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Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 to different temperatures
Qi Lv1, Mingya Liu1, Feifei Qi1
1Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine Chinese Ministry of Health Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases Institute of Laboratory Animal Science Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center Peking Union Medical College Beijing China.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is sensitive to heat. This virus remains viable longer at lower temperatures but rapidly loses infectivity at higher temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, necessitates understanding virus stability under various environmental conditions.
- Temperature is a critical factor influencing viral survival and transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 to a range of temperatures.
- To provide scientific data for effective COVID-19 control strategies.
Main Methods:
- SARS-CoV-2 was incubated in cell culture medium at temperatures ranging from 4°C to 40°C.
- Viral infectivity was assessed using the Vero E6 cell line over a 5-day period.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 remained viable for up to 5 days at 4°C.
- Viral infectivity was lost within 1 day at 22°C and 30°C.
- Complete loss of infectivity occurred in less than 12 hours at 37°C-39°C, and in 6 hours at 40°C.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 exhibits significant heat sensitivity.
- Lower temperatures enhance viral stability, while elevated temperatures rapidly inactivate the virus.
- Findings support temperature-based interventions for controlling SARS-CoV-2 spread.
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