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Review
. 2022 Feb;63(2):61-67.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020114. Epub 2020 Jul 30.

Transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and implications for infection control: a review

Sean Wei Xiang Ong  1   2 , Kristen K Coleman  3 , Po Ying Chia  1   2   4 , Koh Cheng Thoon  3   4   5   6 , Surinder Pada  7 , Indumathi Venkatachalam  8 , Dale Fisher  6   9 , Yian Kim Tan  10 , Boon Huan Tan  10 , Oon Tek Ng  1   2   4 , Brenda Sze Peng Ang  1   2   4   6 , Yee-Sin Leo  1   2   4   6 , Michelle Su Yen Wong  10 , Kalisvar Marimuthu  1   2   6
Affiliations
Review

Transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and implications for infection control: a review

Sean Wei Xiang Ong et al. Singapore Med J. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

The complete picture regarding transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unknown. This review summarises the available evidence on its transmission modes, our preliminary research findings and implications for infection control policy, and outlines future research directions. Environmental contamination has been reported in hospital settings occupied by infected patients, and is higher in the first week of illness. Transmission via environmental surfaces or fomites is likely, but decontamination protocols are effective in minimising this risk. The extent of airborne transmission is also unclear. While several studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid in air samples, none has isolated viable virus in culture. Transmission likely lies on a spectrum between droplet and airborne transmission, depending on the patient, disease and environmental factors. Singapore's current personal protective equipment and isolation protocols are sufficient to manage this risk.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; airborne; environment; infection control; transmission.

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