Viral cultures for assessing fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Igho Onakpoya, Carl Heneghan, Elizabeth Spencer, Jon Brassey, Elena Cecilia Roşca, Susanna Maltoni, Annette Plüddemann, David H. Evans, John Conly, Tom Jefferson
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The role of fomites in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is unclear. AIM: To assess whether SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through fomites, using evidence from viral culture studies. METHODS: , 2021. Studies that investigated fomite transmission and performed viral culture to assess the cytopathic effect (CPE) of positive fomite samples and confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 as the cause of the CPE were included. The risk of bias using a checklist modified from the modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies - 2 (QUADAS-2) criteria was assessed. FINDINGS: = 71%; P = 0.01). Infectious specimens were mostly detected within seven days of symptom onset. One study showed possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from fomites to humans. CONCLUSION: for clinical specimens and fomite samples is <30. Further studies should investigate the duration of infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 and the frequency of transmission from fomites.