
Contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on fomite surfaces: surface survival and risk reduction
Author(s) -
Abhimanyu Tharayil,
R. Rajakumari,
Miran Mozetič,
Gregor Primc,
Sabu Thomas
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
interface focus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 2042-8901
pISSN - 2042-8898
DOI - 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0042
Subject(s) - covid-19 , sars virus , transmission (telecommunications) , personal protective equipment , virology , medicine , computer science , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , outbreak , telecommunications , pathology
There is an unprecedented concern regarding the viral strain SARS-CoV-2 and especially its respiratory disease more commonly known as COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to survive on different surfaces for extended periods, ranging from days up to months. The new infectious properties of SARS-CoV-2 vary depending on the properties of fomite surfaces. In this review, we summarize the risk factors involved in the indirect transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2 strains on fomite surfaces. The main mode of indirect transmission is the contamination of porous and non-porous inanimate surfaces such as textile surfaces that include clothes and most importantly personal protective equipment like personal protective equipment kits, masks, etc. In the second part of the review, we highlight materials and processes that can actively reduce the SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination pattern and the associated transmission routes. The review also focuses on some general methodologies for designing advanced and effective antiviral surfaces by physical and chemical modifications, viral inhibitors, etc.