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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces
Published on: February 6, 2017
Detection and quantification of airborne norovirus during outbreaks in healthcare facilities
Laetitia Bonifait1, Rémi Charlebois1, Allison Vimont2
1Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec.
Background:
Noroviruses are responsible for at least 50% of all gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Noroviruses GII can infect humans via multiple routes including direct contact with an infected person, fecal matter, or vomitus, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Although norovirus is an intestinal pathogen, aerosols could, if inhaled, settle in the pharynx and later be swallowed. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of norovirus GII bioaerosols during gastroenteritis outbreaks in healthcare facilities and to study the in vitro effects of aerosolization and air sampling on the noroviruses using murine norovirus as a surrogate.
Methods:
A total of 48 air samples were collected during norovirus outbreaks in 8 healthcare facilities. Samples were taken 1 m away from each patient, in front of the patient's room and at the nurses' station. The resistance to aerosolization stress of murine norovirus type 1 (MNV-1) bioaerosols was also tested in vitro using an aerosol chamber.
Results:
Norovirus genomes were detected in 6 of 8 healthcare centers. The concentrations ranged from 1.35 × 10(1) to 2.35 × 10(3) genomes/m(3) in 47% of air samples. MNV-1 preserved its infectivity and integrity during in vitro aerosol studies.
Conclusions:
Norovirus genomes are frequently detected in the air of healthcare facilities during outbreaks, even outside patients' rooms. In addition, in vitro models suggest that this virus may withstand aerosolization.
Insights
Norovirus GII (gastroenteritis virus) RNA was found in the air of healthcare facilities during outbreaks, indicating potential airborne transmission. Murine norovirus (MNV-1) remained infectious after aerosolization, suggesting noroviruses may survive airborne conditions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Virology
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- Noroviruses cause over 50% of global gastroenteritis outbreaks.
- Transmission occurs via direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and potentially through aerosols.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate norovirus GII bioaerosols in healthcare settings during outbreaks.
- Assess the impact of aerosolization and air sampling on norovirus infectivity using MNV-1 as a surrogate.
Main Methods:
- Collected 48 air samples from 8 healthcare facilities during norovirus outbreaks.
- Sampled air 1m from patients, outside rooms, and at nurses' stations.
- Tested murine norovirus type 1 (MNV-1) aerosol resistance in vitro.
Main Results:
- Norovirus genomes detected in 6 of 8 facilities (75%).
- Concentrations ranged from 1.35 × 10^1 to 2.35 × 10^3 genomes/m^3 in 47% of samples.
- MNV-1 retained infectivity and integrity after in vitro aerosolization.
Conclusions:
- Norovirus genomes are commonly present in healthcare facility air during outbreaks, extending beyond patient rooms.
- In vitro studies suggest noroviruses can withstand aerosolization, highlighting a potential airborne transmission route.
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