Key result
ddPCR detects enteroviruses on daycare surfaces at a ~95% higher rate than RT-PCR.
Why the study?
Enteroviruses persist on surfaces and are transmitted via contact, making environmental hygiene critical in communal environments such as daycare centers.
Does ddPCR improve the detection of Enteroviruses on environmental surfaces in daycare centers compared to real-time RT-PCR?
Observational (n=300)
Yes
Does ddPCR improve the detection of Enteroviruses on environmental surfaces in daycare centers compared to real-time RT-PCR?
ddPCR provides a more sensitive method for detecting low-level Enterovirus persistence on environmental surfaces in daycare centers compared to standard real-time RT-PCR.
ddPCR may enhance enterovirus surveillance in daycare centers; leaves open whether it improves infection control outcomes.
Enteroviruses (EVs) are major pathogens transmitted via direct and indirect contact, with children being particularly susceptible. As EVs persist on surfaces, environmental hygiene is critical in communal environments. We investigated EVs presence on environmental surfaces in daycare centers from April to July 2024. Environmental samples (300) were collected from floors, toys, and desks. Viral RNA was extracted and analyzed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and ddPCR to detect pan-Enterovirus (pan-EVs) and Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). EVs were detected in 45.3% of the samples. The detection rate refers to the combined results, including both ddPCR and real-time PCR. Specifically, pan-EVs were found in 88 samples (1.12–505 copies/20 μL) and EV-D68 in 104 samples (1.12–309 copies/20 μL). Floors (31%) were the most contaminated surfaces. Monthly analysis showed a gradual decrease in detection rates from 88.6% in April to 18.5% in July, appearing to align with the implementation of enhanced hygiene measures. However, this trend may also reflect multifaceted factors, including natural viral reduction, exclusion of symptomatic children, and increased hygiene awareness. Notably ddPCR (83.0%) exhibited nearly twice the detection rate of real-time RT-PCR (42.5%), identifying low-level viral persistence. These findings suggest that environmental surfaces serve as reservoirs for transmission, and integrating sensitive detection like ddPCR with proactive hygiene management may help mitigate EVs spread.
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Kim et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Enterovirus contamination (n=300). Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) vs. real-time RT-PCR was evaluated on Enterovirus detection rate. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) exhibited nearly twice the detection rate of real-time RT-PCR (83.0% vs 42.5%) for identifying enteroviruses on environmental surfaces in daycare centers.
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