Adenoviruses are a common group of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses, from mild respiratory infections to more severe conditions. Understanding how long these viruses can remain active on surfaces is important for limiting their spread. The persistence of adenovirus in the environment plays a role in transmission, making surface decontamination a relevant consideration for public health.
Adenovirus Basics
Adenoviruses are a diverse group of common viruses causing symptoms similar to the common cold, such as cough, fever, and sore throat. They can also lead to pink eye (conjunctivitis), bronchitis, and gastroenteritis. These viruses typically spread through respiratory droplets, direct person-to-person contact, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Unlike some other viruses, adenoviruses are notably stable and resistant to various environmental conditions, allowing them to persist outside a host.
Factors Influencing Survival
Several environmental conditions affect how long adenoviruses remain infectious on surfaces. Cooler temperatures generally allow the virus to survive longer. For example, some adenovirus types can remain stable for several weeks at room temperature and for several months when stored at 4 degrees Celsius. Adenovirus type 2 has been observed to survive for up to eight weeks at room temperature.
Humidity also influences viral persistence; non-enveloped adenoviruses tend to be more stable and persist longer at higher humidity levels. The type of surface is another factor; adenoviruses often survive longer on non-porous materials like plastic, metal, and glass compared to porous surfaces such as fabrics or paper. However, some studies note exceptions where adenoviruses showed higher persistence on certain porous materials.
The presence of organic matter, such as mucus, saliva, or fecal material, can protect the virus. These materials shield the virus from environmental degradation, extending its survival time on surfaces. This means contaminated surfaces may harbor infectious virus particles for longer durations.
Typical Survival Times
Adenoviruses exhibit notable hardiness, allowing them to remain infectious on dry surfaces for extended periods, ranging from 7 days to 3 months. Some research indicates that they can linger on surfaces for up to 30 days. This prolonged viability contributes to their potential for transmission through environmental contact.
On non-porous surfaces like plastic and metal, some subtypes survive up to 49 days. Adenovirus type 2 can survive up to eight weeks at room temperature, and Adenovirus type 19 has been recovered from plastic surfaces for up to 35 days.
On glass and laminate surfaces, adenoviruses typically persist from several hours to multiple days. On porous surfaces like fabrics and upholstery, the virus generally survives for hours to about a day. However, Adenovirus type 19 has been recovered from cloth and paper for up to 10 days and 8 days, respectively. These ranges underscore the importance of consistent cleaning practices across various surface types.
Strategies for Surface Decontamination
To effectively reduce the presence of adenovirus on surfaces, frequent cleaning and disinfection are recommended. Particular attention should be given to high-touch surfaces, including doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and phones, which are commonly contacted throughout the day. This routine cleaning helps to break the chain of transmission from contaminated objects.
When selecting disinfectants, it is important to choose products that are EPA-approved and specifically effective against “non-enveloped viruses” or directly against “adenovirus.” Household bleach solutions (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) are effective for inactivating adenoviruses. Some sources suggest a bleach solution with 10 to 25 tablespoons per gallon of water, providing 2,000–5,000 ppm chlorine.
Alcohol solutions containing at least 70% ethyl alcohol can also be used. However, 70% isopropyl alcohol may not be as effective against adenovirus. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are generally less effective against adenoviruses compared to thorough handwashing with soap and water.
Proper cleaning involves first removing visible dirt or organic matter, as this improves the disinfectant’s performance. Disinfectants require a specific contact time; for instance, bleach solutions may need to remain on surfaces for at least one minute, while some other disinfectants require up to fifteen minutes. Complementary to surface cleaning, practicing good hand hygiene, by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, is also a highly effective measure to reduce virus transmission.