Transmission of Viral Pathogens in a Social Network of University Students: The eX-FLU Study

Citation

Zivich, Paul N.; Eisenberg, Marisa C.; Monto, Arnold S.; Uzicanin, Amra; Baric, Ralph S.; Sheahan, T. P.; Rainey, Jeanette J.; Gao, H.; & Aiello, Allison E. (2020). Transmission of Viral Pathogens in a Social Network of University Students: The eX-FLU Study. Epidemiology & Infection, 148, e267. PMCID: PMC7689784

Abstract

Previous research on respiratory infection transmission among university students has primarily focused on influenza. In this study, we explore potential transmission events for multiple respiratory pathogens in a social contact network of university students. University students residing in on-campus housing (n=590) were followed for the development of influenza-like illness for 10-weeks during the 2012-13 influenza season. A contact network was built using weekly self-reported contacts, class schedules, and housing information. We considered a transmission event to have occurred if students were positive for the same pathogen and had a network connection within a 14-day period. Transmitters were individuals who had onset date prior to their infected social contact. Throat and nasal samples were analyzed for multiple viruses by RT-PCR. Five viruses were involved in 18 transmission events (influenza A, parainfluenza virus 3, rhinovirus, coronavirus NL63, respiratory syncytial virus). Transmitters had higher numbers of co-infections (67%). Identified transmission events had contacts reported in small classes (33%), dormitory common areas (22%), and dormitory rooms (17%). These results suggest that targeting person-to-person interactions, through measures such as isolation and quarantine, could reduce transmission of respiratory infections on campus.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0950268820001806

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2020

Journal Title

Epidemiology & Infection

Author(s)

Zivich, Paul N.
Eisenberg, Marisa C.
Monto, Arnold S.
Uzicanin, Amra
Baric, Ralph S.
Sheahan, T. P.
Rainey, Jeanette J.
Gao, H.
Aiello, Allison E.

Article Type

Regular

PMCID

PMC7689784

Data Set/Study

eX-FLU Cluster Randomised Trial

Continent/Country

United States of America

State

Michigan

ORCiD

Aiello - 0000-0001-7029-2537
Zivich - 0000-0002-9932-1095