Abstract
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through direct contact (person to person) and indirect contact by means of objects and surfaces contaminated by secretions from individuals with COVID-19 or asymptomatic carriers. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces made of different materials located in university environments frequented by students and staff involved in academy activity during the fourth pandemic wave (December 2021). A total of 189 environmental samples were collected from classrooms, the library, computer room, gym and common areas and subjected to real-time PCR assay to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by amplification of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. All samples gave a valid result for Internal Process Control and nine (4.8%) tested very low positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplification with a median Ct value of 39.44 [IQR: 37.31-42.66] (≤1 copy of viral genome). Our results show that, despite the prevention measures implemented, the presence of infected subjects cannot be excluded, as evidenced by the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from surfaces. The monitoring of environmental SARS-CoV-2 RNA could support public health prevention strategies in the academic and school world.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 RNA; environmental surfaces; high-touch surface; real-time RT-PCR multiplex assay; university setting.
【저자키워드】 SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Environmental surfaces, high-touch surface, real-time RT-PCR multiplex assay, university setting., 【초록키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, pandemic, amplification, Multiplex assay, Asymptomatic carriers, Control, Ct value, RdRP, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, SARS-CoV-2 RNA, real-time RT-PCR, multiplex, viral genome, Contact, can not, direct contact, indirect contact, Support, subject, secretion, measure, PCR assay, library, positive, different materials, transmission of SARS-CoV-2, real-time PCR assay, internal, tested, collected, evaluate, involved, evaluated, nine, median, occur, excluded, evidenced, different material, individuals with COVID-19, Process, public health prevention, 【제목키워드】 detection, Italy, surface, university, setting,