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Pathogens on High-Touch Surfaces in an Arid Megacity: A Longitudinal Molecular Surveillance Study
Mohamad Taisir Ahmad Ghiba1,2, Saleh Ahmed Eifan1, Abdulkarim Fahad Alhetheel3
1Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
Microorganisms
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Public surfaces in Riyadh harbor diverse pathogens, with higher temperatures linked to increased viral detection. This highlights the role of indoor environments in pathogen persistence, necessitating targeted hygiene strategies in high-risk areas.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health surveillance
- Molecular diagnostics
Background:
- Contaminated environmental surfaces (fomites) serve as pathogen reservoirs.
- Limited surveillance data exists for surface contamination in arid megacities like Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Extreme heat and extensive indoor climate control characterize Riyadh's environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a city-wide molecular baseline for surface contamination in Riyadh.
- To evaluate the influence of meteorological factors on pathogen detection on surfaces.
- To identify high-risk public nodes for pathogen contamination.
Main Methods:
- A stratified, longitudinal study was conducted from February 2023 to May 2024.
- 270 swabs were collected from seven zones, including hospitals, airports, ATMs, and community hubs.
- Samples were pooled (N=55) and screened using QIAstat-Dx multiplex PCR panels.
Main Results:
- Nineteen pools (34.5%) tested positive for pathogens.
- Viral pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus) were detected in 10 pools (18.2%).
- Non-viral pathogens (bacteria/parasites) were detected in 13 pools (23.6%), with 7.3% co-detections.
- Hospitals and airports were primary hubs for respiratory viruses.
- Cryptosporidium was the most frequent non-viral pathogen (n=6), found predominantly on ATM interfaces.
- Higher ambient temperature was significantly associated with detecting viral rather than non-viral pathogens (OR=1.728, p=0.032).
Conclusions:
- Public surfaces in Riyadh harbor a diverse range of viral and non-viral pathogens.
- The association between higher ambient temperature and viral detection suggests indoor microclimates influence pathogen persistence during hot seasons.
- Targeted hygiene measures are crucial for high-risk public nodes to mitigate pathogen transmission.
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