Stability of Viral Pathogens in the Laboratory Environment

Abstract

Knowledge of the stability of pathogens in the environment is part of a comprehensive biological risk assessment. The inherent nature of laboratory equipment and laboratory procedures to create aerosolized droplets of infectious agents, with subsequent deposition of these particles, provides opportunities to contaminate fomites such as laboratory equipment and personal items. Vivaria create an increased level of virus amplification and fomite contamination as the dried waste of virus-infected research animals can become aerosolized, or transmitted through direct contact. This paper provides a review of studies in which several species of virus have been allowed to dry on porous, or nonporous substrates, and analyzed at timed intervals to determine the ranges over which these viruses remain stable at room temperature as measured by their viability to infect cell cultures or research animals. The research shows that some viruses retain viability for up to a month or longer in the laboratory environment. This review will aid investigators and biosafety professionals in both risk assessment as well as decontamination efforts.