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Environmental air sampling for detection and quantification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical settings: Proof of concept. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2022; 44:774-779. [DOI: 10.1017/ice.2022.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective:
Novel approaches are needed to understand and disrupt Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated the use of environmental air samplings to detect and quantify M. tuberculosis in different clinic settings in a high-burden area.
Design:
Cross-sectional, environmental sampling.
Setting:
Primary-care clinic.
Methods:
A portable, high-flow dry filter unit (DFU) was used to draw air through polyester felt filters for 2 hours. Samples were collected in the waiting area and TB room of a primary care clinic. Controls included sterile filters placed directly into collection tubes at the DFU sampling site, and filter samplings performed outdoors. DNA was extracted from the filters, and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) was used to quantify M. tuberculosis DNA copies. Carbon dioxide (CO2) data loggers captured CO2 concentrations in the sampled areas.
Results:
The median sampling time was 123 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 121–126). A median of 121 (IQR, 35–243) M. tuberculosis DNA copies were obtained from 74 clinic samplings, compared to a median of 3 (IQR, 1–33; P < .001) obtained from 47 controls. At a threshold of 320 DNA copies, specificity was 100%, and 18% of clinic samples would be classified as positive.
Conclusions:
This proof-of-concept study suggests that the potential for airborne M. tuberculosis detection based on M. tuberculosis DNA copy yield to enable the identification of high-risk transmission locations. Further optimization of the M. tuberculosis extraction technique and ddPCR data analysis would improve detection and enable robust interpretation of these data.
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2
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Fan Y, Chen J, Liu M, Xu X, Zhang Y, Yue P, Cao W, Ji Z, Su X, Wen S, Kong J, Zhou G, Li B, Dong Y, Liu A, Bao F. Application of Droplet Digital PCR to Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae Infections: A Narrative Review. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:1067-1076. [PMID: 35313727 PMCID: PMC8934166 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s349607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, which has seriously endangered human health for many years. With the emergence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant MTB, the prevention and treatment of TB has become a pressing need. Early diagnosis, drug resistance monitoring, and control of disease transmission are critical aspects in the prevention and treatment of TB. However, the currently available diagnostic technologies and drug sensitivity tests are time consuming, and thus, it is difficult to achieve the goal of early diagnosis and detection drug sensitivity, which results in limited control of disease transmission. The development of molecular testing technology has gradually achieved the vision of rapid and accurate diagnosis of TB. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is an excellent nucleic acid quantification method with high sensitivity and no need for a calibration curve. Herein, we review the application of ddPCR in TB diagnosis and drug resistance detection and transmission monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Fan
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meixiao Liu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Xu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Yue
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Cao
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenhua Ji
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuan Su
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiyuan Wen
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Kong
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guozhong Zhou
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingxue Li
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Dong
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aihua Liu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Aihua Liu; Fukai Bao, The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China, Email ;
| | - Fukai Bao
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650030, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Bunyasi EW, Middelkoop K, Koch A, Hoosen Z, Mulenga H, Luabeya AKK, Shenje J, Mendelsohn SC, Tameris M, Scriba TJ, Warner DF, Wood R, Andrews JR, Hatherill M. Molecular Detection of Airborne Mycobacterium tuberculosis in South African High Schools. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 205:350-356. [PMID: 34752730 PMCID: PMC8886998 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202102-0405oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: South African adolescents carry a high tuberculosis disease burden. It is not known if schools are high-risk settings for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) transmission. Objectives: To detect airborne MTB genomic DNA in classrooms. Methods: We studied 72 classrooms occupied by 2,262 students in two South African schools. High-volume air filtration was performed for median 40 (interquartile range [IQR], 35-54) minutes and assayed by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)-targeting MTB region of difference 9 (RD9), with concurrent CO2 concentration measurement. Classroom data were benchmarked against public health clinics. Students who consented to individual tuberculosis screening completed a questionnaire and sputum collection (Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra) if symptom positive. Poisson statistics were used for MTB RD9 copy quantification. Measurements and Main Results: ddPCR assays were positive in 13/72 (18.1%) classrooms and 4/39 (10.3%) clinic measurements (P = 0.276). Median ambient CO2 concentration was 886 (IQR, 747-1223) ppm in classrooms versus 490 (IQR, 405-587) ppm in clinics (P < 0.001). Average airborne concentration of MTB RD9 was 3.61 copies per 180,000 liters in classrooms versus 1.74 copies per 180,000 liters in clinics (P = 0.280). Across all classrooms, the average risk of an occupant inhaling one MTB RD9 copy was estimated as 0.71% during one standard lesson of 35 minutes. Among 1,836/2,262 (81.2%) students who consented to screening, 21/90 (23.3%) symptomatic students produced a sputum sample, of which one was Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra positive. Conclusions: Airborne MTB genomic DNA was detected frequently in high school classrooms. Instantaneous risk of classroom exposure was similar to the risk in public health clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick W. Bunyasi
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine,,Department of Pathology
| | | | - Anastasia Koch
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, and
| | | | - Humphrey Mulenga
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine,,Department of Pathology
| | - Angelique K. K. Luabeya
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine,,Department of Pathology
| | - Justin Shenje
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine,,Department of Pathology
| | - Simon C. Mendelsohn
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine,,Department of Pathology
| | - Michele Tameris
