Simultaneous detection of respiratory virus RNA on environmental surfaces in a university setting by a sensitive Surface 3-Step PCR platform.

ABSTRACT: Most respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 spread through aerosols and fomites, remaining viable in the air and on surfaces. The present study aims to detect simultaneously by a multiplex molecular approach (Surface 3-step PCR platform), the presence of the three major co-circulating respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2, Flu A/B and RSV A/B) from inert surface samples in non-healthcare environments on a university setting in Central Italy. In total, 400 environmental surface swabs were collected during the study period in a three time point longitudinal program (T1, the end of the first semester: November-December 2023, weeks 48-49; T2, the extraordinary exam session: January 2024, weeks 2-4; T3, the start of the 2nd semester: February 2024, weeks 8-9) among which 62 (16%) were positive for viral

SUBMITTER: Orlandi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12583612 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature