Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA contamination of inanimate surfaces and virus viability in a health care emergency unit

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.05.009
• Publication Date: 2020-05-22T15:46:41Z
• Authors: M. Colaneri; E. Seminari; S. Novati; E. Asperges; S. Biscarini; A. Piralla; E. Percivalle; I. Cassaniti; F. Baldanti; R. Bruno; M.U. Mondelli; R. Bruno; M.U. Mondelli; E. Brunetti; A. Di Matteo; E. Seminari; L. Maiocchi; V. Zuccaro; L. Pagnucco; S. Ludovisi; R. Lissandrin; A. Parisi; P. Sacchi; S.F.A. Patruno; G. Michelone; R. Gulminetti; D. Zanaboni; S. Novati; R. Maserati; P. Orsolini; M. Vecchia
• Keywords: Vero cell; Coronavirus; Cytopathic effect

To detect possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA contamination of inanimate surfaces in areas at high risk of aerosol formation by patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Sampling was performed in the emergency unit and the sub-intensive care ward. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was extracted from swabbed surfaces and objects and subjected to real-time RT-PCR targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and E genes. Virus isolation from positive samples was attempted in vitro on Vero E6 cells.Twenty-six samples were collected and only two were positive for low-level SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both collected on the external surface of continuous positive airway pressure helmets. All transport media were inoculated onto susceptible cells, but none induced a cytopathic effect on day 7 of culture.Even though daily contact with inanimate surfaces and patient fomites in contaminated areas may be a medium of infection, our data obtained in real-life conditions suggest that it might be less extensive than hitherto recognized.