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SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination associated with persistently infected COVID-19 patients.
Lei, Hui; Ye, Feng; Liu, Xiaoqing; Huang, Zhenting; Ling, Shiman; Jiang, Zhanpeng; Cheng, Jing; Huang, Xiaoqun; Wu, Qiubao; Wu, Shiguan; Xie, Yanmin; Xiao, Cheng; Ye, Dan; Yang, Zifeng; Li, Yimin; Leung, Nancy H L; Cowling, Benjamin J; He, Jianxing; Wong, Sook-San; Zanin, Mark.
  • Lei H; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Ye F; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
  • Liu X; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
  • Huang Z; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Ling S; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
  • Jiang Z; Department of Intensive Care, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Cheng J; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Huang X; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
  • Wu Q; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Wu S; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
  • Xie Y; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Xiao C; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
  • Ye D; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Yang Z; Department of Intensive Care, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Li Y; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Leung NHL; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Cowling BJ; WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
  • He J; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
  • Wong SS; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
  • Zanin M; Infection Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Influenza Other Respir Viruses ; 14(6): 688-699, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-612437
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Severe COVID-19 patients typically test positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA for extended periods of time, even after recovery from severe disease. Due to the timeframe involved, these patients may have developed humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 while still testing positive for viral RNA in swabs. Data are lacking on exposure risks in these situations. Here, we studied SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in an ICU and an isolation ward caring for such COVID-19 patients.

METHODS:

We collected air and surface samples in a hospital caring for critical and severe COVID-19 cases from common areas and areas proximal to patients.

RESULTS:

Of the 218 ICU samples, an air sample contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 182 isolation ward samples, nine contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA. These were collected from a facemask, the floor, mobile phones, and the air in the patient room and bathroom. Serum antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in these patients at the beginning of the study.

CONCLUSIONS:

While there is a perception of increased risk in the ICU, our study demonstrates that isolation wards may pose greater risks to healthcare workers and exposure risks remain with clinically improved patients, weeks after their initial diagnoses. As these patients had serum antibodies, further studies may be warranted to study the utility of serum antibodies as a surrogate of viral clearance in allowing people to return to work. We recommend continued vigilance even with patients who appear to have recovered from COVID-19.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Coronavirus Infections / Environmental Microbiology / Betacoronavirus Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Language: English Journal: Influenza Other Respir Viruses Journal subject: Virology Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Irv.12783

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Coronavirus Infections / Environmental Microbiology / Betacoronavirus Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Language: English Journal: Influenza Other Respir Viruses Journal subject: Virology Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Irv.12783