CSIR-CCMB and CSIR-IMTech Research Validates Airborne Spread of Coronavirus
A groundbreaking collaborative study between CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad and CSIR-IMTech, Chandigarh has provided concrete evidence of the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This discovery corroborates earlier research and highlights the virus’s concentration in indoor air, prompting crucial considerations for public health measures.
Unraveling Transmission Mechanisms: From Surfaces to Air
While initial assumptions pointed to surface contact as the primary mode of transmission, this study underscores the significance of airborne dissemination. Researchers emphasize that the exact transmission mechanism of coronavirus remains elusive, though mounting evidence challenges earlier beliefs. Countries adopting stringent mask protocols during the pandemic experienced milder impact, reinforcing the role of airborne transmission.
Concrete Findings: Genome Analysis and Airborne Presence
The study meticulously conducted genome analysis of air samples collected from diverse environments with COVID-19 patients. These included hospitals, enclosed spaces with short-term patient occupancy, and households of home-quarantined individuals. The analysis revealed a consistent presence of coronavirus particles in the air around infected individuals, offering a pivotal insight into airborne transmission dynamics.
Airborne Virus Concentration: Positivity Rate and Patient Density
Notably, the study observed a direct correlation between the concentration of the virus in the air and the number of COVID-19 patients in proximity. The positivity rate of detecting the virus in the air surged to 75% when two or more patients shared a confined space, compared to 15.8% in rooms with one or no infected patients, emphasizing the heightened risk in densely populated areas.
Virus Shedding Irrespective of Infection Severity: Hospitals as Hotspots
Intriguingly, the research revealed the presence of viable coronavirus in both ICU and non-ICU sections of hospitals. This significant finding challenges the assumption that viral shedding corresponds solely with the severity of infection. Regardless of disease intensity, patients contribute to the aerosolization of the virus, amplifying the urgency of comprehensive infection control measures.
Implications for Infection Control: Air Surveillance as a Shield
As communities transition towards resuming in-person activities, the study’s insights hold profound implications for infection prevention. The role of air surveillance gains prominence, offering a predictive tool to assess infection risks within enclosed settings such as classrooms and meeting halls. The findings can guide targeted strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne infections.
