The role of environmental factors in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and its reduction strategies
Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field),
Vol. 9 No. 4 (1400),
31 Mordad 2022
,
Page 1-9
https://doi.org/10.22037/jhf.v9i4.37774
Abstract
Background and Aims: Limited knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 transmission mechanism and the affecting factors is a global challenge. Due to the high prevalence of Covid-19 pandemic, airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is more important than other modes of transmission. To investigate the airborne transmission of this virus, indoor air sampling was performed in COVID-19 ward of Sina Hospital in Ahvaz.
Materials and Methods: Air samples were collected from two sampling points with a distance of less than or equal to 1 meter from the patient bed (in the patient's room) and more than 3 meters from the patient bed (in the corridor and the nurse station) Sampling was conducted through both active and passive methods. The collected samples were then transferred to the laboratory in the cold chain, where they were tested for the presence or absence of virus by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Ethical considerations were observed in all stages of the study.
Results: Of the total air samples collected in our study, (21 samples), 9.52 % of the samples (2 samples) were positive for SARS-CoV-2, both of which were positive in the patient's room and were obtained by active air sampling method. Also, multivariate analysis showed that among the studied parameters, the highest correlation was found between the presence of virus in air samples and temperature, relative humidity, and concentration of particles in the air.
Conclusion: The results indicate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 bioaerosols in the air inside the hospital.
- SARS-CoV-2, airborne, indoor air quality, RT- PCR, airborne particles
How to Cite
References
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