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Schlegel M, Treindl AD, Panziera J, Zengerer V, Zani D, Brännhage J, Gross A. A case study on the application of spore sampling for the monitoring of macrofungi. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13941. [PMID: 38409666 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Fungi play a vital role in ecosystem functioning, yet significant knowledge gaps persist in understanding their diversity and distribution leading to uncertainties about their threat status and extinction risk. This is partly owed to the difficulty of monitoring fungi using traditional fruiting body surveys. The present study evaluates airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling as a monitoring tool with a focus on grassland macrofungi. We applied active and passive air sampling methods, complemented by extensive field surveys of waxcap and clavarioid fungi-species groups of high relevance for conservation. Twenty-nine species were recorded during the field surveys, 19 of which were also detectable by ITS2 metabarcoding of the collected samples. An additional 12 species from the studied genera were identified exclusively in air eDNA. We found that the patterns of species detection and read abundance in air samples reflected the abundance and occurrence of fruiting bodies on the field. Dispersal kernels fitted for the three dominant species predicted rapidly decreasing spore concentrations with increasing distance from fruitbodies. Airborne assemblages were dominated by a high diversity of common species, while rare and threatened red-listed species were under-represented, which underscores the difficulty in detecting rare species, not only in conventional surveys. Considering the benefits and drawbacks of air sampling and fruitbody surveys, we conclude that air sampling serves as a cost- and time-efficient tool to characterize local macrofungal communities, providing the potential to facilitate and improve future fungal monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schlegel
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | | | - Jenny Panziera
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | | | - Deborah Zani
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Brännhage
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Andrin Gross
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
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2
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King KM, Canning GGM, West JS. MinION Sequencing of Fungi in Sub-Saharan African Air and a Novel LAMP Assay for Rapid Detection of the Tropical Phytopathogenic Genus Lasiodiplodia. Pathogens 2024; 13:330. [PMID: 38668285 PMCID: PMC11053906 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, there have been no DNA-based metabarcoding studies into airborne fungi in tropical Sub-Saharan Africa. In this initial study, 10 air samples were collected onto Vaseline-coated acrylic rods mounted on drones flown at heights of 15-50 meters above ground for 10-15 min at three sites in Ghana. Purified DNA was extracted from air samples, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified using fungal-specific primers, and MinION third-generation amplicon sequencing was undertaken with downstream bioinformatics analyses utilizing GAIA cloud-based software (at genus taxonomic level). Principal coordinate analyses based on Bray-Curtis beta diversity dissimilarity values found no clear evidence for the structuring of fungal air communities, nor were there significant differences in alpha diversity, based on geographic location (east vs. central Ghana), underlying vegetation type (cocoa vs. non-cocoa), or height above ground level (15-23 m vs. 25-50 m), and despite the short flight times (10-15 min), ~90 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in each sample. In Ghanaian air, fungal assemblages were skewed at the phylum taxonomic level towards the ascomycetes (53.7%) as opposed to basidiomycetes (24.6%); at the class level, the Dothideomycetes were predominant (29.8%) followed by the Agaricomycetes (21.8%). The most common fungal genus in Ghanaian air was cosmopolitan and globally ubiquitous Cladosporium (9.9% of reads). Interestingly, many fungal genera containing economically important phytopathogens of tropical crops were also identified in Ghanaian air, including Corynespora, Fusarium, and Lasiodiplodia. Consequently, a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, based on translation elongation factor-1α sequences, was developed and tested for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of the fungal phytopathogenic genus Lasiodiplodia. Potential applications for improved tropical disease management are considered.
