Detection of SARS- CoV-۲ virus in environmental surface

Healthcare workers are at risk for SARS-CoV-۲, and it is important to maintain the capacity of the healthcare system during pandemic. There is no effective treatment for SARS-CoV-۲, and it is crucial to control the infection using transmission-based measures. SARS-CoV-۲ is deposited on the surface through secretions and aerosols and even lasts for up to days, Therefore, there is a possibility of surface transmission in the hospitals with the highest density of patients with COVID- ۱۹. There is no data on contamination of hospital environment in the Iran.The aim of this study was to determine the extent of surface contamination in coronavirus central hospital in Ilam province in western Iran.Method In this experimental study, ۲۰۸ samples were taken from environmental surfaces in hospital Samples were collected from May ۲۹, ۲۰۲۰ to April ۸, ۲۰۲۰ from wards with COVID۱۹ patients. SARS-CoV-۲ RNA detected by Real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results ۱۲۶ out of ۲۰۸ (۶۰/۵۷%) samples were positive. The most contaminated ward was the ICU (۷۳/۶۴%), where the severely ill patients with COVID-۱۹ were located The most contaminated objects were toilet sites (۵/۵,۱۰۰% ICU; ۵/۵, ۱۰۰% isolation wards), medical equipment (۱۸/۲۰,۱۰۰% ICU; not determined in isolation wards), computer mouse or keyboard telephones (۳/۳,۱۰۰% ICU; ۶/۱۲,۵۰ % isolation wards), shoe sole of medical staff (۸/۱۰, ۸۰%ICU;۸/۲۵ ۳۲% isolation wards).Conclusion: High surface contamination with SARS-CoV-۲ proposes the surface transmission as a potential route of transmission and emphasizes the need for strict infection prevention and control practices in healthcare setting.

کلیدواژه ها:

SARS-CoV-۲ ، COVID-۱۹ ، Environmental ، Surface contamination ، Hospital ، Environmental hygiene