Body fluids may contribute to human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: evidence and practical experience

Abstract

Background: In December 2019, an unbelievable outbreak of pneumonia associated with coronavirus was reported in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province. This virus was called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although much effort has been spent on clarifying the transmission route of SARS-CoV-2, but, very little evidence is available regarding the relationship between human body fluids and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Considerable evidence from hospital in Wuhan indicates that strict rules to avoid occupational exposure to patients' body fluids in healthcare settings, particularly among every medical staff, limited person-to-person transmission of nosocomial infections by direct or indirect contact.

Conclusion: We tried to provide important information for understanding the possible transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 via body fluids including bronchoalveolar-lavage, saliva, blood, urine, feces, sputum, tears, and semen in order to control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurrences.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Prevention; SARS-CoV-2; Transmission.

Fig. 1

Practices and experiences to prevent nosocomial infections in the designated hospitals of Wuhan because of the presence of patients infected with COVID-19. a Medical staff wearing and taking off disposable medical protective clothing according to the strict procedures; b all medical staff is in full compliance with the strict rules to prevent nosocomial infections during work; c medical staff entering contaminated zone according to the strict procedures; d wear latex gloves when touching the patient; e disinfect the gloves before and after touching the patients; f wash your hands before and after meals and defecation; g purify and disinfect the air in the offices and wards; h disinfect the wards after patients leaving