scholarly journals Toilets dominate environmental detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in a hospital

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Ding ◽  
Hua Qian ◽  
Bin Xu ◽  
Ying Huang ◽  
Te Miao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Design ◽  
Environmental Sampling ◽  
Research Grants ◽  
Air Samples ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Surface Samples ◽  
Toilet Seat ◽  
Air Sample ◽  
Hospital Building ◽  
Expired Air

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory and faecal aerosols play a suspected role in transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We performed extensive environmental sampling in a dedicated hospital building for Covid-19 patients in both toilet and non-toilet environments, and analysed the associated environmental factors.MethodsWe collected data of the Covid-19 patients. 107 surface samples, 46 air samples, two exhaled condensate samples, and two expired air samples were collected were collected within and beyond the four three-bed isolation rooms. We reviewed the environmental design of the building and the cleaning routines. We conducted field measurement of airflow and CO2 concentrations.FindingsThe 107 surface samples comprised 37 from toilets, 34 from other surfaces in isolation rooms (ventilated at 30-60 L/s), and 36 from other surfaces outside isolation rooms in the hospital. Four of these samples were positive, namely two ward door-handles, one bathroom toilet-seat cover and one bathroom door-handle; and three were weakly positive, namely one bathroom toilet seat, one bathroom washbasin tap lever and one bathroom ceiling-exhaust louvre. One of the 46 air samples was weakly positive, and this was a corridor air sample. The two exhaled condensate samples and the two expired air samples were negative.InterpretationThe faecal-derived aerosols in patients’ toilets contained most of the detected SARS-CoV-2 virus in the hospital, highlighting the importance of surface and hand hygiene for intervention.FundingThe work were partially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no 41977370), the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong’s (no 17202719) (no C7025-16G), and Scientific Research Fund of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Health (no S21017002).

scholarly journals Active environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Midwestern United States meatpacking plants

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261704
Author(s):  
Suzanna M. Storms ◽  
James F. Lowe
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Environmental Sampling ◽  
Environmental Surveillance ◽  
Air Samples ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Plant Infection ◽  
Surface Samples ◽  
Positive Data

This pilot project investigated environmental SARS-CoV-2 presence in seven Midwestern meatpacking plants from May 2020 to January 2021. This study investigated social distancing and infection control practices and incorporated environmental sampling of surfaces and air in employee common areas. All plants increased their social distancing efforts, increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting worker areas, and screened for symptomatic people to prevent entry into the workplace. 575 samples from common areas were collected and evaluated with RT-qPCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. 42/367 surface samples were positive, while no virus was detected in air samples. Case positive data from the counties surrounding each plant showed peak positive SARS-CoV-2 cases from 12–55 days before the virus was detected in the plant, indicating that environmental sampling is likely a lagging indicator of community and plant infection.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 aerosol generation during respiratory equipment reprocessing

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Quartim de Moraes Bruna ◽  
Caroline Lopes Ciofi-Silva ◽  
Anderson Vicente de Paula ◽  
Lucy Santos Villas Boas ◽  
Noely Evangelista Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Aerosol Generation ◽  
Surface Samples ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
Air Sample ◽  
Sterile Processing

AbstractAerosolization may occur during reprocessing of medical devices. With the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is important to understand the necessity of using respirators in the cleaning area of the sterile processing department. To evaluate the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the air of the sterile processing department during the reprocessing of contaminated medical devices. Air and surface samples were collected from the sterile processing department of two teaching tertiary hospitals during the reprocessing of respiratory equipment used in patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 and from intensive care units during treatment of these patients. SARS-CoV-2 was detected only in 1 air sample before the beginning of decontamination process. Viable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA was not detected in any sample collected from around symptomatic patients or in sterile processing department samples. The cleaning of respiratory equipment does not cause aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2. We believe that the use of medical masks is sufficient while reprocessing medical devices during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

scholarly journals Investigating SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination in an acute healthcare setting during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in London

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhou ◽  
Jonathan A. Otter ◽  
James R. Price ◽  
Cristina Cimpeanu ◽  
Danel Meno Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Air Samples ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Viral Culture ◽  
Air Sampler ◽  
Surface Samples ◽  
Acute Healthcare

