Redesigning Isolation Practices: Evaluation of a Comprehensive Protocol for Respiratory Virus Control Including Cycle Threshold (Ct) Value Dynamics.

ABSTRACT: The recent literature has debunked the widespread hypothesis that viruses are primarily transmitted via droplets and not beyond 1.5 m, and transmission via contact has been downplayed. Hence, an evidence-based revision of the existing isolation guidelines for respiratory viruses was needed. Therefore, a completely new protocol for respiratory virus isolation in terms of personal protective equipment and patient room air purification was evaluated. Isolation relief criteria based on Ct values in follow-up sampling were assessed. A Ct value of <28 was employed as a proxy for potential active replication and associated transmissibility. Between 25% and 50% of patients who tested positive for RSV, HRV, hMPV, or SARS-CoV-2 continued to exhibit high viral loads on day 7 post-initial diagnosis, u

SUBMITTER: Lemmens S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12846390 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature