SARS-CoV-2 en superficies inanimadas

Microorganisms can survive on inanimate surfaces for a long period (1). SARS-CoV-2 is the third coronavirus described in the last 20 years with the ability to infect humans, this virus is easily transmitted from person to person (2). Contamination via inanimate surfaces has not yet been well studied for indirect transmission of COVID-19, but it has been shown that influenza virus and SARS-CoV can be transmitted to the environment and pass from surfaces to the hands of patients and health personnel, through the hands can give the autoinoculation of membranes of the nose, eyes, and mouth (3).
Influenza viruses, MERS, and SARS are released into the environment in concentrations above the infectious dose and can survive for several days on surfaces, mathematical and animal models suggest that transmission by contact is one of the most important routes (3 ). Coronaviruses such as SARS, MERS, or endemic coronaviruses (HCoV) can resist on surfaces such as metal, glass, and plastic for up to 9 days, at temperatures above 30ºC they survive for less time (4). Some factors contribute to the survival of coronaviruses on surfaces such as variation of the strain, type of surface, suspension medium, temperature, and relative humidity (3). It has been reported that the frequency with which the students touch the face is 23 times per hour, and there is generally contact with the skin, mouth, nose, and eyes, this can lead to autoinoculation, which is why Hand washing is important to prevent virus colonization and transmission (5). These viruses have also been shown to be effectively inactivated by disinfecting surfaces with 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, other disinfectants such as benzalkonium chloride or glutamate. of chlorhexidine are less effective since there is no specific treatment to treat COVID-19, early containment is vital to prevent the spread of the ongoing outbreak (4).
To guarantee the control and prevention of COVID-19 infection, effective cleaning of the surfaces must be carried out, using commonly used disinfectants such as bleach, as well as proper handwashing to avoid autoinoculation.