ABSTRACTBackgroundEvaluation of SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination during the COVID-19 pandemic in London.MethodsWe performed this prospective cross-sectional observational study in a multi-site London hospital. Air and surface samples were collected from seven clinical areas, occupied by patients with COVID-19, and a public area of the hospital. Three or four 1.0 m3 air samples were collected in each area using an active air sampler. Surface samples were collected by swabbing items in the immediate vicinity of each air sample. SARS-CoV-2 was detected by RT-qPCR and viral culture; the limit of detection for culturing SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces was determined.ResultsViral RNA was detected on 114/218 (52.3%) of surfaces and 14/31 (38.7%) air samples but no virus was cultured. The proportion of surface samples contaminated with viral RNA varied by item sampled and by clinical area. Viral RNA was detected on surfaces i and in air in public areas of the hospital but was more likely to be found in areas immediately occupied by COVID-19 patients than in other areas (67/105 (63.8%) vs. 29/64 (45.3%) (odds ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.9, p=0.025, Chi squared test)). The high PCR Ct value for all samples (>30) indicated that the virus would not be culturable.ConclusionsOur findings of extensive viral RNA contamination of surfaces and air across a range of acute healthcare settings in the absence of cultured virus underlines the potential risk from environmental contamination in managing COVID-19, and the need for effective use of PPE, physical distancing, and hand/surface hygiene.

scholarly journals Contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in patient surroundings and on personal protective equipment in a non-ICU isolation ward for COVID-19 patients with prolonged PCR positive status

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wei ◽  
Wenzhi Huang ◽  
Xiaojun Lu ◽  
Yantong Wang ◽  
Linzhi Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Environmental Sampling ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Environmental Cleaning ◽  
Air Samples ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Isolation Ward

Abstract Objectives We performed an environmental sampling study to investigate the environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 by COVID-19 patients with prolonged PCR positive status of clinical samples. Methods We sampled the air from rooms for nine COVID-19 patients with illness or positive PCR > 30 days, before and after nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabbing and before and after nebulization treatment. We also sampled patients’ surroundings and healthcare workers’ personal protection equipment (PPE) in a non-ICU ward. SARS-CoV-2 was detected by PCR. Results Eighty-eight samples were collected from high-touch surfaces and floors in patient rooms and toilets, with only the bedsheets of two patients and one toilet positive for SARS-CoV-2. All air samples (n = 34) were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Fifty-five samples collected from PPE were all negative. Conclusion Contamination of near-patient surroundings was uncommon for COVID-19 patients with prolonged PCR positive status if environmental cleaning/disinfection were performed rigorously. Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was unlikely in these non-ICU settings.

scholarly journals RNA Identification and Detection of Nucleic Acids as Aerosols in Air Samples by Means of Photon and Electron Interactions

Instruments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
John I. Adlish ◽  
Piero Neuhold ◽  
Riccardo Surrente ◽  
Luca J. Tagliapietra
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Structure ◽  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Atomic Hydrogen ◽  
Air Samples ◽  
Viral Particles ◽  
Dna Strands ◽  
Cluster Configuration ◽  
Air Sample ◽  
Energy Channels ◽  
Electron Interactions

This study presents a methodology to reveal traces of viral particles, as aerosol with known chemical and molecular structure, in a sample by means of photon and electron interactions. The method is based on Monte Carlo simulations and on the analysis of photon-electron fluxes-spectra through energy channels counts as a function of different aerosol viral concentrations in the air sample and looking at the peculiar photon/electron interactions with the potential abnormal atomic hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), carbon (C), and phosphorus (P) compositions present in the air sample as a function of living and nonliving matter with PO4 group RNA/DNA strands in a cluster configuration.

A new species of Toxascaris from hyenas

Parasitology ◽  
1971 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. G. Warren
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Species ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Research Grants ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
A New Species ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Toxascaris Leonina

Toxascaris versterae sp.nov. from hyenas in South Africa is described. T. versterae is compared with Toxascaris leonina, the only other member of the genus.I thank Professor J. F. A. Sprent for his advice and criticism. This work was supported by grants from the Australian Research Grants Committee and from the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, No. AI-07023–03.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 and Environmental Samples: A Methodological Approach to Have Consistent and Comparable Results

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Robotto ◽  
Paola Quaglino ◽  
David Lembo ◽  
Marcello Morello ◽  
Enrico Brizio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Samples ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Environmental Sampling ◽  
Air Samples ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Wastewater Samples ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Parallel Sampling

