
Betacoronavirus - growth & development
Chlorocebus aethiops
Coronavirus disease 2019
Coronavirus Envelope Proteins
Environmental contamination
Equipment Contamination
Fomites - virology
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Microbial Viability
Research Note
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase - genetics
SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2
Surfaces
Vero Cells
Vero E6 cells
Viral Envelope Proteins - genetics
Viral Proteins - genetics
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Summary:To detect possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA contamination of inanimate surfaces in areas at high risk of aerosol formation by patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Sampling was performed in the emergency unit and the sub-intensive care ward. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was extracted from swabbed surfaces and objects and subjected to real-time RT-PCR targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and E genes. Virus isolation from positive samples was attempted in vitro on Vero E6 cells. Twenty-six samples were collected and only two were positive for low-level SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both collected on the external surface of continuous positive airway pressure helmets. All transport media were inoculated onto susceptible cells, but none induced a cytopathic effect on day 7 of culture. Even though daily contact with inanimate surfaces and patient fomites in contaminated areas may be a medium of infection, our data obtained in real-life conditions suggest that it might be less extensive than hitherto recognized.
ISSN:1198-743X
1469-0691
1469-0691
DOI:10.1016/j.cmi.2020.05.009