عنوان

Environmental contamination in the isolation rooms of COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy.

Number

LA27t41184

Title Proper

Environmental contamination in the isolation rooms of COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy.

General Material Designation

[Article]

First Statement of Responsibility

Ahn, Jin Young; An, Sanggwon; Sohn, Yujin; Cho, Yunsuk; Hyun, Jong Hoon; Baek, Yae Jee; Kim, Moo Hyun; Jeong, Su Jin; Kim, Jung Ho; Ku, Nam Su; Yeom, Joon-Sup; Smith, Davey M; Lee, Hyukmin; Yong, Dongeun; Lee, Youn-Jung; Kim, Ji Won; Kim, Hyeong Rae; Hwang, Jung Ho; Choi, Jun Yong

Text of Note

BACKGROUND:Identifying the extent of environmental contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for infection control and prevention. The extent of environmental contamination has not been fully investigated in the context of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. AIM:To investigate environmental SARS-CoV-2 contamination in the isolation rooms of severe COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy. METHODS:We collected environmental swab samples and air samples from the isolation rooms of three COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia. Patient 1 and Patient 2 received mechanical ventilation with a closed suction system, while Patient 3 received high-flow oxygen therapy and noninvasive ventilation. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2; viral cultures were performed for samples not negative on rRT-PCR. FINDINGS:Of the 48 swab samples collected in the rooms of Patient 1 and Patient 2, only samples from the outside surfaces of the endotracheal tubes tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR. However, in Patient 3's room, 13 of the 28 environmental samples (fomites, fixed structures, and ventilation exit on the ceiling) showed positive results. Air samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Viable viruses were identified on the surface of the endotracheal tube of Patient 1 and seven sites in Patient 3's room. CONCLUSION:Environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 can be a route of viral transmission. However, it might be minimized when patients receive mechanical ventilation with a closed suction system. These findings can provide evidence for guidelines for the safe use of personal protective equipment.

Date of Publication

2020

Title

UC San Diego

Electronic name

[Article]

275578

a

Y