tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Viruses
. 2021 Dec 23;14(1):19.
doi: 10.3390/v14010019.
Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on Surfaces of Public Places and a Transportation System Located in a Densely Populated Urban Area in South America
Juan José Guadalupe[SUP] 1 [/SUP], María I Rojas[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Gabriela Pozo[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Maria P Erazo-Garcia[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Pamela Vega-Polo[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Martín Terán-Velástegui[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Forest Rohwer[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], María de Lourdes Torres[SUP] 1 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible RNA virus that causes COVID-19. Being aware of the presence of the virus on different types of surfaces and in different environments, and having a protocol for its detection, is important to understand the dynamics of the virus and its shedding patterns. In Ecuador, the detection of viral RNA in urban environmental samples has not been a priority. The present study analyzed samples from two densely populated neighborhoods and one public transportation system in Quito, Ecuador. Viral RNA presence was assessed using RT-LAMP. Twenty-eight out of 300 surfaces tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (9.33%). Frequently touched surfaces, especially in indoor spaces and on public transportation, were most likely to be positive for viral RNA. Positivity rate association for the two neighborhoods and for the surface type was not found. This study found viral RNA presence on urban surfaces; this information provides an insight into viral dissemination dynamics. Monitoring environmental SARS-CoV-2 could support the public health prevention strategies in Quito, Ecuador.
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 RNA; coronavirus; environmental virus.
. 2021 Dec 23;14(1):19.
doi: 10.3390/v14010019.
Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on Surfaces of Public Places and a Transportation System Located in a Densely Populated Urban Area in South America
Juan José Guadalupe[SUP] 1 [/SUP], María I Rojas[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Gabriela Pozo[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Maria P Erazo-Garcia[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Pamela Vega-Polo[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Martín Terán-Velástegui[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Forest Rohwer[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], María de Lourdes Torres[SUP] 1 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 35062223
- DOI: 10.3390/v14010019
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible RNA virus that causes COVID-19. Being aware of the presence of the virus on different types of surfaces and in different environments, and having a protocol for its detection, is important to understand the dynamics of the virus and its shedding patterns. In Ecuador, the detection of viral RNA in urban environmental samples has not been a priority. The present study analyzed samples from two densely populated neighborhoods and one public transportation system in Quito, Ecuador. Viral RNA presence was assessed using RT-LAMP. Twenty-eight out of 300 surfaces tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (9.33%). Frequently touched surfaces, especially in indoor spaces and on public transportation, were most likely to be positive for viral RNA. Positivity rate association for the two neighborhoods and for the surface type was not found. This study found viral RNA presence on urban surfaces; this information provides an insight into viral dissemination dynamics. Monitoring environmental SARS-CoV-2 could support the public health prevention strategies in Quito, Ecuador.
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 RNA; coronavirus; environmental virus.