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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Detection of Viruses from Bioaerosols Using Anion Exchange Resin
Published on: August 22, 2018
Influenza A virus is transmissible via aerosolized fomites
Sima Asadi1, Nassima Gaaloul Ben Hnia2, Ramya S Barre2,3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
Abstract:
Influenza viruses are presumed, but not conclusively known, to spread among humans by several possible routes. We provide evidence of a mode of transmission seldom considered for influenza: airborne virus transport on microscopic particles called "aerosolized fomites." In the guinea pig model of influenza virus transmission, we show that the airborne particulates produced by infected animals are mainly non-respiratory in origin. Surprisingly, we find that an uninfected, virus-immune guinea pig whose body is contaminated with influenza virus can transmit the virus through the air to a susceptible partner in a separate cage. We further demonstrate that aerosolized fomites can be generated from inanimate objects, such as by manually rubbing a paper tissue contaminated with influenza virus. Our data suggest that aerosolized fomites may contribute to influenza virus transmission in animal models of human influenza, if not among humans themselves, with important but understudied implications for public health.
Insights
Influenza virus may spread through "aerosolized fomites"—microscopic particles from contaminated surfaces or bodies. This transmission route, often overlooked, involves airborne virus transport, impacting public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Disease Transmission
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza virus transmission routes are not fully understood.
- Current knowledge primarily focuses on respiratory droplet transmission.
- Alternative transmission pathways require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate airborne virus transport via aerosolized fomites as a potential influenza transmission route.
- To explore non-respiratory origins of airborne influenza particles.
- To assess the role of contaminated inanimate objects in virus spread.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a guinea pig model for influenza virus transmission studies.
- Analyzed airborne particulates produced by infected animals.
- Experimentally generated aerosolized fomites from contaminated surfaces (paper tissues).
- Assessed virus transmission from contaminated, immune guinea pigs to susceptible partners.
Main Results:
- Airborne particulates from infected guinea pigs were mainly non-respiratory.
- Virus-immune, but externally contaminated, guinea pigs transmitted influenza via air.
- Aerosolized fomites were generated from contaminated paper tissues.
- Evidence supports airborne transmission through aerosolized fomites in animal models.
Conclusions:
- Aerosolized fomites represent a significant, understudied route for influenza virus transmission.
- This transmission mechanism may occur in animal models and potentially in humans.
- Findings have implications for public health and infection control measures.
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