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Published on: March 2, 2016
A touch transfer assay to determine surface transmission of highly pathogenic viruses
Toni Luise Meister1, Yannick Brüggemann1, Barbora Tamele2
1Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
Abstract:
Transmission via fomites poses a major dissemination route for many human pathogens, particularly because of transfer via fingertips. Here, we present a protocol to investigate direct transfer of infectious agents from fomites to humans via naked fingertips. The protocol is suitable for pathogens requiring highest biosafety levels (e.g., SARS-CoV-2). We used an artificial skin to touch a defined volume of virus suspension and subsequent quantification of infectious entities allows quantitative measurement of transfer efficiency and risk assessment. For complete information on the generation and use of this manuscript, please refer to Todt et al. (2021).
Insights
This study introduces a new protocol to measure how easily infectious agents transfer from surfaces to human fingertips. This method is crucial for understanding pathogen transmission and assessing risks, especially for highly dangerous viruses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious disease transmission
- Microbiology
- Public health
Background:
- Fomite transmission is a significant route for pathogen spread, with fingertip contact being a primary mechanism.
- Understanding direct pathogen transfer from surfaces to humans is critical for effective infection control strategies.
- Existing methods may not adequately address pathogens requiring the highest biosafety levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel protocol for investigating the direct transfer of infectious agents from fomites to human fingertips.
- To enable quantitative measurement of pathogen transfer efficiency and subsequent risk assessment.
- To provide a method suitable for high-containment pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Development of a protocol utilizing artificial skin to simulate human fingertip contact with fomites.
- Application of a defined volume of virus suspension to the artificial skin surface.
- Quantification of infectious entities post-contact to determine transfer efficiency.
Main Results:
- The protocol allows for quantitative measurement of infectious agent transfer from fomites.
- Demonstrated feasibility for assessing transfer efficiency and associated risks.
- The method is adaptable for pathogens requiring biosafety level 4 containment.
Conclusions:
- The presented protocol offers a reliable method for studying fomite-to-fingertip pathogen transmission.
- This research provides a valuable tool for risk assessment of infectious diseases.
- The protocol supports the investigation of transmission routes for high-consequence pathogens.
