Abstract
The ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has had serious impacts on not only the health care system but also all sectors of the economy. Thanks to the adoption of various epidemiological measures, a significant reduction in new cases of infection has been achieved. However, there are still “hotspots”, such as healthcare settings focused on treating patients with COVID-19, which are characterized by the risk of nosocomial transmission among health care workers, patients, and visitors. The proper monitoring and timely detection of pathogens in a hospital environment will help prevent further spread of coronavirus infection. In this study, we collected samples from the air and surface swabs at the First Moscow Infectious Diseases Hospital to study the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in various hospital locations. More than 130 aerosol and surface samples were collected and analysed by RT-PCR. We detected viral contamination of the air in the intensive care unit (ICU) but not in the respiratory infection department where less severe patients are treated. The concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was low, consisting of less than one copy per litre of air. The contact surfaces in both departments were contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. Considering the possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through fomites, these results indicate the need to strictly follow personal hygiene rules as well as wear personal protective equipment to prevent disease spread.
Highlights
The emergence and rapid spread of novel SARS-CoV-2 has caused a new COVID-19 pandemic (Li et al, 2020)
Samples were collected in the wards and rooms of patients with a positive proposed serological and molecular genetic (PCR) result and a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 in the respiratory infection department (RI) and in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the First Infectious Diseases Hospital of Moscow (Russia)
The main routes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission are considered to be aerosol droplets and direct contact with contaminated surfaces (WHO, 2020). Given these modes of transmission, as well as the possibility of transmission of the virus from an asymptomatic carrier, it is necessary to carry out studies for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids in aerosols and surfaces, which will allow assessing biosafety in crowded places, as well as confined spaces, such as hospitals, to determine the most likely infected sites
Summary
The emergence and rapid spread of novel SARS-CoV-2 has caused a new COVID-19 pandemic (Li et al, 2020). It is necessary to understand the mechanisms and pathways of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to effectively control its spread. According to the current understanding, the main mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 transmission include aerogenic and contact transmission (Ghinai et al, 2020; Pastorino et al, 2020; Peng et al, 2020; Richard et al, 2020). Aerosols, air droplets and dust as well as surfaces can all be contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. A number of studies have demonstrated the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to remain viable on aerosolized air particles for up to 3-16 hours (Fears et al, 2020; van Doremalen et al, 2020) and on various surfaces for up to several days (van Doremalen et al, 2020). The ability of viral particles to settle while maintaining their viability on solid surfaces indicates the possibility of transmission through fomites (Chia et al, 2020; Guo et al, 2020; Wu et al, 2020; van Doremalen et al, 2020)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
