Study uncovers 54 distinct viruses lurking in DUST from buildings

"Researchers from Ohio State University collected dust samples from several buildings, including schools, university residence halls, and office buildings. Using state-of-the-art tools, they analysed the samples for viruses. And worryingly, the results revealed 54 distinct bugs across the 27 dust samples. This includes SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19), influenza, norovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus."

"'It's really important that we understand broadly how to track disease in our community,' said Karen Dannemiller, senior author of the study. 'Similar to wastewater monitoring, which tracks disease clusters on a large-scale level, we've created an intermediate tool that has those same benefits for a smaller population.'"

"'Building dust accumulates biological material shed by occupants, integrating signatures from the air, surfaces, and human activity over time,' the researchers explained in their study, published in Building and Environment. 'Bulk dust can serve as a stable reservoir of microbial and viral nucleic acids and can be used for high-resolution environmental monitoring.'"

"Previous studies have shown how viruses can survive on surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. However, until now, how long they linger in the dust has remained a mystery. To get to the bottom of it, the team took 27 dust samples from buildings in Ohio. This included four from a daycare, one from a pre-school, two from an elementary school, two from a recreational centre, one from university residence halls, one from a university library, and six from office buildings."

Dust samples from schools, residence halls, libraries, recreational centers, and office buildings were collected and analyzed for viruses. Fifty-four distinct viruses were detected across twenty-seven dust samples. Detected viruses included SARS-CoV-2, influenza, norovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Building dust accumulates biological material shed by occupants and integrates signatures from air, surfaces, and human activity over time. Bulk dust can act as a stable reservoir of microbial and viral nucleic acids and can support high-resolution environmental monitoring. The work presents an intermediate monitoring approach that offers benefits similar to wastewater monitoring but for smaller populations, using PCR and sequencing methods to identify viral signatures.

Read at Mail Online