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Goray M, Taylor D, Bibbo E, Fantinato C, Fonneløp AE, Gill P, van Oorschot RAH. Emerging use of air eDNA and its application to forensic investigations - A review. Electrophoresis 2024. [PMID: 38419135 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Biological material is routinely collected at crime scenes and from exhibits and is a key type of evidence during criminal investigations. Improvements in DNA technologies allow collection and profiling of trace samples, comprised of few cells, significantly expanding the types of exhibits targeted for DNA analysis to include touched surfaces. However, success rates from trace and touch DNA samples tend to be poorer compared to other biological materials such as blood. Simultaneously, there have been recent advances in the utility of environmental DNA collection (eDNA) in identification and tracking of different biological organisms and species from bacteria to naked mole rats in different environments, including, soil, ice, snow, air and aquatic. This paper examines the emerging methods and research into eDNA collection, with a special emphasis on the potential forensic applications of human DNA collection from air including challenges and further studies required to progress implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Goray
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Duncan Taylor
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Bibbo
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Chiara Fantinato
- Forensic Genetics Research Group, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ane Elida Fonneløp
- Forensic Genetics Research Group, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Gill
- Forensic Genetics Research Group, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Roland A H van Oorschot
- Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Office of Chief Forensic Scientist, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Goray M, Taylor D, Bibbo E, Patel D, Fantinato C, Fonneløp AE, Gill P, van Oorschot RAH. Up in the air: Presence and collection of DNA from air and air conditioner units. Electrophoresis 2024. [PMID: 38416600 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Biological material is routinely collected at crime scenes and from exhibits and is a key type of evidence during criminal investigations. Touch or trace DNA samples from surfaces and objects deemed to have been contacted are frequently collected. However, a person of interest may not leave any traces on contacted surfaces, for example, if wearing gloves. A novel means of sampling human DNA from air offers additional avenues for DNA collection. In the present study, we report on the results of a pilot study into the prevalence and persistence of human DNA in the air. The first aspect of the pilot study investigates air conditioner units that circulate air around a room, by sampling units located in four offices and four houses at different time frames post-cleaning. The second aspect investigates the ability to collect human DNA from the air in rooms, with and without people, for different periods of time and with different types of collection filters. Results of this pilot study show that human DNA can be collected on air conditioner unit surfaces and from the air, with air samples representing the more recent occupation while air conditioner units showing historic use of the room.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Goray
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Duncan Taylor
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Bibbo
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dhruvi Patel
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Chiara Fantinato
- Forensic Genetics Research Group, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ane Elida Fonneløp
- Forensic Genetics Research Group, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Gill
- Forensic Genetics Research Group, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Roland A H van Oorschot
- Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Office of Chief Forensic Scientist, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Check JC, Harkness R, Heger L, Chilvers MI, Mahaffee WF, Sakalidis ML, Miles TD. It's a trap! Exploring the application of rotating-arm impaction samplers in plant pathology. Plant Dis 2024. [PMID: 38411610 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-10-23-2096-fe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Although improved knowledge on the movement of airborne plant pathogens is likely to benefit plant health management, generating this knowledge is often far more complicated than anticipated. This complexity is driven by the dynamic nature of environmental variables, diversity among pathosystems that are targeted, and the unique needs of each research group. When using a rotating-arm impaction sampler, particle collection is dependent on the pathogen, environment, research objectives and limitations (monetary, environmental, or labor). Consequently, no design will result in 100% collection efficiency. Fortunately, it is likely that multiple approaches can succeed despite these constraints. Choices made during design and implementation of samplers can influence the results and recognizing this influence is crucial for researchers. This article is for beginners in the art and science of using rotating-arm impaction samplers; it provides a foundation for designing a project, from planning the experiment to processing samples. We present a relatively non-technical discussion of the factors influencing pathogen dispersal and how placement of the rotating-arm air samplers alters propagule capture. We include a discussion of applications of rotating-arm air samplers to demonstrate their versatility and potential in plant pathology research as well as their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill C Check
- Michigan State University, 3078, Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, 578 Wilson Road, 104 CIPS, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48823
