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Possible transmission by fomites of respiratory syncytial virus
Abstract:
To test whether nosocomial spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could occur through contact with environmental surfaces contaminated by RSV-infected nasal secretions, survival in the environment of RSV isolated from media, pooled adult secretions, and secretions from hospitalized infants was examined. RSV in freshly obtained infant secretions was recovered from countertops for up to 6 hr, from rubber gloves for up to 1 1/2 hr, from cloth gowns and paper tissue for 30--45 min, and from skin for up to 20 min. RSV in media and pooled secretions survived for slightly longer periods. Further experiments demonstrated that infectious virus could be transferred to hands touching these contaminated surfaces and could be recovered from these hands for up to 25 min. These studies suggest that survival of RSV in the environment of infected infant secretions is sufficient to allow transfer of infectious virus to the hands of hospital personnel. Thus, self-inoculation by contact with contaminated infant secretions may be a potential mode of nosocomial transmission of RSV.
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can survive on surfaces from infant secretions for hours, potentially spreading through contaminated hands. This highlights a risk for nosocomial transmission in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Nosocomial spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant concern in healthcare settings.
- Understanding environmental survival and transmission routes is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the environmental survival of RSV from infected infant secretions.
- To determine the potential for RSV transmission via contaminated surfaces and hand contact.
Main Methods:
- RSV survival was assessed on various environmental surfaces (countertops, gloves, gowns, tissues) using infant secretions.
- Virus recovery from contaminated surfaces and subsequently from hands was quantified.
- RSV viability was also examined in cell culture media and pooled adult secretions.
Main Results:
- RSV remained infectious on countertops for up to 6 hours and on rubber gloves for 1.5 hours.
- Virus survival on cloth gowns and paper tissues was up to 45 minutes, and on skin up to 20 minutes.
- Infectious virus was transferable to hands from contaminated surfaces and recoverable for up to 25 minutes.
Conclusions:
- RSV in infant secretions can survive in the environment long enough for transmission.
- Contaminated surfaces pose a risk for healthcare personnel through hand contact and self-inoculation.
- Environmental contamination and hand hygiene are critical factors in preventing nosocomial RSV spread.