Sunlight Exposure on Sars-Cov-2 Samples; Descriptive Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of sunlight exposure and PCR positivity of SARS-COV-2 samples. METHODOLOGY: This Quasi-Experimental Study was carried out at PAQSJIMS – Gambat, District Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. This experiment was conducted during the summer season from April-September 2020 with consecutive sampling techniques. The average temperature of the study during the given period was 41°C. Sample Size was 8 PCR positive Covid-19 Patients (Each sample divided into 12 portions) (6 controls and 6 test samples) and re-tested by PCR. Six control samples were kept in a laboratory environment. In contrast, six were kept in sunlight (each for a differing duration, i.e., 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes), and the temperature and humidity levels were recorded. The experiment samples underwent a PCR test (along with its time-matched control), and SARS-COV-2 positivity was recorded. Following the experiment, the samples were discarded as per safety regulations. Both male and female covid-19 patients (PCR positive) aged 18 years and above were included, Patients enrolled in treatment trials were excluded. RESULTS: Among the eight samples (each tested in six different batches after exposure to sunlight for varying amounts of time), most, i.e., 45 (93.75%), tested positive for SARS-COV-2. However, there may be a relationship between the length of exposure to sunlight and PCR positivity of the samples since all three samples that tested negative were exposed to sunlight for more at least 30 minutes, all controls (placed in the laboratory and not exposed to sunlight, tested positive). CONCLUSION: There is no significant association between sunlight exposure and PCR positivity of SARS-COV-2 samples.