- Michigan State University, United States;
| | - Rebecca Harkness
- Michigan State University, 3078, Dept. of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, East Lansing, Michigan, United States;
| | - Lexi Heger
- Michigan State University, 3078, Dept. of Plant, Soils, and Microbial Sciences, 578 Wilson Road, Room #105 CIPS, Center For Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48824;
| | - Martin I Chilvers
- Michigan State University, Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences, 578 Wilson Road, 104 CIPS bldg, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48824;
| | - Walter F Mahaffee
- USDA - ARS, Horticulture Crops Research Unit, 3420 NW Orchard Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon, United States, 97330;
| | - Monique L Sakalidis
- Michigan State University, Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and Dept. of Forestry, 612 Wilson Rd. Rm. 34, EAST LANSING, Michigan, United States, 48824-6406;
| | - Timothy D Miles
- Michigan State University, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, 105 CIPS, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48824;
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Sievers BL, Siegers JY, Cadènes JM, Hyder S, Sparaciari FE, Claes F, Firth C, Horwood PF, Karlsson EA. "Smart markets": harnessing the potential of new technologies for endemic and emerging infectious disease surveillance in traditional food markets. J Virol 2024; 98:e0168323. [PMID: 38226809 PMCID: PMC10878043 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01683-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging and endemic zoonotic diseases continue to threaten human and animal health, our social fabric, and the global economy. Zoonoses frequently emerge from congregate interfaces where multiple animal species and humans coexist, including farms and markets. Traditional food markets are widespread across the globe and create an interface where domestic and wild animals interact among themselves and with humans, increasing the risk of pathogen spillover. Despite decades of evidence linking markets to disease outbreaks across the world, there remains a striking lack of pathogen surveillance programs that can relay timely, cost-effective, and actionable information to decision-makers to protect human and animal health. However, the strategic incorporation of environmental surveillance systems in markets coupled with novel pathogen detection strategies can create an early warning system capable of alerting us to the risk of outbreaks before they happen. Here, we explore the concept of "smart" markets that utilize continuous surveillance systems to monitor the emergence of zoonotic pathogens with spillover potential.IMPORTANCEFast detection and rapid intervention are crucial to mitigate risks of pathogen emergence, spillover and spread-every second counts. However, comprehensive, active, longitudinal surveillance systems at high-risk interfaces that provide real-time data for action remain lacking. This paper proposes "smart market" systems harnessing cutting-edge tools and a range of sampling techniques, including wastewater and air collection, multiplex assays, and metagenomic sequencing. Coupled with robust response pathways, these systems could better enable Early Warning and bolster prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L. Sievers
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jurre Y. Siegers
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jimmy M. Cadènes
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences, AgroParisTech, Palaiseau, France
| | - Sudipta Hyder
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Division of Infectious Disease, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Frida E. Sparaciari
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Filip Claes
- Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Asia Pacific Region, Bangkok, Thailand
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cadhla Firth
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul F. Horwood
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- CANARIES: Consortium of Animal Networks to Assess Risk of Emerging Infectious Diseases through Enhanced Surveillance
| | - Erik A. Karlsson
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- CANARIES: Consortium of Animal Networks to Assess Risk of Emerging Infectious Diseases through Enhanced Surveillance
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Shankar SN, Vass WB, Lednicky JA, Logan T, Messcher RL, Eiguren-Fernandez A, Amanatidis S, Sabo-Attwood T, Wu CY. The BioCascade-VIVAS system for collection and delivery of virus-laden size-fractionated airborne particles. J Aerosol Sci 2024; 175:106263. [PMID: 38680161 PMCID: PMC11044810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2023.106263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The size of virus-laden particles determines whether aerosol or droplet transmission is dominant in the airborne transmission of pathogens. Determining dominant transmission pathways is critical to implementing effective exposure risk mitigation strategies. The aerobiology discipline greatly needs an air sampling system that can collect virus-laden airborne particles, separate them by particle diameter, and deliver them directly onto host cells without inactivating virus or killing cells. We report the use of a testing system that combines a BioAerosol Nebulizing Generator (BANG) to aerosolize Human coronavirus (HCoV)-OC43 (OC43) and an integrated air sampling system comprised of a BioCascade impactor (BC) and Viable Virus Aerosol Sampler (VIVAS), together referred to as BC-VIVAS, to deliver the aerosolized virus directly onto Vero E6 cells. Particles were collected into four stages according to their aerodynamic diameter (Stage 1: >9.43 μm, Stage 2: 3.81-9.43 μm, Stage 3: 1.41-3.81 μm and Stage 4: <1.41 μm). OC43 was detected by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses of samples from all BC-VIVAS stages. The calculated OC43 genome equivalent counts per cm3 of air ranged from 0.34±0.09 to 70.28±12.56, with the highest concentrations in stage 3 (1.41-3.81 μm) and stage 4 (<1.41 μm). Virus-induced cytopathic effects appeared only in cells exposed to particles collected in stages 3 and 4, demonstrating the presence of viable OC43 in particles <3.81 μm. This study demonstrates the dual utility of the BC-VIVAS as particle size-fractionating air sampler and a direct exposure system for aerosolized viruses. Such utility may help minimize conventional post-collection sample processing time required to assess the viability of airborne viruses and increase the understanding about transmission pathways for airborne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sripriya Nannu Shankar
