Infectivity of influenza virus in expiratory aerosol (IVEA)
Seasonal influenza is a recurring respiratory illness that affects all regions of the globe and causes a large toll on public health and the economy. To alleviate this burden, transmission of influenza virus should be prevented or at least reduced. Increasing evidence points to expiratory aerosol particles, i.e., small droplets produced by breathing, talking or coughing, as vehicles for the transmission of influenza virus. By creating ambient conditions that inactivate aerosolized viruses, it should therefore be possible to limit influenza transmission. It is known that virus persistence in aerosols is influenced by temperature and relative humidity, as well as by the composition of the aerosol particle. However, the conditions and processes that promote inactivation are not understood. The major goal of the IVEA project is to understand under which conditions of temperature and relative humidity viruses in aerosol particles become inactivated, and how – at a molecular level – this inactivation occurs. To achieve this goal, we are closely collaborating with virologists and atmospheric scientists. Ultimately, we hope to issue recommendations for high risk environments (hospitals, nurseries, elderly care homes) to reduce influenza outbreaks.
Collaborators:
Ulrich Krieger and Thomas Peter (ETHZ)
Athanasios Nenes (EPFL)
Silke Stertz (UZH)
Walter Hugentobler, General Physician
Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation (Sinergia)