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SARS-CoV-2 and Public Transport in Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppina Caggiano

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesca Apollonio

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesco Triggiano

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Giusy Diella

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Pasquale Stefanizzi

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Marco Lopuzzo

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Marilena D’Ambrosio

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Nicola Bartolomeo

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Giovanna Barbuti

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Giovanni Trifone Sorrenti

    (Local Health Unit BT, Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy)

  • Pantaleo Magarelli

    (Local Health Unit BT, Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy)

  • Domenico Pio Sorrenti

    (Local Health Unit BT, Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Marcotrigiano

    (Local Health Unit BT, Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy)

  • Osvalda De Giglio

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Maria Teresa Montagna

    (Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

Although direct contact is considered the main mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, environmental factors play an important role. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on bus and train surfaces. From the buses, we took samples from the following areas: handrails used to enter or exit the bus, stop request buttons and handles next to the seats. From the trains, the sampled surfaces were handrails used to enter or exit the train, door open/close buttons, handles next to the seats, tables and toilet handles. SARS-CoV-2 was detected on 10.7% of the tested surfaces overall, 19.3% of bus surfaces and 2% of train surfaces ( p < 0.0001). On the buses, the most contaminated surfaces were the handles near the seats (12.8%), followed by door open/close buttons (12.5%) and handrails (10.5%). Of the five analyzed transport companies, bus companies were the most contaminated, in particular, companies C (40%) and B (23.3%). A greater number of positive samples were found among those taken at 10:00 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. (45% and 40%, respectively). The presence of the virus on many bus surfaces highlights how the sanitation systems on public transport currently in use are not sufficient to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppina Caggiano & Francesca Apollonio & Francesco Triggiano & Giusy Diella & Pasquale Stefanizzi & Marco Lopuzzo & Marilena D’Ambrosio & Nicola Bartolomeo & Giovanna Barbuti & Giovanni Trifone Sor, 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 and Public Transport in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-9, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11415-:d:668520
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maria Teresa Montagna & Osvalda De Giglio & Carla Calia & Chrysovalentinos Pousis & Francesca Apollonio & Carmen Campanale & Giusy Diella & Marco Lopuzzo & Angelo Marzella & Francesco Triggiano & Vinc, 2021. "First Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 on the Surfaces of Tourist-Recreational Facilities in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-6, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Davide Cardinale & Maria Tafuro & Andrea Mancusi & Santa Girardi & Federico Capuano & Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga & Federica Corrado & Jacopo Luigi D’Auria & Annachiara Coppola & Giuseppe Rofrano & P, 2022. "Sponge Whirl-Pak Sampling Method and Droplet Digital RT-PCR Assay for Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces in Public and Working Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-14, May.

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