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine,,Department of Pathology
| | - Thomas J. Scriba
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine,,Department of Pathology
| | - Digby F. Warner
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, and,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; and
| | | | - Jason R. Andrews
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Mark Hatherill
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine,,Department of Pathology
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Balasubramanian V, Vivekanandhan S, Mahadevan V. Pandemic tele-smart: a contactless tele-health system for efficient monitoring of remotely located COVID-19 quarantine wards in India using near-field communication and natural language processing system. Med Biol Eng Comput 2021; 60:61-79. [PMID: 34705163 PMCID: PMC8548353 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-021-02456-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Efficient remote monitoring of the patient infected with coronavirus without spread to healthcare workers is the need of the hour. An effectual and faster communication system must be established wherein the healthcare workers at the remote quarantine ward can communicate with healthcare professionals present in specialty hospitals. Incidentally, there is a need to establish a contactless smart cloud-based connection between a specialty hospital and quarantine wards during pandemic situation. This paper proposes an initial contactless web-based tele-health clinical decision support system that integrates near-field communication (NFC) tags and a smart cloud-based structuring tool that enables the quick diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 symptoms and monitors the remotely located quarantine wards during the recent pandemic. The proposed framework consists of three-stages: (i) contactless health parameter extraction from the patient using an NFC tag; (ii) converting medical report into digital text using optical character recognition algorithm and extracting values of relevant medical-parameters using natural language processing; and (iii) smart visualization of key medical parameters. The accuracy of the proposed system from NFC reader until analysis using a novel structuring algorithm deployed in the cloud is more than 94%. Several capabilities of the proposed web-based system were compared with similar systems and tested in an authentic mock clinical setup, and the physicians found that the system is reliable and user friendly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Balasubramanian
- Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, 602105, India
| | - Sapthagirivasan Vivekanandhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, 602105, India. .,Medical Devices and Healthcare Technologies Department, Engineering R&D Division, IT Service Company, Bengaluru, 560066, India.
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5
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Matuka DO, Duba T, Ngcobo Z, Made F, Muleba L, Nthoke T, Singh TS. Occupational Risk of Airborne Mycobacterium tuberculosis Exposure: A Situational Analysis in a Three-Tier Public Healthcare System in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910130. [PMID: 34639431 PMCID: PMC8508202 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to detect airborne Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) at nine public health facilities in three provinces of South Africa and determine possible risk factors that may contribute to airborne transmission. Personal samples (n = 264) and stationary samples (n = 327) were collected from perceived high-risk areas in district, primary health clinics (PHCs) and TB facilities. Quantitative real-time (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for TB analysis. Walkabout observations and work practices through the infection prevention and control (IPC) questionnaire were documented. Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata version 15.2 software. Airborne MTB was detected in 2.2% of samples (13/572), and 97.8% were negative. District hospitals and Western Cape province had the most TB-positive samples and identified risk areas included medical wards, casualty, and TB wards. MTB-positive samples were not detected in PHCs and during the summer season. All facilities reported training healthcare workers (HCWs) on TB IPC. The risk factors for airborne MTB included province, type of facility, area or section, season, lack of UVGI, and ineffective ventilation. Environmental monitoring, PCR, IPC questionnaire, and walkabout observations can estimate the risk of TB transmission in various settings. These findings can be used to inform management and staff to improve the TB IPC programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dikeledi O. Matuka
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (D.O.M.); (T.D.); (Z.N.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Thabang Duba
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (D.O.M.); (T.D.); (Z.N.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Zethembiso Ngcobo
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (D.O.M.); (T.D.); (Z.N.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Felix Made
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (D.O.M.); (T.D.); (Z.N.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Lufuno Muleba
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (D.O.M.); (T.D.); (Z.N.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Tebogo Nthoke
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (D.O.M.); (T.D.); (Z.N.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Tanusha S. Singh
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (D.O.M.); (T.D.); (Z.N.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (T.N.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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6
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Zwama G, Diaconu K, Voce AS, O'May F, Grant AD, Kielmann K. Health system influences on the implementation of tuberculosis infection prevention and control at health facilities in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004735. [PMID: 33975887 PMCID: PMC8118012 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis infection prevention and control (TB-IPC) measures are consistently reported to be poorly implemented globally. TB-IPC guidelines provide limited recognition of the complexities of implementing TB-IPC within routine health systems, particularly those facing substantive resource constraints. This scoping review maps documented system influences on TB-IPC implementation in health facilities of low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We conducted a systematic search of empirical research published before July 2018 and included studies reporting TB-IPC implementation at health facility level in LMICs. Bibliometric data and narratives describing health system influences on TB-IPC implementation were extracted following established methodological frameworks for conducting scoping reviews. A best-fit framework synthesis was applied in which extracted data were deductively coded against an existing health policy and systems research framework, distinguishing between social and political context, policy decisions, and system hardware (eg, information systems, human resources, service infrastructure) and software (ideas and interests, relationships and power, values and norms). Results Of 1156 unique search results, we retained 77 studies; two-thirds were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than half located in South Africa. Notable sociopolitical and policy influences impacting on TB-IPC implementation include stigma against TB and the availability of facility-specific TB-IPC policies, respectively. Hardware influences on TB-IPC implementation referred to availability, knowledge and educational development of staff, timeliness of service delivery, availability of equipment, such as respirators and masks, space for patient separation, funding, and TB-IPC information, education and communication materials and tools. Commonly reported health system software influences were workplace values and established practices, staff agency, TB risk perceptions and fears as well as staff attitudes towards TB-IPC. Conclusion TB-IPC is critically dependent on health system factors. This review identified the health system factors and health system research gaps that can be considered in a whole system approach to strengthen TB-IPC practices at facility levels in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gimenne Zwama
