Detecting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Bacteria on Highly Common Contaminated Surfaces at Urban Hospital and Public Areas

Abstract The persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) on surfaces in public areas increases a risk of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. Alcohol products have been widely used to eliminate virus contaminants. Long-term microbial exposure to alcohol during pandemic may lead to an alcoholic tolerance emerging. We aimed to detect SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria on highly contaminated surfaces at hospital and public areas in Pathum Thani province during the late of 2021, and to evaluate alcohol susceptibility of sampled bacterial isolates. Fifty pooled swab samples were collected from environmental surfaces. Each sample was divided into two parts to test for SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, respectively. Molecular assay was used to detect SARS-CoV-2, while bacterial detection was done by traditional culture method. SARS-CoV-2 was detected at 8% (4/50) from hospital restroom doorknobs and faucets, as well as on ATM keypads at the center market. Conversely, 96% (48/50) of bacterial contaminants were detected. Of these, only 25 isolates of medically important bacteria were identified and classified into three groups including Staphylococcus, Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria. All isolates were then performed an alcohol susceptibility test with three different alcohol formulas (70% ethanol, 80% ethanol and 75% isopropanol), Results were compared with standard strains (ATCC) and isolated bacteria obtained from before the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolated bacteria from this study were significantly less susceptible to all types of alcohol tested, and Staphylococcus was the most resistant to destruction. Thus, an effective infection control measure in a high-risk area should be considered and regularly practiced. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Bacteria, Highly contaminated surfaces, Alcohol susceptibility test