Evidence of Air and Surface Contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in a Major Hospital in Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

da Silva, PG (Author) Other; Goncalves, J (Author) Other; Lopes, AIB (Author) Other; Esteves, NA (Author) Other; Bamba, GEE (Author) Other; Nascimento, MS (Author) Other; Branco, PTBS (Author) FEUP; Soares, RRG (Author) Other; Sousa, SIV (Author) FEUP; Mesquita, JR (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Vol. 19 No. 3, Article 1488

Final page: 525

ISSN: 1661-7827

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 12 Citations

Scopus - 18 Citations

Associated Projects

LEPABE - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 da Unidade de I&D LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-YQC

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010525

Abstract (EN): As the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit Portugal, it forced the country to reintroduce lockdown measures due to hospitals reaching their full capacities. Under these circumstances, environmental contamination by SARS-CoV-2 in different areas of one of Portugal's major Hospitals was assessed between 21 January and 11 February 2021. Air samples (n = 44) were collected from eleven different areas of the Hospital (four COVID-19 and seven non-COVID-19 areas) using Coriolis(R) mu and Coriolis(R) Compact cyclone air sampling devices. Surface sampling was also performed (n = 17) on four areas (one COVID-19 and three non-COVID-19 areas). RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR adapted for quantitative purposes were performed. Of the 44 air samples, two were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (6575 copies/m(3) and 6662.5 copies/m(3), respectively). Of the 17 surface samples, three were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (200.6 copies/cm(2), 179.2 copies/cm(2), and 201.7 copies/cm(2), respectively). SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination was found both in air and on surfaces in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas. Moreover, our results suggest that longer collection sessions are needed to detect point contaminations. This reinforces the need to remain cautious at all times, not only when in close contact with infected individuals. Hand hygiene and other standard transmission-prevention guidelines should be continuously followed to avoid nosocomial COVID-19.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13