No SARS-CoV-2 detected in air samples (pollen and particulate matter) in Leipzig during the first spread
Susanne Dunker, Thomas Hornick, Grit Szczepankiewicz, Melanie Maier, Maximilian Bastl, Jan Bumberger, Regina Treudler, Uwe G. Liebert, Jan‐Christoph Simon
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic co-occurred with pollen season in Europe 2020 and recent studies suggest a potential link between both. Air samples collected at our measuring station in Leipzig and purified pollen were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 typical signals or for virus-induced cytopathic effects, to test if the virus could bind to bioaerosols and if so, whether these complexes are infectious. The results show that neither our air samples nor purified pollen were infectious or could act as carrier for virus particles.
Topics & Concepts
Indoor bioaerosolPollenParticulatesSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Airborne transmissionVirusSars virusPandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)VirologyBiologyChemistryEnvironmental chemistryBotanyInfectious disease (medical specialty)EcologyMedicinePathologyDiseaseCOVID-19 epidemiological studiesInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 impact on air quality