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - William B. Vass
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - John A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Tracey Logan
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rebeccah L. Messcher
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | | | - Tara Sabo-Attwood
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
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Marek A, Meijer EFJ, Tartari E, Zakhour J, Chowdhary A, Voss A, Kanj SS, Bal AM. Environmental monitoring for filamentous fungal pathogens in hematopoietic cell transplant units. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad103. [PMID: 37793805 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) is on the rise due to increasing numbers of highly immunocompromized patients. Nosocomial IFD remains common despite our better understanding of its risk factors and pathophysiology. High-efficiency particulate air filtration with or without laminar air flow, frequent air exchanges, a positive pressure care environment, and environmental hygiene, amongst other measures, have been shown to reduce the mould burden in the patient environment. Environmental monitoring for moulds in areas where high-risk patients are cared for, such as hematopoietic cell transplant units, has been considered an adjunct to other routine environmental precautions. As a collaborative effort between authors affiliated to the Infection Prevention and Control Working Group and the Fungal Infection Working Group of the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC), we reviewed the English language literature and international guidance to describe the evidence behind the need for environmental monitoring for filamentous fungi as a quality assurance approach with an emphasis on required additional precautions during periods of construction. Many different clinical sampling approaches have been described for air, water, and surface sampling with significant variation in laboratory methodologies between reports. Importantly, there are no agreed-upon thresholds that correlate with an increase in the clinical risk of mould infections. We highlight important areas for future research to assure a safe environment for highly immunocompromized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Marek
- Department of Microbiology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Eelco F J Meijer
- Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ), Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Ermira Tartari
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Johnny Zakhour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Andreas Voss
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Souha S Kanj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Abhijit M Bal
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
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Shin MK, Qian H, Lee JE, Sentis L, Maberti SI. Estimating exposures from spray products using robotic simulations. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:979-989. [PMID: 37669006 PMCID: PMC10516613 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing need for exposure data to enable more precise information for risk estimates and improved public health protection. While personal monitoring data are preferred, it is often difficult to collect due to the resources needed to complete a human research study. In this study, we successfully programmed a robotic arm to mimic human use (spraying) of a fabric crafts protector (FCP) and human cleaning (spraying and wiping) of a glass pane with glass cleaner (GC). The robot was then used in place of human subjects to assess inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the use of the FCP and GC. Air sampling data were collected while the robot used the products to estimate personal exposures to VOCs. Average VOC concentrations were 1.57 ppm for FCP spraying and 0.17 ppm for GC spraying and wiping. During FCP spraying, average acetone concentrations were 0.88 ppm and average isopropyl alcohol concentrations were 0.26 ppm. During GC spraying and wiping, average 2-butoxyethanol concentrations were 0.15 ppm. Air sampling data were found to be within the range of data reported in the literature during human use of similar glass cleaning products. No data was found in the literature during use of fabric protector spray products. This study contributes exposure measurement data with detailed contextual information to help characterize inhalation exposures during the use of 2 spray products. In addition, the study offers a systematic, efficient method for generating exposure data which can be used to improve health and safety risk assessments used for public health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi K Shin
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences Inc., 1545 Route 22 East, Annandale, NJ 08801, United States
| | - Hua Qian
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences Inc., 1545 Route 22 East, Annandale, NJ 08801, United States
| | - Jee-Eun Lee
- The Human Centered Robotics Lab, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2617 Wichita Dr. C0600, Lab 4.108, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Luis Sentis
- The Human Centered Robotics Lab, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2617 Wichita Dr. C0600, Lab 4.108, Austin, TX 78712, United States
- Cofounder of Apptronik, 11701 Stonehollow 4, STE 150, Austin, TX 78758, United States
