Fomite Transmission

Significance of Fomites in the Spread of Respiratory and Enteric Viral Disease

This article discusses the role of fomites in the spread of infectious respiratory and enteric viral diseases including the viral viability on the surface of the fomite, the role of disinfectants and the interaction between people and fomites or between two fomites in the transmission of different viruses.

Transmission and risk factors of COVID-19

This article talks about how SARS-CoV-2 can survive on different fomite surfaces such as door handles, tables and handrails for one to several hours depending on the material of the fomite as well as exposure to the sun and other environmental factors.

SARS in Hospital Emergency Room

This study from 2004 discusses evidence collected from the SARS-CoV epidemic between 2002 and 2003 specifically examining the role of infected surfaces in hospitals. Researchers concluded that SARS-CoV could survive on plastic surfaces, stainless steel, glass slides, and paper files for one to two days.

Prolonged Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in Fomites

This research study shows the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 when it is spotted on different materials (polystyrene plastic, aluminum and glass) for 96 hours with and without bovine serum albumin. The researchers observed a steady infectivity on plastic, a decrease on glass, and a drop on aluminum. Additionally, the presence of proteins noticeably prolonged infectivity.

Transmission of Experimental Rhinovirus Infection By Contaminated Surfaces

This 1982 study shows the role of fomites in the transmissibility of an experimental rhinovirus and the role that spraying the fomite surfaces with a disinfectant has on the infection rate as a result of interactions with infected surfaces both sprayed and not sprayed with disinfectants.

Science Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Surface (Fomite) Transmission for Indoor Community Environments

Click here to read the CDC’s brief on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via fomites/surfaces.