Documenting the occurrence of viruses on fomites is crucial
in
determining the significance of fomite-mediated transmission and the
potential use of fomites for environmental disease surveillance. We
conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compile information
on the occurrence of human viruses on fomites in the environment;
we identified 134 peer-reviewed papers. We compiled sampling and measurement
methods, results, quality control information, and whether virus data
were compared with community health data from the papers. We conducted
univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate if presence of
virus on fomites was associated with virus type (enveloped, nonenveloped),
sampling location (healthcare setting, nonhealthcare temporary setting,
nonhealthcare nontemporary setting), and area of fomite swabbed (<50,
50–100, >100 cm2). Across 275 data sets from
the
134 papers, there was the most data available for Coronaviridae and
from fomites at hospitals. Positivity rates, defined as the percent positive fomite samples,
were low (median = 6%). Data were available on viruses from 16 different
viral families, but data on viruses from 9 families had few (n < 5) data sets. Many human virus families were not
identified in this review (11 families). Less than 15% of the data
sets reported virus concentrations in externally valid units (viruses
per area of surface), and 16% provided a quantitative comparison between
virus and health data. Virus type and area swabbed were significant
predictors of virus presence on fomites, and the positivity rate of
data sets collected from healthcare settings and nonhealthcare nontemporary
settings (e.g., individual housing) were significantly higher than
those collected in nonhealthcare temporary settings (e.g., restaurants).
Data from this review indicates that viruses may be present on fomites,
that fomite-mediated virus transmission may occur, and that fomites
may provide information on circulation of infectious diseases in the
community. However, more quantitative data on diverse viruses are
needed, and method reporting needs significant improvements.
