SARS-CoV-2 viability on different surfaces after gaseous ozone treatment: a preliminary evaluation

E Percivalle; M Clerici; I Cassaniti; E Vecchio Nepita; P Marchese; D Olivati; C Catelli; A Berri; F Baldanti; P Marone; R Bruno; A Triarico; P Lago

doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2021.01.014

SARS-CoV-2 viability on different surfaces after gaseous ozone treatment: a preliminary evaluation

J Hosp Infect. 2021 Apr:110:33-36. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.01.014. Epub 2021 Jan 28.

Authors

E Percivalle¹, M Clerici², I Cassaniti¹, E Vecchio Nepita¹, P Marchese³, D Olivati³, C Catelli⁴, A Berri³, F Baldanti¹, P Marone¹, R Bruno⁵, A Triarico⁶, P Lago⁷

Affiliations

¹ Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
² P.C. di Pompeo Catelli SRL, Uggiate Trevano, Como, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
³ Safety Bio Life SRL, Albuzzano, Pavia, Italy.
⁴ P.C. di Pompeo Catelli SRL, Uggiate Trevano, Como, Italy.
⁵ Infection Diseases Department, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
⁶ Medical Direction, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
⁷ Clinical Engineering Department, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, ITALY; Industrial and Information Engineering Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, ITALY.

Abstract

COVID-19 is a global health threat with a huge number of confirmed cases and deaths all over the world. Human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets and contact with aerosol-infected surfaces are the major routes of virus spread. Because SARS-CoV-2 can remain in the air and on surfaces from several hours to several days, disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and critical rooms, in addition to observing individual hygiene tips, is required to reduce the virus spreading. Here we report on an investigation into the use of gaseous ozone as a potentially effective sanitizing method against the new coronavirus.

Keywords: COVID-19; Contact transmission; Infected surfaces; Ozone; Personal protective equipment; SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms

Aerosols
COVID-19 / prevention & control*
COVID-19 / transmission*
Disinfection / methods*
Humans
Microbial Viability / drug effects*
Ozone*
SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*

Substances

Aerosols
Ozone