- Institute for Global Health and Development, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karin Diaconu
- Institute for Global Health and Development, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna S Voce
- Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Fiona O'May
- Institute for Global Health and Development, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alison D Grant
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karina Kielmann
- Institute for Global Health and Development, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
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7
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Dinkele R, Gessner S, McKerry A, Leonard B, Seldon R, Koch AS, Morrow C, Gqada M, Kamariza M, Bertozzi CR, Smith B, McLoud C, Kamholz A, Bryden W, Call C, Kaplan G, Mizrahi V, Wood R, Warner DF. Capture and visualization of live Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli from tuberculosis patient bioaerosols. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009262. [PMID: 33524021 PMCID: PMC7877778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interrupting transmission is an attractive anti-tuberculosis (TB) strategy but it remains underexplored owing to our poor understanding of the events surrounding transfer of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) between hosts. Determining when live, infectious Mtb bacilli are released and by whom has proven especially challenging. Consequently, transmission chains are inferred only retrospectively, when new cases are diagnosed. This process, which relies on molecular analyses of Mtb isolates for epidemiological fingerprinting, is confounded by the prolonged infectious period of TB and the potential for transmission from transient exposures. We developed a Respiratory Aerosol Sampling Chamber (RASC) equipped with high-efficiency filtration and sampling technologies for liquid-capture of all particulate matter (including Mtb) released during respiration and non-induced cough. Combining the mycobacterial cell wall probe, DMN-trehalose, with fluorescence microscopy of RASC-captured bioaerosols, we detected and quantified putative live Mtb bacilli in bioaerosol samples arrayed in nanowell devices. The RASC enabled non-invasive capture and isolation of viable Mtb from bioaerosol within 24 hours of collection. A median 14 live Mtb bacilli (range 0-36) were isolated in single-cell format from 90% of confirmed TB patients following 60 minutes bioaerosol sampling. This represented a significant increase over previous estimates of transmission potential, implying that many more organisms might be released daily than commonly assumed. Moreover, variations in DMN-trehalose incorporation profiles suggested metabolic heterogeneity in aerosolized Mtb. Finally, preliminary analyses indicated the capacity for serial image capture and analysis of nanowell-arrayed bacilli for periods extending into weeks. These observations support the application of this technology to longstanding questions in TB transmission including the propensity for asymptomatic transmission, the impact of TB treatment on Mtb bioaerosol release, and the physiological state of aerosolized bacilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Dinkele
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sophia Gessner
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrea McKerry
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bryan Leonard
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ronnett Seldon
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anastasia S. Koch
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carl Morrow
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melitta Gqada
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mireille Kamariza
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Carolyn R. Bertozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Brian Smith
- Edge Embossing, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Courtney McLoud
- Edge Embossing, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrew Kamholz
- Edge Embossing, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wayne Bryden
- Zeteo Tech, Sykesville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Charles Call
- Zeteo Tech, Sykesville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gilla Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Valerie Mizrahi
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robin Wood
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Digby F. Warner
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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8
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Fennelly KP. Particle sizes of infectious aerosols: implications for infection control. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2020; 8:914-924. [PMID: 32717211 PMCID: PMC7380927 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(20)30323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The global pandemic of COVID-19 has been associated with infections and deaths among health-care workers. This Viewpoint of infectious aerosols is intended to inform appropriate infection control measures to protect health-care workers. Studies of cough aerosols and of exhaled breath from patients with various respiratory infections have shown striking similarities in aerosol size distributions, with a predominance of pathogens in small particles (<5 μm). These are immediately respirable, suggesting the need for personal respiratory protection (respirators) for individuals in close proximity to patients with potentially virulent pathogens. There is no evidence that some pathogens are carried only in large droplets. Surgical masks might offer some respiratory protection from inhalation of infectious aerosols, but not as much as respirators. However, surgical masks worn by patients reduce exposures to infectious aerosols to health-care workers and other individuals. The variability of infectious aerosol production, with some so-called super-emitters producing much higher amounts of infectious aerosol than most, might help to explain the epidemiology of super-spreading. Airborne infection control measures are indicated for potentially lethal respiratory pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Fennelly
- Pulmonary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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9
