Airborne SARS-CoV-2 Detection by ddPCR in Adequately Ventilated Hospital Corridors
Indoors, the infection risk of diseases transmitted through the airborne route is estimated from indoor carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) levels. However, the approaches to assess this risk do not account for the airborne concentration of pathogens, among other limitations. In this study,...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Toxics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/7/583 |
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| Summary: | Indoors, the infection risk of diseases transmitted through the airborne route is estimated from indoor carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) levels. However, the approaches to assess this risk do not account for the airborne concentration of pathogens, among other limitations. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between airborne SARS-CoV-2 levels and environmental parameters. Bioaerosols were sampled (<i>n</i> = 40) in hospital corridors of two wards differing in the COVID-19 severity of the admitted patients. SARS-CoV-2 levels were quantified using droplet digital PCR. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 60% of the total air samples. The ward where the mildly ill patients were admitted had a higher occupancy, transit of people in the corridor, and CO<sub>2</sub> levels, but there were no significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 detection between wards. The mean CO<sub>2</sub> concentration in the positive samples was 569 ± 35.6 ppm. Considering all samples, the CO<sub>2</sub> levels in the corridor were positively correlated with patient door openings but inversely correlated with SARS-CoV-2 levels. In conclusion, airborne SARS-CoV-2 can be detected indoors with optimal ventilation, and its levels do not scale with CO<sub>2</sub> concentration in hospital corridors. Therefore, CO<sub>2</sub> assessment should not be interpreted as a surrogate of airborne viral presence in all indoor spaces. |
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| ISSN: | 2305-6304 |