Improving biosafety measures in high containment laboratories and patient care: a systematic 2 analysis of Orthoebolavirus and Henipavirus stability

Denise-Carina KranzJoo-Hee WälzleinKatharina KimmerlAndreas KurthSusann Kummer^*

• Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany

Emerging and re-emerging high-risk pathogens demand strong biosafety protocols for both 20 patient care and laboratory practices. This study aimed to produce experimental data to 21 support evidence-based guidelines for improving safety measures related to Orthoebolavirus 22 and Henipavirus. Viruses in solution were applied to materials commonly found in hospital and 23 lab settings—stainless steel, glass, plastics, cotton, nitrile and rubber gloves, and protective 24 suits. Stability and infectivity were monitored over time under two conditions: (1) a typical 25 indoor lab/hospital environment and (2) warmer, humid conditions resembling a European 26 summer. While laboratory and clinical environments are typically climate-controlled, inclusion 27 of the higher temperature and humidity condition provides comparative data relevant for 28 situations where environmental controls may be less consistent, such as in public or outdoor 29 settings. Results show that virus stability depends on both the suspension medium and the 30 surface texture. Personal protective materials generally retained the virus for shorter durations. 31 No viable virus was found after 112 days, with most becoming undetectable by day 28. Routine 32 chemical disinfection protocols remain the primary biosafety measures, and our These findings 33 offer key insights for refining disinfection strategies and enhancing biosafety in high-34 containment settings and clinical care environments.