Background and Objective:
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through direct contact (person to person) and indirect contact by means of objects and surfaces contaminated by secretions from individuals with COVID-19 or asymptomatic carriers. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces made of different materials located in university environments frequented by students and staff involved in academy activity during the post pandemic era.

Methods:
A total of 679 surfaces samples were collected from classrooms, computer room, desks, common areas from May to November 2022 between 1.00 and 2.00 p.m. Standard sanitation of all university areas was carried out at the end of all work activities. Swab samples were subjected to Real-Time Reverse Transcription to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by amplification of ORF-1ab gene (nsp 14). Cell cultures were set up for the isolation of SARS-CoV-2 and to demonstrate virus viability.

Results:
Overall, 41 (6.09%) swabs resulted positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with a median Ct value of 38.12 [IQR: 36.4–39.48]. All examined samples resulted negative after viral culture, since no cytopathic effect was observed. The number of positive samples was directly proportional to average number of COVID-19 cases/week (Poisson regression Intercept β =1.217; β= 0.000227; p