A REVIEW OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is considered the critical health pandemic of 21st century. Due to their extremely high rate of transmission people are more susceptible to viral infection. The airborne transmission considered to be the dominant over other route of transmissions. Viral RNA affiliated with droplets smaller than 5 micro meters has been detected in air and the virus has been shown to preserve infectivity in droplets of this size. Mechanism: The modes of transmissions of virus is through direct contact and through inhaling aerosols. Transmission of SARS-CoV2 could be directed not only by temperature and humidity but also by water and sewage, among other perspective factors. Airborne or aerosol transmission occurs by the direct spray of large droplets onto conjunctiva or mucous membranes. The optimum temperature and humidity for the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro were 4 degree Celsius and 20-80% resp. 1-10 um aerosol particles are sufficiently large to carry a viable viral particle load. Under optimal conditions of humidity & temperature, the aerosol droplets of all sizes can travel up to 7-8 m. As the size of aerosol decrease, their ability to disperse in air increase. Discussion: . The effect of transmission or spreadness of this virus is in a very sudden manner. The review of few studies shows that the behavior or mode of action of SARS-CoV-2 virus has been remarkable or unique with more survival rate and viable rates in the air and believed to remain in the air for extended period. This study is exploratory in nature and aims to carry out the nature of transmission of virus as a airborne transmission and their relationship with the environment.