Infectious SARS-CoV-2 is emitted in aerosols

Respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are transmitted in respiratory droplets and aerosols, which are released during talking, breathing, coughing, and sneezing. Non-contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated, suggesting transmission in aerosols. Here we demonstrate that golden Syrian...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inbioRxiv
Main Authors Hawks, Seth A, Prussin, Aaron J, Kuchinsky, Sarah C, Pan, Jin, Marr, Linsey C, Duggal, Nisha K
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Cold Spring Harbor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 10.08.2021
Subjects
Aerosols
Disease transmission
Inoculation
Rodents
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Virions
Viruses
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are transmitted in respiratory droplets and aerosols, which are released during talking, breathing, coughing, and sneezing. Non-contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated, suggesting transmission in aerosols. Here we demonstrate that golden Syrian hamsters emit infectious SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols, prior to and concurrent with the onset of mild clinical signs of disease. The emission rate is 25 infectious virions/hour on days 1 and 2 post-inoculation, with viral RNA levels 200-fold higher than infectious virus in aerosols. Female hamsters have delayed kinetics of viral shedding in aerosols compared to male hamsters. The majority of virus is contained within aerosols <8 microns in size. Thus, we provide direct evidence that, in hamsters, SARS-CoV-2 is an airborne virus. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.
DOI:10.1101/2021.08.10.455702