We quantified the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air of different hospital settings and the autopsy room of the largest medical centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Real-time reverse-transcription PCR was used to determine the presence of the envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the nucleocapsid protein genes. The E-gene was detected in 5 out of 6 samples at the ICU-COVID-19 ward and in 5 out of 7 samples at the ward-COVID-19. Similarly, in the non-dedicated facilities, the E-gene was detected in 5 out of 6 samples collected in the ICU and 4 out of 7 samples in the ward. In the necropsy room, 6 out of 7 samples were positive for the E-gene. When both wards were compared, the non-COVID ward presented a significantly higher concentration of the E-gene than in the COVID-19 ward (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in E-gene concentration between the ICU-COVID-19 and the ICU (p = 0.548). Likewise, there was no significant difference among E-gene concentrations found in the autopsy room versus the ICUs and wards (dedicated or not) (p = 0.245). Our results show the widespread presence of aerosol contamination in different hospital units.
【저자키워드】 Diseases, Environmental sciences, 【초록키워드】 COVID-19, Brazil, SARS-CoV-2, hospital, Autopsy, ICU, nucleocapsid protein, Contamination, PCR, envelope protein, SARS-CoV-2 RNA, E-gene, Concentration, significant difference, no significant difference, ward, ICUs, positive, Real-time reverse-transcription PCR, Genes, widespread, was used, collected, determine, significantly higher, quantified, 【제목키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, hospital, Particle, genomic,