Stability and inactivation of SARS coronavirus

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H F Rabenau1, J Cinatl, B Morgenstern

  • 1Institute for Medical Virology, Frankfurt am Main University Hospital Medical School, Germany. Rabenau@em.uni-frankfurt.de

Medical Microbiology and Immunology
|May 1, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is more stable than other human coronaviruses, persisting for days on surfaces. Higher temperatures or specific protocols are needed for effective inactivation, highlighting environmental hygiene importance.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged in 2002, causing a global outbreak with significant mortality.
  • Understanding SARS-CoV stability is crucial for infection control and patient care.
  • Potential for non-respiratory transmission routes, such as fecal shedding, necessitates investigation into environmental persistence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the stability of SARS-CoV under various conditions, including suspension and dried states.
  • To compare SARS-CoV stability with other human-pathogenic coronaviruses, specifically HCoV-229E.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of different inactivation methods for SARS-CoV.

Main Methods:

  • SARS-CoV and HCoV-229E infectivity were assessed in liquid suspension and dried on surfaces over time.
  • Thermal inactivation studies were conducted at 56°C and 60°C, with and without protein additives.
  • Effectiveness of common laboratory and hospital inactivation procedures (fixation, chemical agents) was tested.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV demonstrated significantly greater stability than HCoV-229E, retaining infectivity for up to 9 days in suspension and 6 days when dried.
  • Protein presence protected SARS-CoV from thermal inactivation at 56°C; 60°C for 30 minutes was required for complete inactivation in protein-containing solutions.
  • Standard laboratory fixation and chemical inactivation methods were generally effective against SARS-CoV.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV exhibits remarkable environmental tenacity compared to other human coronaviruses.
  • Safe patient care and laboratory research are feasible with appropriate safety measures.
  • Environmental hygiene protocols must be enhanced to manage potential SARS-CoV re-emergence, given its stability.

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