| | - Silvia I Maberti
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences Inc., 22777 Springwoods Village Pkwy, Spring, TX 77389, United States
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Górzyńska A, Grzech A, Mierzwiak P, Ussowicz M, Biernat M, Nawrot U. Quantitative and Qualitative Airborne Mycobiota Surveillance in High-Risk Hospital Environment. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041031. [PMID: 37110454 PMCID: PMC10147027 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The primary aim of the presented study was to assess the prevalence of fungi in the indoor air of selected hospital wards, and the additional goal was to evaluate the susceptibility of cultured isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus to triazoles. (2) Methods: Three hematology departments and a hospital for lung diseases were surveyed in 2015 and/or 2019. Air samples were taken with a MicroBio MB1 air sampler on Sabouraud agar. The susceptibility of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates to voriconazole, posaconazole and itraconazole was tested with a microdilution method, according to EUCAST. (3) Results: The amount of fungi cultured from rooms equipped with sterile air circulation, as well as flow devices for air disinfection, was significantly lower compared to that from unprotected rooms. The areas most contaminated with fungi were corridors and bathrooms. The dominant species were Cladosporium and Penicillium. A. fumigatus was rare in hematological departments (6/61, 9.8% examinations performed in 2014 and 2/40, 5% in 2019), whereas in the hospital for lung diseases an outbreak of A. fumigatus spores with up to 300 CFU/m3 was noted in March 2015. No triazole-resistant A. fumigatus isolate was detected. (4) Conclusions: Regular microbiological testing of the hospital environment can contribute to the detection of spore outbreaks, and thus enable the implementation of corrective procedures (e.g., additional disinfection, changing of HEPA filters).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Górzyńska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Grzech
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Mierzwiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Ussowicz
- Department of Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation, Oncology and Haematology, Wroclaw Medical University, Supraregional Centre of Paediatric Oncology "Cape of Hope", 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Biernat
- Department of Haematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Nawrot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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11
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Ong DSY, de Man P, Verhagen T, Doejaaren G, Dallinga MA, Alibux E, Janssen ML, Wils EJ. Airborne virus shedding of the alpha, delta, omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants and influenza virus in hospitalized patients. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28748. [PMID: 37185846 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Airborne transmission is an important transmission route for the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Epidemiological data indicate that certain SARS-CoV-2 variants, like the omicron variant, are associated with higher transmissibility. We compared virus detection in air samples between hospitalized patients infected with different SARS-CoV-2 variants or influenza virus. The study was performed during three separate time periods in which subsequently the alpha, delta, and omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants were predominant. In total, 79 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 22 patients with influenza A virus infection were included. Collected air samples were positive in 55% of patients infected with the omicron variant in comparison to 15% of those infected with the delta variant (p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, the SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.1/BA.2 variant (as compared to the delta variant) and the viral load in nasopharynx were both independently associated with air sample positivity, but the alpha variant and COVID-19 vaccination were not. The proportion of positive air samples patients infected with the influenza A virus was 18%. In conclusion, the higher air sample positivity rate of the omicron variant compared to previous SARS-CoV-2 variants may partially explain the higher transmission rates seen in epidemiological trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Y Ong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter de Man
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Verhagen
- Department of Intensive Care, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda Doejaaren
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes A Dallinga
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esmee Alibux
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs L Janssen
- Department of Intensive Care, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evert-Jan Wils
- Department of Intensive Care, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Aquino de Muro M, Shuryak I, Uhlemann A, Tillman A, Seeram D, Zakaria J, Welch D, Erde SM, Brenner DJ. The abundance of the potential pathogen Staphylococcus hominis in the air microbiome in a dental clinic and its susceptibility to far‐UVC light. Microbiologyopen 2023; 12:e1348. [PMID: 37186229 PMCID: PMC9986678 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The dental clinic air microbiome incorporates microbes from the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract (URT). This study aimed to establish a reliable methodology for air sampling in a dental clinic setting and quantify the abundance of culturable mesophilic aerobic bacteria present in these samples using regression modeling. Staphylococcus hominis, a potentially pathogenic bacterium typically found in the human oropharynx and URT, was consistently isolated. S. hominis was the most abundant species of aerobic bacteria (22%–24%) and comprised 60%–80% of all Staphylococcus spp. The study also assessed the susceptibility of S. hominis to 222 nm‐far‐UVC light in laboratory experiments, which showed an exponential surface inactivation constant of k = 0.475 cm2/mJ. This constant is a critical parameter for future on‐site use of far‐UVC light as a technique for reducing pathogenic bacterial load in dental clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Aquino de Muro
