tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Singapore Med J
. 2020 Jul 30.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020114. Online ahead of print.
Transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and implications on infection control: a review
Sean Wei Xiang Ong[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Kristen K Coleman[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Po Ying Chia[SUP] 1 2 4 [/SUP], Koh Cheng Thoon[SUP] 3 4 5 6 [/SUP], Surinder Pada[SUP] 7 [/SUP], Indumathi Venkatachalam[SUP] 8 [/SUP], Dale Fisher[SUP] 6 9 [/SUP], Yian Kim Tan[SUP] 10 [/SUP], Boon Huan Tan[SUP] 10 [/SUP], Oon Tek Ng[SUP] 1 2 4 [/SUP], Brenda Sze Peng Ang[SUP] 1 2 4 6 [/SUP], Yee-Sin Leo[SUP] 1 2 4 6 [/SUP], Michelle Su Yen Wong[SUP] 10 [/SUP], Kalisvar Marimuthu[SUP] 1 2 6 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
The complete picture of transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unknown. This review summarises the available evidence of its transmission modes, our preliminary research findings and implications on infection control policy, and outlines future research directions. Environmental contamination has been reported in hospital settings occupied by infected patients, and is higher in the first week of illness. Transmission via environmental surfaces or fomites is likely, but decontamination protocols are effective in minimising this risk. The extent of airborne transmission is also unclear. While several studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air samples, none has isolated viable virus in culture. Transmission likely lies on a spectrum between droplet to airborne transmission depending on patient, disease and environmental factors. Singapore's current personal protective equipment and isolation protocols are sufficient to manage this risk.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; airborne; environment; infection control; transmission.
. 2020 Jul 30.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020114. Online ahead of print.
Transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and implications on infection control: a review
Sean Wei Xiang Ong[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Kristen K Coleman[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Po Ying Chia[SUP] 1 2 4 [/SUP], Koh Cheng Thoon[SUP] 3 4 5 6 [/SUP], Surinder Pada[SUP] 7 [/SUP], Indumathi Venkatachalam[SUP] 8 [/SUP], Dale Fisher[SUP] 6 9 [/SUP], Yian Kim Tan[SUP] 10 [/SUP], Boon Huan Tan[SUP] 10 [/SUP], Oon Tek Ng[SUP] 1 2 4 [/SUP], Brenda Sze Peng Ang[SUP] 1 2 4 6 [/SUP], Yee-Sin Leo[SUP] 1 2 4 6 [/SUP], Michelle Su Yen Wong[SUP] 10 [/SUP], Kalisvar Marimuthu[SUP] 1 2 6 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 32729311
- DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2020114
Abstract
The complete picture of transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unknown. This review summarises the available evidence of its transmission modes, our preliminary research findings and implications on infection control policy, and outlines future research directions. Environmental contamination has been reported in hospital settings occupied by infected patients, and is higher in the first week of illness. Transmission via environmental surfaces or fomites is likely, but decontamination protocols are effective in minimising this risk. The extent of airborne transmission is also unclear. While several studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air samples, none has isolated viable virus in culture. Transmission likely lies on a spectrum between droplet to airborne transmission depending on patient, disease and environmental factors. Singapore's current personal protective equipment and isolation protocols are sufficient to manage this risk.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; airborne; environment; infection control; transmission.