Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential role of fomites in human parainfluenza virus 1 (HPIV1) transmission by assessing the occurrence of HPIV1 on surfaces in an adult setting (office). In 2004, a total of 328 fomites from 12 different office buildings in five different cities were evaluated for HPIV1 viral RNA. HPIV1 was isolated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and detected on 37% of all office fomites. HPIV1 RNA was frequently isolated on desk tops (47%), and infrequently isolated on light switches (19%). Data revealed a statistically significant difference between the percentage of HPIV1 positive fomites in office cubicles and conference rooms (Chi-square P < 0.011, Fisher's Exact P = 0.054). A statistically significantdifference was also found among positive fomites in different buildings (Chi-square P < 0.011). HPIV1 was consistently isolated on various indoor fomites in the 12 office buildings assessed during 2004, a low HPIV incident year.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 41-46 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Food and Environmental Virology |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 2010 |
Keywords
- Fomites
- Offices
- Parainfluenza 1 virus
- RT-PCR
- Respiratory virus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Epidemiology
- Food Science
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
- Virology