Targeted Hygiene reduces surface transmission and infection risk for respiratory viruses

BACKGROUND: In public spaces, the importance of surface contamination in the transmission of respiratory viruses has been debated. This study aimed to compare the spread of a surrogate virus in a hotel lobby before and after a Targeted Hygiene intervention, and to quantify the reduction in risk of infection from respiratory diseases. METHODS: In a working hotel lobby, 13 fomites were seeded with a bacteriophage (Phi-X174) tracer at 8 am; 4 hours later 25 surfaces were swabbed to determine baseline tracer distribution and contamination levels. This was then repeated with the addition of a pre-determined Targeted Hygiene intervention performed 2 hours after seeding. Four replicate baseline and intervention trials were conducted, and data were compared for statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences. Risk of infection was estimated via Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment modelling. RESULTS: Following the Targeted Hygiene intervention there was a significant reduction in the spread of the tracer (contamination of 13% of sampled surfaces vs. 50% at baseline). Tracer concentrations (PFU/site) were significantly lower overall (9.1E+02 PFU vs. 5.8E+04 PFU, p < 0.0001), including surfaces that had not been disinfected. Our model estimates that the risk of infection from common respiratory viruses via surface transmission was reduced by 97%. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive spread of surface contamination can occur in a hotel lobby in as little as 4 hours. This study demonstrates how a Targeted Hygiene intervention can significantly disrupt the journey of the germ, even on surfaces not cleaned and disinfected, resulting in a consequent reduction of infection risk via surface transmission of common respiratory infections. This demonstrates the value of carrying out effective hygiene interventions to those managing commercial spaces. KEY MESSAGES: • Targeted Hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens via surface transmission, providing a means for facilities managers to achieve high standards using a targeted approach. • The Targeted Hygiene approach can significantly reduce the risk of infection from common respiratory viruses via surface transmission in public spaces.