Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster.
Elife
; 122024 Feb 28.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38416804
ABSTRACT
It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 hr), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10 µm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transmission efficiency varied mostly among donors, 0-100% (including a superspreading event), and aerosol transmission over multiple chain links was representative of natural heterogeneity of exposure dose and downstream viral kinetics. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe (24-48 hr). This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Elife
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos