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Persistence of Pathogens on Inanimate Surfaces: A Narrative Review
Jan Erik Wißmann1, Lisa Kirchhoff2, Yannick Brüggemann1
1Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
Microorganisms
|February 12, 2021
Summary
Pathogen survival on surfaces is crucial for preventing infectious diseases, especially hospital-acquired infections. Some pathogens persist for weeks, highlighting the need for effective disinfection strategies to prevent transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Understanding pathogen transmission routes is vital for infectious disease prevention.
- Surface contamination is a significant route for human pathogenic and nosocomial infections.
- Knowledge of pathogen survival on surfaces informs hygiene and disinfection protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on viral, bacterial, and fungal persistence on inanimate surfaces.
- To summarize survival times and conditions for clinically relevant pathogens.
- To assess the implications for infection control measures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on pathogen survival on surfaces.
- Synthesis of data on survival times and influencing conditions.
- Focus on clinically relevant viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens.
Main Results:
- Many pathogens survive on surfaces for hours.
- Common nosocomial pathogens can persist for days to weeks under laboratory conditions.
- Inadequate inactivation procedures can lead to continuous transmission sources.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen persistence on surfaces poses a significant risk for disease transmission.
- Effective disinfection and inactivation strategies are essential for controlling nosocomial infections.
- Further research into pathogen survival dynamics can optimize clinical hygiene practices.
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