SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection on Environmental Surfaces in a University Setting of Central Italy

Anna Casabianca, Chiara Orlandi, Giulia Amagliani, Mauro Magnani, Giorgio Brandi and Giuditta Fiorella Schiavano
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Anna Casabianca: Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
Chiara Orlandi: Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
Giulia Amagliani: Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
Mauro Magnani: Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
Giorgio Brandi: Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
Giuditta Fiorella Schiavano: Department of Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-9

Abstract: The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through direct contact (person to person) and indirect contact by means of objects and surfaces contaminated by secretions from individuals with COVID-19 or asymptomatic carriers. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces made of different materials located in university environments frequented by students and staff involved in academy activity during the fourth pandemic wave (December 2021). A total of 189 environmental samples were collected from classrooms, the library, computer room, gym and common areas and subjected to real-time PCR assay to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by amplification of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. All samples gave a valid result for Internal Process Control and nine (4.8%) tested very low positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplification with a median Ct value of 39.44 [IQR: 37.31–42.66] (≤1 copy of viral genome). Our results show that, despite the prevention measures implemented, the presence of infected subjects cannot be excluded, as evidenced by the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from surfaces. The monitoring of environmental SARS-CoV-2 RNA could support public health prevention strategies in the academic and school world.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 RNA; environmental surfaces; high-touch surface; university setting; real-time RT-PCR multiplex assay (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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