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SARS-CoV-2: low virus load on surfaces in public areas
Konstantin Zedtwitz-Liebenstein1
1Head Office of Vienna Hospital Association, Thomas Klestil Platz 7, 1030, Vienna, Austria. konstantin.zedtwitz-liebenstein@gesundheitsverbund.at.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|January 8, 2022
Summary
This study found no detectable Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) above 10^6 copies/mL on public surfaces, suggesting a low infection risk. However, transmission risk cannot be ruled out for immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Preventive measures like disinfection are crucial for controlling Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission.
- While coronaviruses can persist on surfaces, the actual virus load and associated infection risk remain understudied.
- Understanding the real-world risk of SARS-CoV-2 surface transmission is vital for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if SARS-CoV-2 can be detected with a virus load exceeding 10^6 copies/mL on various public surfaces.
- To assess the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from environmental surfaces in public areas.
Main Methods:
- Collected 1200 swabs from diverse public surfaces including handholds, buttons, doorknobs, and currency.
- Utilized Rapid Covid-19 Antigen Tests (Clinitest®) for immediate on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2.
- Employed pooled swab samples to increase detection sensitivity.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 was not detected at a virus load greater than 10^6 copies/mL on any tested public surfaces.
- Negative antigen test results and theoretical probability calculations suggest a low risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from these surfaces.
- The study did not exclude the possibility of transmission or infectivity for individuals with underlying health conditions or immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in public areas does not appear to pose a significant infection risk under the studied conditions.
- Current disinfection practices likely contribute to minimizing viable virus on surfaces.
- Further research is needed to fully understand transmission dynamics in vulnerable populations.