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Rufino de Sousa N, Sandström N, Shen L, Håkansson K, Vezozzo R, Udekwu KI, Croda J, Rothfuchs AG. A fieldable electrostatic air sampler enabling tuberculosis detection in bioaerosols. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2020; 120:101896. [PMID: 32090857 PMCID: PMC7049907 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2019.101896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) infects about 25% of the world population and claims more human lives than any other infectious disease. TB is spread by inhalation of aerosols containing viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis expectorated or exhaled by patients with active pulmonary disease. Air-sampling technology could play an important role in TB control by enabling the detection of airborne M. tuberculosis, but tools that are easy to use and scalable in TB hotspots are lacking. We developed an electrostatic air sampler termed the TB Hotspot DetectOR (THOR) and investigated its performance in laboratory aerosol experiments and in a prison hotspot of TB transmission. We show that THOR collects aerosols carrying microspheres, Bacillus globigii spores and M. bovis BCG, concentrating these microparticles onto a collector piece designed for subsequent detection analysis. The unit was also successfully operated in the complex setting of a prison hotspot, enabling detection of a molecular signature for M. tuberculosis in the cough of inmates. Future deployment of this device may lead to a measurable impact on TB case-finding by screening individuals through the aerosols they generate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Rufino de Sousa
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas Sandström
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lei Shen
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kathleen Håkansson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rafaella Vezozzo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil
| | - Klas I Udekwu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institutet, Stockholms Universitet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julio Croda
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
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10
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Sornboot J, Aekplakorn W, Ramasoota P, Bualert S, Tumwasorn S, Jiamjarasrangsi W. Assessment of bioaerosols in tuberculosis high-risk areas of health care facilities in central Thailand. ASIAN BIOMED 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/abm-2019-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Long-term surveillance of airborne bioaerosols in health care facilities is required to protect the health of patients and health care workers. Feasible methods to measure airborne bioaerosol concentrations and determine associated environmental factors may help to avoid nosocomial tuberculosis (TB).
Objectives
To describe the concentrations and size of airborne bioaerosols and to identify the potential contributors to indoor airborne bioaerosols in TB high-risk areas in health care facilities.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study in 7 large health care facilities located in Bangkok and nearby in central Thailand using a 6-stage Andersen cascade impactor to collect viable airborne bioaerosols that were quantified using culture techniques. Environmental parameters were determined using a tracer gas technique with an indoor air quality meter. Other potential factors were assessed using a questionnaire.
Results
The mean indoor airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations were 596.1 and 521.2 colony-forming units (cfu)/m3, respectively, and the mean outdoor airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations were 496.5 and 650.1 cfu/m3, respectively. The majority of airborne bioaerosols were in respirable sizes. The indoor-to-outdoor ratios were 1.2 for bacteria and 0.8 for fungi. Air change rate was inversely correlated with indoor airborne bioaerosol concentrations, whereas emergency department central-type air conditioners and relative humidity were positively correlated with the indoor airborne bioaerosol concentrations (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
High indoor bioaerosol concentrations found in the health care facilities suggest that it is imperative to improve the indoor air quality. Improved air change rate and avoiding use of central-type air-conditioning systems may reduce bioaerosol concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarmmaree Sornboot
- Health Research and Management Program, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok 10300, Thailand
- Department of Community Health, Sirindhorn College of Public Health , Yala 95000, Thailand
| | - Wichai Aekplakorn
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University , Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Pongrama Ramasoota
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University , Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Surat Bualert
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University , Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Somying Tumwasorn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Wiroj Jiamjarasrangsi
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital , Thai Red Cross Society , Bangkok 10300, Thailand
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11
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Kalisa E, Archer S, Nagato E, Bizuru E, Lee K, Tang N, Pointing S, Hayakawa K, Lacap-Bugler D. Chemical and Biological Components of Urban Aerosols in Africa: Current Status and Knowledge Gaps. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E941. [PMID: 30875989 PMCID: PMC6466367 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16060941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Aerosolized particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture that has been recognized as the greatest cause of premature human mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Its toxicity arises largely from its chemical and biological components. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their nitro-derivatives (NPAHs) as well as microorganisms. In Africa, fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning in urban settings are the major sources of human exposure to PM, yet data on the role of aerosols in disease association in Africa remains scarce. This review is the first to examine studies conducted in Africa on both PAHs/NPAHs and airborne microorganisms associated with PM. These studies demonstrate that PM exposure in Africa exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits and carcinogenic PAHs/NPAHs and pathogenic microorganisms are the major components of PM aerosols. The health impacts of PAHs/NPAHs and airborne microbial loadings in PM are reviewed. This will be important for future epidemiological evaluations and may contribute to the development of effective management strategies to improve ambient air quality in the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egide Kalisa
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
- School of Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 4285, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Stephen Archer
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Edward Nagato
- Institute of Natural and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan.
