Environmental Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in a University Hospital during the COVID-19 5th Wave Delta Variant Peak in Castile-León, Spain

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Gomes da Silva, P (Author) Other; Gonçalves, J (Author) Other; Torres Franco, A (Author) Other; Rodriguez, E (Author) Other; Diaz, I (Author) Other; Orduña Domingo, A (Author) Other; Garcinuño Pérez, S (Author) Other; March Roselló, GA (Author) Other; Dueñas Gutiérrez, CJ (Author) Other; São José Nascimento, M (Author) Other; Sousa, SIV (Author) FEUP; Garcia Encina, P (Author) Other; Mesquita, JR (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Vol. 20

Final page: 1574

ISSN: 1661-7827

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-V6C

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021574

Abstract (EN): The dominant SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) became the main circulating variant among countries by mid 2021. Attention was raised to the increased risk of airborne transmission, leading to nosocomial outbreaks even among vaccinated individuals. Considering the increased number of COVID-19 hospital admissions fueled by the spread of the variant, with Spain showing the highest COVID-19 rates in mainland Europe by July 2021, the aim of this study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in different areas of a University Hospital in the region of Castile-León, Spain, during the peak of the 5th wave of COVID-19 in the country (July 2021). Air samples were collected from sixteen different areas of the Hospital using a Coriolis® ¿ air sampler. Surface samples were collected in these same areas using sterile flocked plastic swabs. RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR were performed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 21 air samples, only one was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, from the emergency waiting room. Of the 40 surface samples, 2 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both from the microbiology laboratory. These results may be relevant for risk assessment of nosocomial infection within healthcare facilities, thus helping prevent and minimize healthcare staff¿s exposure to SARS-CoV-2, reinforcing the importance of always wearing appropriate and well-fit masks at all times and proper PPE when in contact with infected patients. © 2023 by the authors.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific