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Resuspension and Dissemination of MS2 Virus from Flooring After Human Activities in Built Environment: Impact of Dust
Stephanie A Boone1, M Khalid Ijaz2, Julie McKinney2
1Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA.
Abstract:
Resuspended particles from human activities can contribute to pathogen exposure via airborne fomite contamination in built environments. Studies investigating the dissemination of resuspended viruses are limited. The goal of this study was to explore viral dissemination after aerosolized resuspension via human activities on indoor flooring. Nylon carpet or wood flooring was seeded with virus (MS2) or virus laden dust then evaluated after activities, i.e., walking and vacuuming. Statistically significant differences were found in dispersal of virus laden dust after vacuuming carpet (p-value = 5.8 × 10-6) and wood (p-value = 0.003, distance > 12 in/30 cm). Significant differences were also found between floor materials and virus laden dust dispersal vacuuming (p = 2.09 × 10-5) and walking (p = 2.68 × 10-2). A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) scenario using Norovirus and a single fomite touch followed by a single hand-to-mouth touch indicated a statistically significant difference associated with virus laden dust particles and vacuuming carpet(p < 0.001). Infection risks were 1 to 5 log10 greater for dust exposure. The greatest risk reductions from fomites were seen across vacuuming carpet no-dust scenarios for surfaces <30 cm from flooring. More research is needed to determine the role resuspension plays in exposure and transmission of potentially infectious agents.
Insights
Resuspended virus-laden dust from indoor activities like vacuuming significantly increases airborne pathogen exposure. Infection risks are substantially higher with dust exposure, highlighting the need for further research on transmission dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Airborne fomite contamination from resuspended particles is a pathway for pathogen exposure in indoor environments.
- Limited research exists on the dissemination of resuspended viruses due to human activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate viral dissemination from indoor flooring following aerosolized resuspension by human activities.
- To evaluate the impact of different flooring materials and activities on virus dispersal.
Main Methods:
- Nylon carpet and wood flooring were contaminated with virus (MS2) or virus-laden dust.
- Activities included walking and vacuuming to assess particle resuspension and dispersal.
- Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) was used to model infection risks for Norovirus.
Main Results:
- Vacuuming significantly dispersed virus-laden dust from both carpet and wood flooring.
- Significant differences in dust dispersal were observed between floor types and activities (walking vs. vacuuming).
- QMRA indicated 1 to 5 log10 greater infection risks with dust exposure, particularly when vacuuming carpet.
Conclusions:
- Resuspension of virus-laden dust by human activities, especially vacuuming, poses a significant risk of airborne pathogen exposure.
- Effective dust control measures, particularly on carpet, can reduce fomite-mediated infection risks.
- Further research is essential to fully understand the role of resuspension in pathogen transmission.
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