Survival of herpes simplex virus type 1 in saliva and tap water contaminating some common objects.
Survival at room temperature (21-24 degrees C) of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in saliva on plastic doorknobs and chrome-plated tap handles was investigated. There was no loss of infectious virus before 30 min. Between 30 and 60 min there was a 2-log drop in titre, and infectious virus could still be recovered after 2 h, the longest period tested. The marked drop in titre coincided with drying of the saliva. There was no decline in titre of infectious HSV-1 in a humid atmosphere in which the saliva remained liquid. Similar results were seen with HSV-1 in tap water on tap handles.
Bardell
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Department of Biology, Kean College of New Jersey, Union 07083.
D000328:Adult; D006794:Household Articles; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology*; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000502:physiology*; D014871:Water Microbiology