Effectiveness of different disinfectants and combinations against SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in COVID-19 quarantine wards (preprint)

Background To detect the contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the surroundings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and to evaluate the effectiveness of regular disinfectants and combinations against SARS-CoV-2 RNA.Methods We sampled the patients’ high contact surfaces in COVID-19 pediatric quarantine wards from April to June 2022. After conducting cleaning procedures using disinfectants, including trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA; 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/L), 5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 0.5% povidone-iodine (PI), 75% ethanol (EA), 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), 0.2% quaternary ammonia compound (QAC), and five combinations, environmental samples in bathroom were collected at 0, 30 s, 10, 30, and 60 min. All samples were delivered to the medical laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid (ORF1ab and N) detection using real-time PCR.Results SARS-CoV-2 RNA was largely detected on surfaces in the COVID-19 quarantine ward and was highest in the floor, bathroom, and bed sheet. The ORF1ab and N genes remained detectable after 60 min of treatment with QAC, PI, EA, and CHG. H2O2 and TCCA2000 completely degraded SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 30 s, which was faster than TCCA1000 (10 min). Clearance of ORF1ab and N by TCCA500 required 10 and 60 min, respectively, whereas combination of TCCA500 with EA or PI destroyed ORF1ab and N faster at 30 s and 30 min, respectively.Conclusion The surroundings of patients with COVID-19 are contaminated by SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Effectiveness of disinfectants and combinations varies, N gene persists longer time than ORF1ab after some disinfection.

Point-of-care training program on COVID-19 infection prevention and control for pediatric healthcare workers (preprint)

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of training on knowledge and practices of infection prevention and control (IPC) among pediatric health care workers (HCW) in Shanghai, China, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online training program was designed by the Shanghai Pediatric Clinical Quality Control Center (SPQCC) during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic on disease knowledge and practice of IPC. Training took place in the 81 partner hospitals affiliated with SPQCC. A 25-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge gained from the training. Stratified-random sampling was used to select HCW according to three professionals (i.e., pediatricians, nurses and administrators) within each partner hospital. Awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 and its related infection control and practice was assessed by comparing survey results between different types of hospitals, professionals and professional ranks. A higher survey score meant that the respondent was more prepared and knowledgeable about COVID-19 and its infection control measures. Results: Completed questionnaires were returned from 1,062 subjects (385 pediatricians, 410 nurses, and 267 administrators), giving a response rate of 96.5%. Overall, awareness of clinical information related to COVID-19, importance of personal hygiene and isolation policy was high among the respondents. No statistical difference of scores on knowledge of COVID-19, IPC and relevant practice between the tertiary and peripheral hospitals. Among all respondents, middle-ranked health care personnel were most knowledgeable and achieved the highest score. Conclusions: Majority of pediatric HCW showed good recognition and practice in infection protection and control measures. The online training was able to achieve its aim to enhance knowledge and awareness and could have contributed to the zero infection rate among HCW caring for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shanghai.