Asadi S, Gaaloul Ben Hnia N, Barre RS, Wexler AS,. Influenza A virus is transmissible via aerosolized fomites. Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):4062.
Influenza viruses are presumed, but not conclusively known, to spread among humans by several possible routes. We provide evidence of a mode of transmission seldom considered for influenza: airborne virus transport on microscopic particles called "aerosolized fomites." In the guinea pig model of influenza virus transmission, we show that the airborne particulates produced by infected animals are mainly non-respiratory in origin. Surprisingly, we find that an uninfected, virus-immune guinea pig whose body is contaminated with influenza virus can transmit the virus through the air to a susceptible partner in a separate cage. We further demonstrate that aerosolized fomites can be generated from inanimate objects, such as by manually rubbing a paper tissue contaminated with influenza virus. Our data suggest that aerosolized fomites may contribute to influenza virus transmission in animal models of human influenza, if not among humans themselves, with important but understudied implications for public health.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- Evolution of H7N9 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the context of vaccination 7 hours ago
- Cost-effectiveness of high-dose influenza vaccination in the Netherlands: Incorporating the impact on both respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations 7 hours ago
- First human case of avian influenza A (H10N3) in Southwest China [preprint] 2 days ago
- Molecular characterization of the whole genome of H9N2 avian influenza virus isolated from Egyptian poultry farms 2 days ago
- Genetic drift and purifying selection shape within-host influenza A virus populations during natural swine infections 2 days ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]