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Persistence, transmission, and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in inanimate environments
Muhammad Bilal1, Hira Munir2, Muhammad Shahzad Nazir3
1School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, 223003, China.
Abstract:
Currently, the emergence of a novel coronavirus, referred to as SARS-CoV-2, has become a global health concern which cause severe respiratory tract infections in humans. Person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has occurred across the globe, within a short period of SARS-CoV-2 emergence. The goal of this analysis is to summarize in various inanimate surfaces and environments information about the frequency, persistence, potential dissemination, and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. Most respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses, SARS-CoVs, or influenza may persist for a few days on the surfaces or objects. The length of tenacity on various inanimate surfaces depends on the environmental and growth conditions and overall survival rate could range from minutes to month time. The SARS-CoV-2 may survive and maintain infectivity in the air in unventilated buses for 30 min. As no specific vaccines or therapeutic drugs are available for this contagious virus, timely prevention measures would be crucial to control the future outbreak of this infectious disease. Precautionary strategies such as wearing masks and frequent washing hands are effective to mitigate COVID-19. Following careful consideration of the above-mentioned scenarios, the short review spotlights the pressing environmental issues regarding the persistence, transmission, and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in different environmental matrices. Aiming to address this issue with further and deeper insight into the SARS-CoV-2 emergence, a list of most concerned questions is given that should be carefully considered and answered in future studies.
Insights
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, can persist on surfaces for varying durations, posing a transmission risk. Understanding its environmental persistence is crucial for effective COVID-19 prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a global health crisis.
- The virus causes severe respiratory infections and spreads rapidly person-to-person.
- Information on SARS-CoV-2 persistence and infectivity on surfaces is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the frequency, persistence, potential dissemination, and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 on inanimate surfaces and in environments.
- To highlight environmental concerns regarding SARS-CoV-2.
- To identify key questions for future research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing data on viral persistence.
- Examination of environmental conditions affecting virus survival.
- Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in various settings.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 can persist on surfaces for minutes to months, depending on conditions.
- The virus can remain infectious in the air, for example, in unventilated buses for 30 minutes.
- Environmental factors significantly influence viral survival rates.
Conclusions:
- Effective prevention measures like mask-wearing and handwashing are vital.
- Further research is needed to fully understand SARS-CoV-2 environmental persistence and transmission.
- Addressing environmental factors is key to controlling COVID-19 outbreaks.
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