Since the beginning of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, large attention has been focused on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 diffusion and environment. As a matter of fact, clear evidence of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via respiratory aerosol would be of primary importance; at the same time, checking the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater can be extremely useful to control the diffusion of the disease. Up to now, many studies report SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in indoor/outdoor air samples or water/wastewater samples that can differ by order of magnitude. Unfortunately, complete information about the scientific approach of many studies is still missing, relating to: samplers and sampling materials performances, recovery tests, measurement uncertainty, robustness, detection and quantification limits, infectivity of captured virus, virus degradation during sampling, influence of sample pre-treatments (included freezing) on results, effects of inhibitors, sample alterations due to manipulation, validation of methods and processes, quality assurance according to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.Based on the first experiences focused on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples such as air quality filters, air-liquid impingers and wastewater samples, the present study describes a coherent preliminary approach to SARS-CoV-2 environmental sampling in order to overcome the evident lack of standardization. Three aspects are highlighted here: the first solution to assure quality and consistency to environmental sampling relies on the development of recovery tests using standard materials and investigating sampling materials, sampling techniques, sampling durations, sample conservation and pre-treatments; secondly, in order to overcome the shortcomings of every single sampling technique, coupling different samplers in parallel sampling could be an efficient strategy to collect more information and make data more reliable, in particular for air samples; finally, with regards to airborne virus sampling, the results could be confirmed by simplified emission and dilution models.

scholarly journals Deinococcus aerolatus sp. nov. and Deinococcus aerophilus sp. nov., isolated from air samples

2010 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1191-1195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung-Hee Yoo ◽  
Hang-Yeon Weon ◽  
Soo-Jin Kim ◽  
Yi-Seul Kim ◽  
Byung-Yong Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type Strain ◽  
Novel Species ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
The Novel ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequences ◽  
Air Samples ◽  
Air Sample

Two strains of pink-coloured bacteria, 5516T-9T and 5516T-11T, were isolated from an air sample collected in Korea. The taxonomic status of these novel strains was investigated by means of a polyphasic approach. The novel strains were Gram-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming and coccus-shaped bacteria. The DNA G+C contents of strains 5516T-9T and 5516T-11T were 61.0 and 59.3 mol%, respectively. The major isoprenoid quinone for both strains was MK-8. Strain 5516T-9T contained summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 ω7c), C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, and strain 5516T-11T contained summed feature 3, iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, C17 : 1 ω8c and C15 : 1 ω6c as the major fatty acids (>10 %). The polar lipid patterns of both strains were similar, comprising one phospholipid and one aminophospholipid as the major components. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that both novel strains were affiliated to the genus Deinococcus. Strain 5516T-9T exhibited the highest sequence similarity with Deinococcus marmoris DSM 12784T (96.8 %) and strain 5516T-11T showed the highest sequence similarity with Deinococcus saxicola DSM 15974T (94.5 %). The sequence similarity between strains 5516T-9T and 5516T-11T was 94.7 %. On the basis of the data presented, it is evident that both strains represent separate novel species of the genus Deinococcus for which the names Deinococcus aerolatus sp. nov. (type strain 5516T-9T=KACC 12745T=JCM 15442T) and Deinococcus aerophilus sp. nov. (type strain 5516T-11T=KACC 12746T=JCM 15443T) are proposed.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a New Environmental Sampling Protocol for Detection of Human Norovirus on Inanimate Surfaces

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (17) ◽  
pp. 5987-5992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geun Woo Park ◽  
David Lee ◽  
Aimee Treffiletti ◽  
Mario Hrsak ◽  
Jill Shugart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Environmental Sampling ◽  
Viral Gastroenteritis ◽  
Human Norovirus ◽  
Drying Time ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Toilet Seat ◽  
Outbreak Investigations ◽  
Norovirus Gii

ABSTRACTInanimate surfaces are regarded as key vehicles for the spread of human norovirus during outbreaks. ISO method 15216 involves the use of cotton swabs for environmental sampling from food surfaces and fomites for the detection of norovirus genogroup I (GI) and GII. We evaluated the effects of the virus drying time (1, 8, 24, or 48 h), swab material (cotton, polyester, rayon, macrofoam, or an antistatic wipe), surface (stainless steel or a toilet seat), and area of the swabbed surface (25.8 cm2to 645.0 cm2) on the recovery of human norovirus. Macrofoam swabs produced the highest rate of recovery of norovirus from surfaces as large as 645 cm2. The rates of recovery ranged from 2.2 to 36.0% for virus seeded on stainless-steel coupons (645.0 cm2) to 1.2 to 33.6% for toilet seat surfaces (700 cm2), with detection limits of 3.5 log10and 4.0 log10RNA copies. We used macrofoam swabs to collect environmental samples from several case cabins and common areas of a cruise ship where passengers had reported viral gastroenteritis symptoms. Seventeen (18.5%) of 92 samples tested positive for norovirus GII, and 4 samples could be sequenced and had identical GII.1 sequences. The viral loads of the swab samples from the cabins of the sick passengers ranged from 80 to 31,217 RNA copies, compared with 16 to 113 RNA copies for swab samples from public spaces. In conclusion, our swab protocol for norovirus may be a useful tool for outbreak investigations when no clinical samples are available to confirm the etiology.

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