| | - Elias Bizuru
- School of Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 4285, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Kevin Lee
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Ning Tang
- Institute of Natural and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan.
| | - Stephen Pointing
- Yale NUS-College and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138527, Singapore.
| | - Kazuichi Hayakawa
- Institute of Natural and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan.
| | - Donnabella Lacap-Bugler
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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12
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Patterson B, Morrow C, Singh V, Moosa A, Gqada M, Woodward J, Mizrahi V, Bryden W, Call C, Patel S, Warner D, Wood R. Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli in bio-aerosols from untreated TB patients. Gates Open Res 2018; 1:11. [PMID: 29355225 PMCID: PMC5757796 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12758.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is predominantly an airborne disease. However, quantitative and qualitative analysis of bio-aerosols containing the aetiological agent,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), has proven very challenging. Our objective is to sample bio-aerosols from newly diagnosed TB patients for detection and enumeration of
Mtb bacilli. Methods: We monitored each of 35 newly diagnosed, GeneXpert sputum-positive, TB patients during 1 hour confinement in a custom-built Respiratory Aerosol Sampling Chamber (RASC). The RASC (a small clean-room of 1.4m
) incorporates aerodynamic particle size detection, viable and non-viable sampling devices, real-time CO
2 monitoring, and cough sound-recording. Microbiological culture and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) were used to detect
Mtb in each of the bio-aerosol collection devices. Results:
Mtb was detected in 27/35 (77.1%) of aerosol samples; 15/35 (42.8%) samples were positive by mycobacterial culture and 25/27 (92.96%) were positive by ddPCR. Culturability of collected bacilli was not predicted by radiographic evidence of pulmonary cavitation, sputum smear positivity. A correlation was found between cough rate and culturable bioaerosol.
Mtb was detected on all viable cascade impactor stages with a peak at aerosol sizes 2.0-3.5μm. This suggests a median of 0.09 CFU/litre of exhaled air (IQR: 0.07 to 0.3 CFU/l) for the aerosol culture positives and an estimated median concentration of 4.5x10
CFU/ml (IQR: 2.9x10
-5.6x10
) of exhaled particulate bio-aerosol. Conclusions:
Mtb was identified in bio-aerosols exhaled by the majority of untreated TB patients using the RASC. Molecular detection was more sensitive than mycobacterial culture on solid media, suggesting that further studies are required to determine whether this reflects a significant proportion of differentially detectable bacilli in these samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Patterson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carl Morrow
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vinayak Singh
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Atica Moosa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melitta Gqada
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeremy Woodward
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Valerie Mizrahi
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Shwetak Patel
- Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering DUB group, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Digby Warner
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robin Wood
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Patterson B, Morrow C, Singh V, Moosa A, Gqada M, Woodward J, Mizrahi V, Bryden W, Call C, Patel S, Warner D, Wood R. Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli in bio-aerosols from untreated TB patients. Gates Open Res 2018; 1:11. [PMID: 29355225 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12758.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is predominantly an airborne disease. However, quantitative and qualitative analysis of bio-aerosols containing the aetiological agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), has proven very challenging. Our objective is to sample bio-aerosols from newly diagnosed TB patients for detection and enumeration of Mtb bacilli. Methods: We monitored each of 35 newly diagnosed, GeneXpert sputum-positive, TB patients during 1 hour confinement in a custom-built Respiratory Aerosol Sampling Chamber (RASC). The RASC (a small clean-room of 1.4m ) incorporates aerodynamic particle size detection, viable and non-viable sampling devices, real-time CO 2 monitoring, and cough sound-recording. Microbiological culture and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) were used to detect Mtb in each of the bio-aerosol collection devices. Results: Mtb was detected in 27/35 (77.1%) of aerosol samples; 15/35 (42.8%) samples were positive by mycobacterial culture and 25/27 (92.96%) were positive by ddPCR. Culturability of collected bacilli was not predicted by radiographic evidence of pulmonary cavitation, sputum smear positivity. A correlation was found between cough rate and culturable bioaerosol. Mtb was detected on all viable cascade impactor stages with a peak at aerosol sizes 2.0-3.5μm. This suggests a median of 0.09 CFU/litre of exhaled air (IQR: 0.07 to 0.3 CFU/l) for the aerosol culture positives and an estimated median concentration of 4.5x10 CFU/ml (IQR: 2.9x10 -5.6x10 ) of exhaled particulate bio-aerosol. Conclusions: Mtb was identified in bio-aerosols exhaled by the majority of untreated TB patients using the RASC. Molecular detection was more sensitive than mycobacterial culture on solid media, suggesting that further studies are required to determine whether this reflects a significant proportion of differentially detectable bacilli in these samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Patterson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carl Morrow
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vinayak Singh
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Atica Moosa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melitta Gqada
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeremy Woodward
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Valerie Mizrahi
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Shwetak Patel
- Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering DUB group, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Digby Warner
