Human Coronavirus 229E Remains Infectious on Common Touch Surface Materials

Warnes, Sarah L.; Little, Zoë R.; Keevil, C. William

There is now a large body of evidence from laboratory studies and small clinical trials to suggest that incorporation of copper surfaces could play a significant role in reducing infection transmission from contaminated surfaces. The time is nigh to investigate this further on a larger scale, but fears of the installation costs appear to be hampering the progress. Given the huge costs, human and monetary, associated with the treatment and care of patients with hospital-acquired infections, preliminary studies have suggested that the initial costs could be recouped within a few months (52) . New technologies in copper coatings are being developed which may allow large-scale community areas, such as transport facilities, to be rendered antimicrobial at reduced costs. A note of caution: for these to be effective, there must be actual contact between copper and the contaminating pathogenic microorganisms, because any interference from matrix components could result in false economy.