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Environmental Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in a University Hospital during the COVID-19 5th Wave Delta Variant Peak in Castile-León, Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Priscilla Gomes da Silva

    (ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
    Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
    LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal)

  • José Gonçalves

    (Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
    Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Andrés Torres Franco

    (Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
    Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Elisa Rodriguez

    (Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
    Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Israel Diaz

    (Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
    Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Antonio Orduña Domingo

    (Microbiology Service, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Sonsoles Garcinuño Pérez

    (Microbiology Service, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Gabriel Alberto March Roselló

    (Microbiology Service, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Carlos Jesús Dueñas Gutiérrez

    (Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Maria São José Nascimento

    (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal)

  • Sofia I.V. Sousa

    (LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
    ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal)

  • Pedro Garcia Encina

    (Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
    Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • João R. Mesquita

    (ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
    Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 1800-412 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

The dominant SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) became the main circulating variant among countries by mid 2021. Attention was raised to the increased risk of airborne transmission, leading to nosocomial outbreaks even among vaccinated individuals. Considering the increased number of COVID-19 hospital admissions fueled by the spread of the variant, with Spain showing the highest COVID-19 rates in mainland Europe by July 2021, the aim of this study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in different areas of a University Hospital in the region of Castile-León, Spain, during the peak of the 5th wave of COVID-19 in the country (July 2021). Air samples were collected from sixteen different areas of the Hospital using a Coriolis ® μ air sampler. Surface samples were collected in these same areas using sterile flocked plastic swabs. RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR were performed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 21 air samples, only one was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, from the emergency waiting room. Of the 40 surface samples, 2 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both from the microbiology laboratory. These results may be relevant for risk assessment of nosocomial infection within healthcare facilities, thus helping prevent and minimize healthcare staff’s exposure to SARS-CoV-2, reinforcing the importance of always wearing appropriate and well-fit masks at all times and proper PPE when in contact with infected patients.

Suggested Citation

  • Priscilla Gomes da Silva & José Gonçalves & Andrés Torres Franco & Elisa Rodriguez & Israel Diaz & Antonio Orduña Domingo & Sonsoles Garcinuño Pérez & Gabriel Alberto March Roselló & Carlos Jesús Dueñ, 2023. "Environmental Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in a University Hospital during the COVID-19 5th Wave Delta Variant Peak in Castile-León, Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1574-:d:1036490
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bao V. Duong & Puchanee Larpruenrudee & Tianxin Fang & Sheikh I. Hossain & Suvash C. Saha & Yuantong Gu & Mohammad S. Islam, 2022. "Is the SARS CoV-2 Omicron Variant Deadlier and More Transmissible Than Delta Variant?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-25, April.
    2. Ewen Callaway, 2021. "Delta coronavirus variant: scientists brace for impact," Nature, Nature, vol. 595(7865), pages 17-18, July.
    3. Imad A. Moosa, 2020. "The effectiveness of social distancing in containing Covid-19," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(58), pages 6292-6305, December.
    4. Priscilla Gomes da Silva & José Gonçalves & Ariana Isabel Brito Lopes & Nury Alves Esteves & Gustavo Emanuel Enes Bamba & Maria São José Nascimento & Pedro T. B. S. Branco & Ruben R. G. Soares & Sofia, 2022. "Evidence of Air and Surface Contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in a Major Hospital in Portugal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-13, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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