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robin Wood
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Tang JW, Hoyle E, Moran S, Pareek M. Near-Patient Sampling to Assist Infection Control-A Case Report and Discussion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E238. [PMID: 29385031 PMCID: PMC5858307 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Air sampling as an aid to infection control is still in an experimental stage, as there is no consensus about which air samplers and pathogen detection methods should be used, and what thresholds of specific pathogens in specific exposed populations (staff, patients, or visitors) constitutes a true clinical risk. This case report used a button sampler, worn or held by staff or left free-standing in a fixed location, for environmental sampling around a child who was chronically infected by a respiratory adenovirus, to determine whether there was any risk of secondary adenovirus infection to the staff managing the patient. Despite multiple air samples taken on difference days, coinciding with high levels of adenovirus detectable in the child's nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs), none of the air samples contained any detectable adenovirus DNA using a clinically validated diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Although highly sensitive, in-house PCR assays have been developed to detect airborne pathogen RNA/DNA, it is still unclear what level of specific pathogen RNA/DNA constitutes a true clinical risk. In this case, the absence of detectable airborne adenovirus DNA using a conventional diagnostic assay removed the requirement for staff to wear surgical masks and face visors when they entered the child's room. No subsequent staff infections or outbreaks of adenovirus have so far been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian W Tang
- Clinical Microbiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Elizabeth Hoyle
- Infection Prevention and Control, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Sammy Moran
- Leicester Children's Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Manish Pareek
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
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15
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Malotle MM, Spiegel JM, Yassi A, Ngubeni D, O'Hara LM, Adu PA, Bryce EA, Mlangeni N, Gemell GSM, Zungu M. Occupational tuberculosis in South Africa: are health care workers adequately protected? Public Health Action 2017; 7:258-267. [PMID: 29584794 DOI: 10.5588/pha.17.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Setting: A provincial tertiary hospital in Gauteng province, South Africa, with a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) patients and high risk of TB exposure among health care workers (HCWs). Objective: To determine HCWs' adherence to recommended TB infection prevention and control practices, TB training and access to health services and HCW TB rates. Design: Interviews with 285 HCWs using a structured questionnaire as part of a large, international mixed-methods study. Results: Despite 10 HCWs (including seven support HCWs) acquiring clinical TB during their period of employment, 62.8% of interviewees were unaware of the hospital's TB management protocol. Receipt of training was low (34.5% of all HCWs and <5% of support HCWs trained on TB transmission; 27.5% of nurses trained on respirator use), as was use of respiratory protection (44.5% of HCWs trained on managing TB patients). Support HCWs were over 36 times more likely to use respiratory protection if trained; nurses who were trained were approximately 40 times more likely to use respirators if they were readily available. Conclusion: Improved coordination and uptake of TB infection prevention training is urgently needed, especially for non-clinical HCWs in settings of regular exposure to TB patients. Adequate supplies of appropriate respiratory protection must be made available.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Malotle
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J M Spiegel
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Yassi
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - D Ngubeni
- Employee Health and Wellness, Gauteng Provincial Department of Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - L M O'Hara
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - P A Adu
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - E A Bryce
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - N Mlangeni
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - G S M Gemell
- Employee Health and Wellness, Gauteng Provincial Department of Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M Zungu
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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16
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Tuberculosis transmission in public locations in Tanzania: A novel approach to studying airborne disease transmission. J Infect 2017; 75:191-197. [PMID: 28676410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For tuberculosis (TB) transmission to occur, an uninfected individual must inhale the previously infected breath. Our objective was to identify potential TB transmission hotspots in metropolitan city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and to model the annual risk of TB transmission in different locations of public importance. METHODS We collected indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) data from markets, prisons, night clubs, public transportation, religious and social halls, and from schools. Study volunteers recorded social contacts at each of the locations. We then estimated the annual risks of TB transmission using a modified Wells-Riley equation for different locations. RESULTS The annual risks of TB transmission were highest among prison inmates (41.6%) and drivers (20.3%) in public transport. Lower transmission risks were found in central markets (4.8% for traders, but 0.5% for their customers), passengers on public transport (2.4%), public schools (4.0%), nightclubs (1.7%), religious (0.13%), and social halls (0.12%). CONCLUSION For the first time in a country representative of sub-Saharan Africa, we modelled the risk of TB transmission in important public locations by using a novel approach of studying airborne transmission. This approach can guide identification of TB transmission hotspots and targeted interventions to reach WHO's ambitious End TB targets.
