Article
Version 1
Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed
UV-C Light Intervention as a Barrier against Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Version 1
: Received: 28 November 2023 / Approved: 29 November 2023 / Online: 29 November 2023 (10:18:14 CET)
Version 2 : Received: 30 November 2023 / Approved: 4 December 2023 / Online: 5 December 2023 (06:12:26 CET)
Version 2 : Received: 30 November 2023 / Approved: 4 December 2023 / Online: 5 December 2023 (06:12:26 CET)
A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.
Ragan, I.; Perez, J.; Davenport, W.; Hartson, L.; Doyle, B. UV-C Light Intervention as a Barrier against Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2024, 16, 89. Ragan, I.; Perez, J.; Davenport, W.; Hartson, L.; Doyle, B. UV-C Light Intervention as a Barrier against Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2024, 16, 89.
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 continues to impact human health globally, with airborne transmission being a significant mode for transmission. In addition to tools like vaccination and testing, counter-measures that reduce viral spread in indoor settings are critical. This study aims to assess the efficacy of UV-C light, utilizing the Violett sterilization device, as a countermeasure against airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the highly susceptible Golden Syrian hamster model. Methods: Two cohorts of naïve hamsters were subjected to airborne transmission from experimentally infected hamsters; one cohort was exposed to air treated with UV-C sterilization, while the other cohort was exposed to un-treated air. Results: Treatment of air with UV-C light prevented the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from experimentally exposed hamster to naïve hamsters. Notably, this protection was sustained over a muti-day exposure period during peak viral shedding from hamsters. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the efficacy of the UV-C light to mitigate airborne SARS-CoV-2 trans-mission. As variants to continue to emerge, UV-C light holds promise as a tool to reduce infections in diverse indoor settings, ranging from healthcare facilities to households. This study reinforces the urgency of implementing innovative methods to reduce airborne disease transmission and safeguard public health against emerging biological threats.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2; transmission; respiratory; viruses; healthcare; sterilization; air; hamster model; UV-C light; inactivation
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Virology
Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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