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Virus transfer between fingerpads and fomites
T R Julian1, J O Leckie, A B Boehm
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental and Water Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|July 28, 2010
Summary
Viruses easily transfer from skin to surfaces. Washing hands recently significantly reduces virus transfer, with some virus species transferring more readily than others. This impacts fomite-mediated disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Virus transmission via fomites is a significant public health concern for gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses.
- Understanding virus transfer dynamics is crucial for effective infection control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify virus transfer between fingerpads and glass surfaces.
- To investigate the influence of virus species, time since last handwashing, transfer direction, gender, and viral titre on virus transfer.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 656 virus transfer events using 20 volunteers.
- Utilized MS2, φX174, and fr bacteriophages for transfer experiments.
- Measured the fraction of virus transferred upon contact between skin and glass.
Main Results:
- Approximately 0.23% of virus is readily transferred upon contact.
- Virus transfer is significantly affected by virus species and time since last handwashing.
- fr bacteriophage showed higher transfer rates than MS2 and φX174; recently washed hands reduced transfer.
Conclusions:
- Viruses readily transfer from skin to surfaces.
- Factors such as virus type and handwashing frequency critically influence transfer rates.
- This data provides a foundation for understanding the role of fomites in disease spread.
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