Vishagan Karthikeyan
Research Mentor(s): Ke Zhang
Mentor Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
Authors: Vishagan Karthikeyan, Ke Zhang
Session: Session 7 (4:00pm – 4: 50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 28
Abstract
Understanding the persistence of viral RNA on indoor surfaces is essential for assessing the transmission risks of respiratory viruses such as influenza A. Indoor surfaces can act as reservoirs for viral RNA, potentially influencing infection spread in shared spaces. This study examines how storage conditions affect the stability of viral RNA on glass surfaces using Reverse Transcription-Droplet Digital PCR (RT-ddPCR), RNA assays, and cell culture methods. The research specifically investigates the impact of freeze-thaw cycles by comparing RNA stored in aqueous solutions to RNA stored on glass. The findings indicate that freeze-thaw cycles result in significant degradation of viral RNA in solution, whereas RNA stored on glass surfaces remains stable. These results suggest that viral RNA may persist longer on surfaces than in liquid environments, highlighting the potential for surface sampling as a monitoring tool for respiratory viruses. By integrating multiple detection techniques, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how environmental factors influence virus persistence and transmission in indoor spaces. These insights may enhance public health efforts by informing strategies for tracking and mitigating the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses in indoor environments.