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17
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Yates TA, Tanser F, Abubakar I. Plan Beta for tuberculosis: it's time to think seriously about poorly ventilated congregate settings. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2016; 20:5-10. [PMID: 26688524 PMCID: PMC4677622 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.15.0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the rates of decline in tuberculosis (TB) incidence are disappointing, but in line with model predictions regarding the likely impact of the DOTS strategy. Here, we review evidence from basic epidemiology, molecular epidemiology and modelling, all of which suggest that, in high-burden settings, the majority of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission may occur in indoor congregate settings. We argue that mass environmental modifications in these places might have a significant impact on TB control and suggest a research agenda that might inform interventions of this nature. The necessary technology exists and, critically, implementation would not be dependent on health care workers who are in short supply in the communities worst affected by TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Yates
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK; Wellcome Trust Africa Centre for Population Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa
| | - F Tanser
- Wellcome Trust Africa Centre for Population Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - I Abubakar
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK; Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
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18
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Yassi A, Zungu M, Spiegel JM, Kistnasamy B, Lockhart K, Jones D, O’Hara LM, Nophale L, Bryce EA, Darwin L. Protecting health workers from infectious disease transmission: an exploration of a Canadian-South African partnership of partnerships. Global Health 2016; 12:10. [PMID: 27036516 PMCID: PMC4818531 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-016-0145-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health workers are at high risk of acquiring infectious diseases at work, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) with critical health human resource deficiencies and limited implementation of occupational health and infection control measures. Amidst increasing interest in international partnerships to address such issues, how best to develop such collaborations is being actively debated. In 2006, a partnership developed between occupational health and infection control experts in Canada and institutions in South Africa (including an institute with a national mandate to conduct research and provide guidance to protect health workers from infectious diseases and promote improved working conditions). This article describes the collaboration, analyzes the determinants of success and shares lessons learned. METHODS Synthesizing participant-observer experience from over 9 years of collaboration and 10 studies already published from this work, we applied a realist review analysis to describe the various achievements at global, national, provincial and hospital levels. Expectations of the various parties on developing new insights, providing training, and addressing service needs were examined through a micro-meso-macro lens, focusing on how each main partner organization contributed to and benefitted from working together. RESULTS A state-of-the-art occupational health and safety surveillance program was established in South Africa following successful technology transfer from a similar undertaking in Canada and training was conducted that synergistically benefitted Northern as well as Southern trainees. Integrated policies combining infection control and occupational health to prevent and control infectious disease transmission among health workers were also launched. Having a national (South-South) network reinforced by the international (North-south) partnership was pivotal in mitigating the challenges that emerged. CONCLUSIONS High-income country partnerships with experience in health system strengthening - particularly in much needed areas such as occupational health and infection control - can effectively work through strong collaborators in the Global South to build capacity. Partnerships are particularly well positioned to sustainably reinforce efforts at national and sub-national LMIC levels when they adopt a "communities of practice" model, characterized by multi-directional learning. The principles of effective collaboration learned in this "partnership of partnerships" to improve working conditions for health workers can be applied to other areas where health system strengthening is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalee Yassi
- />Global Health Research Program (GHRP), The University of British Columbia (UBC), Rm. 430, 2206 East Mall, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Muzimkhulu Zungu
- />National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), a division of National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- />University of Pretoria, School of Health Systems and Public Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jerry M. Spiegel
- />Global Health Research Program (GHRP), The University of British Columbia (UBC), Rm. 430, 2206 East Mall, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Barry Kistnasamy
- />Department of Health, Compensation Commissioner, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karen Lockhart
- />Global Health Research Program (GHRP), The University of British Columbia (UBC), Rm. 430, 2206 East Mall, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - David Jones
- />National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), a division of National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lyndsay M. O’Hara
- />Global Health Research Program (GHRP), The University of British Columbia (UBC), Rm. 430, 2206 East Mall, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Letshego Nophale
- />Provincial Occupational Health Unit and Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth A. Bryce
- />Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Lincoln Darwin
- />National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), a division of National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
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19
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Yates TA, Khan PY, Knight GM, Taylor JG, McHugh TD, Lipman M, White RG, Cohen T, Cobelens FG, Wood R, Moore DAJ, Abubakar I. The transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in high burden settings. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 16:227-38. [PMID: 26867464 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(15)00499-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Unacceptable levels of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission are noted in high burden settings and a renewed focus on reducing person-to-person transmission in these communities is needed. We review recent developments in the understanding of airborne transmission. We outline approaches to measure transmission in populations and trials and describe the Wells-Riley equation, which is used to estimate transmission risk in indoor spaces. Present research priorities include the identification of effective strategies for tuberculosis infection control, improved understanding of where transmission occurs and the transmissibility of drug-resistant strains, and estimates of the effect of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on transmission dynamics. When research is planned and interventions are designed to interrupt transmission, resource constraints that are common in high burden settings-including shortages of health-care workers-must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom A Yates
