SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination associated with persistently infected COVID-19 patients.

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 w

SUBMITTER: Lei H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7361718 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature