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Virus Stability on Surfaces, in Bodily Fluids, in Wastewater and Different Environmental Conditions
Robert J Fischer1, Vincent J Munster1
1Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 25, 2024
Summary
Understanding virus viability is crucial during outbreaks. This study presents methods to determine how long viruses remain infectious on surfaces, in biological samples, and wastewater, applicable to Marburg viruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Fundamental properties of emerging viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, are often unknown at the onset of an outbreak.
- Lack of knowledge regarding virus viability complicated responses during past Ebola and Marburg virus epidemics.
- Determining virus persistence under various conditions is critical for effective outbreak management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present standardized methods for assessing virus stability.
- To provide a framework for evaluating viral persistence on surfaces, in biological matrices, and in wastewater.
- To offer a resource applicable to emerging viral threats, including Marburg viruses.
Main Methods:
- Development and validation of assays to quantify infectious virus.
- Testing virus viability on diverse surfaces (e.g., plastics, stainless steel).
- Assessing virus stability in simulated biological fluids and environmental samples like wastewater.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for measuring virus decay rates under controlled conditions.
- Demonstrated the applicability of these methods to different viral matrices and surfaces.
- Provided data on the potential longevity of viruses in relevant environmental settings.
Conclusions:
- The presented methods offer a reliable approach to determine virus stability, crucial for risk assessment.
- These techniques can inform public health interventions and environmental decontamination strategies.
- The methods are adaptable for studying other emerging viral pathogens, enhancing preparedness for future epidemics.
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