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK; Wellcome Trust Africa Centre for Population Health, Mtubatuba, South Africa, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Palwasha Y Khan
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Tuberculosis Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Karonga Prevention Study, Chilumba, Malawi
| | - Gwenan M Knight
- Tuberculosis Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Tuberculosis Modelling Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathon G Taylor
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy D McHugh
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marc Lipman
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Richard G White
- Tuberculosis Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Tuberculosis Modelling Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ted Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frank G Cobelens
- Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Robin Wood
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Tuberculosis Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David A J Moore
- Tuberculosis Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ibrahim Abubakar
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK; MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, University College London, London, UK
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20
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Wood R, Morrow C, Barry CE, Bryden WA, Call CJ, Hickey AJ, Rodes CE, Scriba TJ, Blackburn J, Issarow C, Mulder N, Woodward J, Moosa A, Singh V, Mizrahi V, Warner DF. Real-Time Investigation of Tuberculosis Transmission: Developing the Respiratory Aerosol Sampling Chamber (RASC). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146658. [PMID: 26807816 PMCID: PMC4726558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the airborne nature of respiratory disease transmission owes much to the pioneering experiments of Wells and Riley over half a century ago. However, the mechanical, physiological, and immunopathological processes which drive the production of infectious aerosols by a diseased host remain poorly understood. Similarly, very little is known about the specific physiological, metabolic and morphological adaptations which enable pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to exit the infected host, survive exposure to the external environment during airborne carriage, and adopt a form that is able to enter the respiratory tract of a new host, avoiding innate immune and physical defenses to establish a nascent infection. As a first step towards addressing these fundamental knowledge gaps which are central to any efforts to interrupt disease transmission, we developed and characterized a small personal clean room comprising an array of sampling devices which enable isolation and representative sampling of airborne particles and organic matter from tuberculosis (TB) patients. The complete unit, termed the Respiratory Aerosol Sampling Chamber (RASC), is instrumented to provide real-time information about the particulate output of a single patient, and to capture samples via a suite of particulate impingers, impactors and filters. Applying the RASC in a clinical setting, we demonstrate that a combination of molecular and microbiological assays, as well as imaging by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy, can be applied to investigate the identity, viability, and morphology of isolated aerosolized particles. Importantly, from a preliminary panel of active TB patients, we observed the real-time production of large numbers of airborne particles including Mtb, as confirmed by microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping. Moreover, direct imaging of captured samples revealed the presence of multiple rod-like Mtb organisms whose physical dimensions suggested the capacity for travel deep into the alveolar spaces of the human lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Wood
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, IDM, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carl Morrow
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, IDM, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Clifton E. Barry
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wayne A. Bryden
- Zeteo Tech LLC, Ellicott City, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Charles J. Call
- Zeteo Tech LLC, Ellicott City, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anthony J. Hickey
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Charles E. Rodes
- Aerosol Exposure Dimensions, Cary, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Thomas J. Scriba
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Blackburn
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chacha Issarow
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicola Mulder
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeremy Woodward
- Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Atica Moosa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vinayak Singh
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Valerie Mizrahi
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Digby F. Warner
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit & DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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21
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O’Hara NN, Roy L, O’Hara LM, Spiegel JM, Lynd LD, FitzGerald JM, Yassi A, Nophale LE, Marra CA. Healthcare Worker Preferences for Active Tuberculosis Case Finding Programs in South Africa: A Best-Worst Scaling Choice Experiment. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26197344 PMCID: PMC4511419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Africa are at a high risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) due to their occupational exposures. This study aimed to systematically quantify and compare the preferred attributes of an active TB case finding program for HCWs in South Africa. Methods A Best–Worst Scaling choice experiment estimated HCW’s preferences using a random-effects conditional logit model. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to explore heterogeneity in preferences. Results “No cost”, “the assurance of confidentiality”, “no wait” and testing at the occupational health unit at one’s hospital were the most preferred attributes. LCA identified a four class model with consistent differences in preference strength. Sex, occupation, and the time since a previous TB test were statistically significant predictors of class membership. Conclusions The findings support the strengthening of occupational health units in South Africa to offer free and confidential active TB case finding programs for HCWs with minimal wait times. There is considerable variation in active TB case finding preferences amongst HCWs of different gender, occupation, and testing history. Attention to heterogeneity in preferences should optimize screening utilization of target HCW populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan N. O’Hara
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lilla Roy
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lyndsay M. O’Hara
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jerry M. Spiegel
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Larry D. Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J. Mark FitzGerald
- Institute for Heart and Lung Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Annalee Yassi
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Letshego E. Nophale
- Department of Community Health, Faculty Of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Carlo A. Marra
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
- * E-mail:
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