Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible RNA virus that causes COVID-19. Being aware of the presence of the virus on different types of surfaces and in different environments, and having a protocol for its detection, is important to understand the dynamics of the virus and its shedding patterns. In Ecuador, the detection of viral RNA in urban environmental samples has not been a priority. The present study analyzed samples from two densely populated neighborhoods and one public transportation system in Quito, Ecuador. Viral RNA presence was assessed using RT-LAMP. Twenty-eight out of 300 surfaces tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (9.33%). Frequently touched surfaces, especially in indoor spaces and on public transportation, were most likely to be positive for viral RNA. Positivity rate association for the two neighborhoods and for the surface type was not found. This study found viral RNA presence on urban surfaces; this information provides an insight into viral dissemination dynamics. Monitoring environmental SARS-CoV-2 could support the public health prevention strategies in Quito, Ecuador.
Highlights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus [1]
Most of the research has focused on RNA detection in healthcare, and only a few studies have explored the presence of viral RNA in non-medical environments
SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been found on surface swabs and in air samples inside public buses of densely populated cities, such as Barcelona and Tehran [7,23]
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus [1]. It is the vector pathogen of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an illness characterized by fever, cough, and fatigue, which can develop into severe cases of pneumonia [2]. COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, in November 2019, and has spread rapidly throughout the world. In Ecuador, the first official case of COVID-19 was reported in late February 2020, and measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to contain the virus included home confinement with the suspension of all non-essential activities [4]. During the following months, COVID-19 positive cases were reported throughout the country. As of 15 November 2021, the number of cases in Ecuador has continued to increase, with 519,560 confirmed cases of COVID-19 [1]
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