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Anne‐Catrin Uhlemann
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center Microbiome Core FacilityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Alice Tillman
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center Microbiome Core FacilityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Dwayne Seeram
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center Microbiome Core FacilityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Joseph Zakaria
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - David Welch
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Steven M. Erde
- Columbia University College of Dental MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - David J. Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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13
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Hasegawa K, Doi A, Kuroda H, Hasuike T, Ogura A, Nasu S, Nishioka H, Tomii K. A pseudo-outbreak of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis: a microbiological investigation of both the patients and the environment. J Infect Prev 2023; 24:83-88. [PMID: 36811012 PMCID: PMC9843133 DOI: 10.1177/17571774231152721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We experienced a pseudo-outbreak of aspergillosis in a newly constructed COVID-19 ward. Within the first 3 months from the commencement of the ward, six intubated patients of COVID-19 developed probable or possible pulmonary aspergillosis. We suspected an outbreak of pulmonary aspergillosis associated with ward construction and launched air sampling for the investigation of the relationship between these. Methods The samples were collected at 13 locations in the prefabricated ward and three in the general wards, not under construction, as a control. Results The results from samples revealed different species of Aspergillus from those detected by the patients. Aspergillus sp. was detected not only from the air samples in the prefabricated ward but also in the general ward. Discussion In this investigation, we could not find evidence of the outbreak that links the construction of the prefabricated ward with the occurrence of pulmonary aspergillosis. It might suggest that this series of aspergillosis was more likely occurred from fungi that inherently colonized patients, and was associated with patient factors such as severe COVID-19 rather than environmental factors. Once an outbreak originating from building construction is suspected, it is important to conduct an environmental investigation including an air sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Hasegawa
- Infectious Diseases, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan,Infection Control and Prevention, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan
| | - Asako Doi
- Infectious Diseases, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan,Infection Control and Prevention, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kuroda
- Infectious Diseases, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan,Infection Control and Prevention, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Hasuike
- Infectious Diseases, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan,Infection Control and Prevention, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan
| | - Akiko Ogura
- Infectious Diseases, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan,Infection Control and Prevention, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan,Nursing, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan
| | - Seiko Nasu
- Infection Control and Prevention, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan,Clinical Laboratory, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nishioka
- Infectious Diseases, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan,General Internal Medicine, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tomii
- Respiratory Medicine, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan
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14
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Silva PGD, Nascimento MSJ, Sousa SIV, Mesquita JR. SARS-CoV-2 in outdoor air following the third wave lockdown release, Portugal, 2021. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 36763082 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aiming to contribute with more data on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) in outdoor environments, we performed air sampling in outdoor terraces from restaurants in three major cities of Portugal in April 2021, following the third wave lockdown release in the country. Air samples (n=19) were collected in 19 restaurant terraces during lunch time. Each air sample was collected using a Coriolis Compact air sampler, followed by RNA extraction and real-time quantitative PCR for the detection of viral RNA. Viral viability was also assessed through RNAse pre-treatment of samples. Only one of the 19 air samples was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, with 7337 gene copies m-3 for the genomic region N2, with no viable virus in this sample. The low number of positive samples found in this study is not surprising, as sampling took place in outdoor settings where air circulation is optimal, and aerosols are rapidly dispersed by the air currents. These results are consistent with previous reports stating that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in outdoor spaces is low, although current evidence shows an association of exposures in settings where drinking and eating is possible on-site with an increased risk in acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, the minimal infectious dose for SARS-CoV-2 still needs to be determined so that the real risk of infection in different environments can be accurately established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
