Summary
It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24h - 48h), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols produced. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air, including a VOC-independent particle-profile shift towards smaller droplets. Transmission efficiency varied among donors, including a superspreading event. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe. This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Footnotes
Competing Interest Statement: No competing interests to disclose.
Updated manuscript
