Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster.

ABSTRACT: It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 h), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10μm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transm

SUBMITTER: Port JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9413705 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature