Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on frequently touched surfaces in selected areas in Accra, Ghana.

Objectives: This study aimed to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material on frequently touched surfaces in Accra and assess its potential infectivity. It evaluated whether detected viruses were viable, providing insights into the possible role of environmental surfaces in COVID-19 transmission.

Design: A cross-sectional study with a convenient sampling approach.

Setting: Conducted in clinical (two COVID-19 isolation centres and a testing laboratory) and non-clinical (two schools and two banks) settings in Accra, Ghana, from May to September 2022.

Intervention: Frequently touched surfaces were sampled at two points: morning (before disinfection) and afternoon (after work). Sterile oropharyngeal swabs moistened in Universal Transport Medium were used to swab surfaces like door handles, tables, handrails, taps, benches, washrooms, classrooms, and banking halls. RT-qPCR was used to detect viral RNA, and Vero E6 cells were used to attempt virus isolation from positive samples.

Results: SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected on 6.29% (37/588) of surfaces. Morning samples showed a positive rate of 4.08% (12/294), while afternoon samples showed a rate of 8.50% (25/294). Clinical settings had higher detection rates (7.5%) than non-clinical (3.41%), though not statistically significant (p = 0.060). The testing lab showed a significant difference between morning (2.08%) and afternoon (8.05%) detections. Positive samples were most commonly found on plastics (14/37) and metals (14/37).

Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified on frequently touched surfaces in selected areas of Accra, Ghana. This highlights the need for thorough hygiene and disinfection practices to prevent the spread of potential viruses.

Funding: Study was funded by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) through the NMIMR Office for Research Support Fund (Fund ID EC/P25421/03).