Survival of SARS‐CoV‐2 in artificial seawater and on the surface of inanimate materials

Abstract

There is a potential risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spread through human contact with seafood and the inanimate materials contaminated by the virus. In this study, we examined the stability of the virus in artificial seawater (ASW) and on the surface of selected materials. SARS‐CoV‐2 (3.75 log 10 TCID 50 ) in ASW at 22℃ maintained infectious about 3 days and at 4℃ the virus survived more than 7 days. It should be noticed that viable virus at high titer (5.50 log 10 TCID 50 ) may survive more than 20 days in ASW at 4℃ and for 7 days at 22℃. SARS‐CoV‐2 on stainless steel and plastic bag maintained infectious for 3 days, and on nonwoven fabric for 1 day at 22℃. In addition, the virus remained infectious for 9 days on stainless steel and non‐woven fabric, and on plastic bag for 12 days at 4℃. It is important to highlight the role of inanimate material surfaces as a source of infection and the necessity for surface decontamination and disinfection.

Stability and transmissibility of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the environment

“… 54 Paton et al 55 compared the viability of SARS‐CoV‐2 on stainless steel coupons between two starting titers, and found that the virus could be recovered after 4 days at the lower titer of 4 × 10 3 PFU/ml and 7 days at the higher titer of 4 × 10 5 PFU/ml, suggesting that the virus can remain viable on stainless steel for several days even with a lower initial viral load. Sun et al 62 also reported that at 22°C the virus with a low starting titer of 10 4 TCID50 on stainless steel and plastic bag maintained infectious for 3 days. 62 These findings suggest high stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 on certain surfaces.…”

“…Sun et al 62 also reported that at 22°C the virus with a low starting titer of 10 4 TCID50 on stainless steel and plastic bag maintained infectious for 3 days. 62 These findings suggest high stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 on certain surfaces.…”

Disinfection and decontamination in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific data

“…Under experimental conditions, viable virus undergoes time‐accrued inactivation that is variable but can survive for up to several hours, during which transmission can be contemplated 7,9,38 . Although there is variable attrition for different surface materials, viral persistence for at least 4 h on many such solids must be carefully viewed in the context of infection control 7,39,40 . Apart from the presence directly on environmental surfaces, the virus may survive for long periods in a variety of fluid suspensions 41 .…”

“… 7 , 9 , 38 Although there is variable attrition for different surface materials, viral persistence for at least 4 h on many such solids must be carefully viewed in the context of infection control. 7 , 39 , 40 Apart from the presence directly on environmental surfaces, the virus may survive for long periods in a variety of fluid suspensions. 41 Some have also suggested that in a highly endemic region for COVID‐19, widespread detection of virus may be possible for a large variety of public air and surfaces regardless of their constitution.…”

Potential SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility of Cetaceans Stranded along the Italian Coastline

“…To date, evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been reported under natural conditions in any aquatic mammalian species. The survival of the virus in the aquatic environment depends in fact on several factors, such as temperature, humidity, organic matter, water type, chemicals, UVs, the presence of other organisms [ 7 ]. However, contaminated wastewater entering natural water systems could serve as a vehicle for SARS-CoV-2 transmission to susceptible pinniped and cetacean species and populations [ 7 , 8 ].…”