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15
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Gomes da Silva P, Gonçalves J, Torres Franco A, Rodriguez E, Diaz I, Orduña Domingo A, Garcinuño Pérez S, March Roselló GA, Dueñas Gutiérrez CJ, São José Nascimento M, Sousa SI, Garcia Encina P, Mesquita JR. Environmental Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in a University Hospital during the COVID-19 5th Wave Delta Variant Peak in Castile-León, Spain. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:1574. [PMID: 36674328 PMCID: PMC9866319 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The dominant SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) became the main circulating variant among countries by mid 2021. Attention was raised to the increased risk of airborne transmission, leading to nosocomial outbreaks even among vaccinated individuals. Considering the increased number of COVID-19 hospital admissions fueled by the spread of the variant, with Spain showing the highest COVID-19 rates in mainland Europe by July 2021, the aim of this study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in different areas of a University Hospital in the region of Castile-León, Spain, during the peak of the 5th wave of COVID-19 in the country (July 2021). Air samples were collected from sixteen different areas of the Hospital using a Coriolis® μ air sampler. Surface samples were collected in these same areas using sterile flocked plastic swabs. RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR were performed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 21 air samples, only one was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, from the emergency waiting room. Of the 40 surface samples, 2 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both from the microbiology laboratory. These results may be relevant for risk assessment of nosocomial infection within healthcare facilities, thus helping prevent and minimize healthcare staff's exposure to SARS-CoV-2, reinforcing the importance of always wearing appropriate and well-fit masks at all times and proper PPE when in contact with infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Gonçalves
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Andrés Torres Franco
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Elisa Rodriguez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Israel Diaz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Antonio Orduña Domingo
- Microbiology Service, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Jesús Dueñas Gutiérrez
- Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Sofia I.V. Sousa
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Garcia Encina
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
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16
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Abeykoon AMH, Poon M, Firestone SM, Stevenson MA, Wiethoelter AK, Vincent GA. Performance Evaluation and Validation of Air Samplers To Detect Aerosolized Coxiella burnetii. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0065522. [PMID: 36073825 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00655-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q fever, is an intracellular zoonotic pathogen transmitted via the respiratory route. Once released from infected animals, C. burnetii can travel long distances through air before infecting another host. As such, the ability to detect the presence of C. burnetii in air is important. In this study, three air samplers, AirPort MD8, BioSampler, and the Coriolis Micro, were assessed against a set of predetermined criteria in the presence of three different aerosolized C. burnetii concentrations. Two liquid collection media, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and alkaline polyethylene glycol (Alk PEG), were tested with devices requiring a collection liquid. Samples were tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR) targeting the single-copy com1 gene or multicopy insertion element IS1111. All air samplers performed well at detecting airborne C. burnetii across the range of concentrations tested. At high nebulized concentrations, AirPort MD8 showed higher, but variable, recovery probabilities. While the BioSampler and Coriolis Micro recovered C. burnetii at lower concentrations, the replicates were far more repeatable. At low and intermediate nebulized concentrations, results were comparable in the trials between air samplers, although the AirPort MD8 had consistently higher recovery probabilities. In this first study validating air samplers for their ability to detect aerosolized C. burnetii, we found that while all samplers performed well, not all samplers were equal. It is important that these results are further validated under field conditions. These findings will further inform efforts to detect airborne C. burnetii around known point sources of infection. IMPORTANCE Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. It is important to know if C. burnetii is present in the air around putative sources as it is transmitted via inhalation. This study assessed air samplers (AirPort MD8, BioSampler, and Coriolis Micro) for their efficacy in detecting C. burnetii. Our results show that all three devices could detect aerosolized bacteria effectively; however, at high concentrations the AirPort performed better than the other two devices, showing higher percent recovery. At intermediate and low concentrations AirPort detected at a level higher than or similar to that of other samplers. Quantification of samples was hindered by the limit of quantitation of the qPCR assay. Compared with the other two devices, the AirPort was easier to handle and clean in the field. Testing air around likely sources (e.g., farms, abattoirs, and livestock saleyards) using validated sampling devices will help better estimate the risk of Q fever to nearby communities.
