Impact of environmental SARS-CoV-2 pollution on homes

A team of US scientists recently revealed environmental pollution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at home by surface sampling. In addition, findings reveal that certain bacterial communities in surface samples can be used as predictors of positive or negative SARS-CoV-2 status.

Research is currently medRxiv* Preprint server, articles are peer reviewed

Background

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a wrapped positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that spreads primarily through respiratory droplets or aerosols. However, there is evidence to argue that viral infections can occur through contaminated surfaces. Previous outbreaks of other beta versions-coronavirusSeveral studies have been conducted to detect the presence, persistence, and survival of viruses on the surface and in the air, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS). Assessment of environmental pollution is especially helpful in understanding the persistence of viable virus on the contact surface of hospitals and isolation rooms that may be actively involved in viral infection.

In current studies, scientists assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on indoor surfaces to understand the potential for direct (touching the surface) or indirect (via droplets or aerosols) viral infections. I am.

Research design

To estimate surface viral load, scientists collected a total of 381 samples from three residential units in which individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 were quarantined. They collected respiratory samples from each infected individual on the day of surface sampling. All surface samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

In addition, scientists investigated whether there was a link between the positive or negative status of SARS-CoV-2 and the presence of bacterial communities in the tested sample.

Important findings

Of the 381 samples tested, 178 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 (47%). Positive rates were comparable for the two housing units (53% and 61%). However, the positive rate for the third unit was significantly lower (24%). In all the units tested, the virus detection rate was the highest in the bedroom.Similarly, the best Viral load Observed on contact surfaces (switches and handles), followed by floors and frequently used objects (refrigerators, sinks, toilets, beds). For objects with planes and handles, such as refrigerators, cabinets, and drawers, detectable viral load was only observed with the handle in contact, not with the plane.

Analysis of bacterial alpha diversity in the tested samples revealed a statistically significant association with SARS-CoV-2 positive / negative status. However, findings showed that the presence of bacterial communities was not sufficient to predict SARS-CoV-2 status in a single sample.

Further analysis of the differentially abundant bacteria in the tested samples revealed that Rothia dentocariosa was positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 status. Rothia dentocariosa is a gram-positive bacterium belonging to a normal microbial community in the mouth and respiratory tract.In addition, certain bacterial communities belonging to the genus Corynebacterium It was identified as a predictor of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples.

Significance of research

The findings show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and related bacterial communities on the contact surface of households with individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. This study emphasizes the importance of surface sampling as a sensitive and low-cost method for detecting environmental SARS-CoV-2 contamination in homes.

Importantly, this study analyzed changes in the bacterial community of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals that could be detected in an indoor environment. In many surface samples from different locations, Rothiadentocariosa has been identified as an independent predictor of SARS-CoV-2 positive status.

Bacterial community belonging to the genus Corynebacterium It has been identified as a predictor of SARS-CoV-2 status in surface samples, and previous studies have shown that patients with COVID-19 show significantly lower levels. Corynebacterium In oral microbiology. In the current study, scientists assume that the presence of corynebacterium and SARS-CoV-2 in surface samples may be associated with skin contamination.

*Important Notices

medRxiv publishes unpeer-reviewed preliminary scientific reports and should not be considered definitive, guide clinical / health-related behaviors, or be treated as established information.