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17
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Silva PG, Branco PTBS, Soares RRG, Mesquita JR, Sousa SIV. SARS-CoV-2 air sampling: A systematic review on the methodologies for detection and infectivity. Indoor Air 2022; 32:e13083. [PMID: 36040285 PMCID: PMC9538005 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aims to present an overview of the current aerosol sampling methods (and equipment) being used to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the air, along with the main parameters reported in the studies that are essential to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method and perspectives for future research regarding this mode of transmission. A systematic literature review was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus to assess the current air sampling methodologies being applied to SARS-CoV-2. Most of the studies took place in indoor environments and healthcare settings and included air and environmental sampling. The collection mechanisms used were impinger, cyclone, impactor, filters, water-based condensation, and passive sampling. Most of the reviewed studies used RT-PCR to test the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the collected samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected with all collection mechanisms. From the studies detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, fourteen assessed infectivity. Five studies detected viable viruses using impactor, water-based condensation, and cyclone collection mechanisms. There is a need for a standardized protocol for sampling SARS-CoV-2 in air, which should also account for other influencing parameters, including air exchange ratio in the room sampled, relative humidity, temperature, and lighting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla G Silva
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPI Unit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro T B S Branco
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ruben R G Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - João R Mesquita
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPI Unit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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18
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Lu F, Gecgel O, Ramanujam A, Botte GG. SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in Indoor Air Using Electrochemical Sensor for Continuous Monitoring and Real-Time Alerts. Biosensors (Basel) 2022; 12:523. [PMID: 35884326 PMCID: PMC9312472 DOI: 10.3390/bios12070523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally and there is still a lack of rapid detection techniques for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in indoor air. In this work, two test rigs were developed that enable continuous air monitoring for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by sample collection and testing. The collected samples from simulated SARS-CoV-2 contaminated air were analyzed using an ultra-fast COVID-19 diagnostic sensor (UFC-19). The test rigs utilized two air sampling methods: cyclone-based collection and internal impaction. The former achieved a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.004 cp/L in the air (which translates to 0.5 cp/mL when tested in aqueous solution), lower than the latter with a limit of 0.029 cp/L in the air. The LoD of 0.5 cp/mL using the UFC-19 sensor in aqueous solution is significantly lower than the best-in-class assays (100 cp/mL) and FDA EUA RT-PCR test (6250 cp/mL). In addition, the developed test rig provides an ultra-fast method to detect airborne SARS-CoV-2. The required time to test 250 L air is less than 5 min. While most of the time is consumed by the air collection process, the sensing is completed in less than 2 s using the UFC-19 sensor. This method is much faster than both the rapid antigen (<20 min) and RT-PCR test (<90 min).
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19
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da Silva PG, Gonçalves J, Nascimento MSJ, Sousa SIV, Mesquita JR. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the Indoor and Outdoor Areas of Urban Public Transport Systems of Three Major Cities of Portugal in 2021. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:5955. [PMID: 35627503 PMCID: PMC9141764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Airborne transmission is mainly associated with poorly ventilated and crowded indoor environments where people stay for long periods of time. As such, public transport is often perceived as having a high risk for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Considering that data on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in public transport systems are scarce, we performed air sampling for SARS-CoV-2 in indoor and outdoor spaces of public transport systems in Portugal. Air (n = 31) and surface (n = 70) samples were collected using a Coriolis® Compact microbial air sampler and sterile flocked plastic swabs, respectively. Samples were extracted and analyzed through RT-qPCR. Only two air samples from an outdoor and a partially open space were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. No positive surface samples were detected. These results indicate that the viral concentration in ambient air in public transport systems is linked to the number of people present in that environment and whether they are wearing properly fitting masks. Considering the current lifting of COVID-19 restrictions around the world, it is essential that people continue to wear masks in both indoor and outdoor environments, especially in crowded spaces. More studies on this topic are needed to fully elucidate the real risk of infection in outdoor spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE—Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - José Gonçalves
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
| | | | - Sofia I. V. Sousa
- LEPABE—Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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20
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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21
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van Rhijn N, Coleman J, Collier L, Moore C, Richardson MD, Bright-Thomas RJ, Jones AM. Meteorological Factors Influence the Presence of Fungi in the Air; A 14-Month Surveillance Study at an Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:759944. [PMID: 34900752 PMCID: PMC8662344 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.759944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that predisposes to progressive lung damage. Cystic fibrosis patients are particularly prone to developing pulmonary infections. Fungal species are commonly isolated in lower airway samples from patients with cystic fibrosis. Fungal spores are prevalent in the air. Methods We performed environmental air sampling surveillance at the Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, UK (MACFC) over a 14-month period to assess fungal growth inside and outside the CF center. Results Airborne counts of fungal spores peaked from May to October, both in outdoor and indoor samples. Collection of meteorological data allowed us to correlate fungal presence in the air with elevated temperatures and low wind speeds. Additionally, we demonstrated patient rooms containing windows had elevated fungal counts compared to rooms not directly connected to the outdoors. Conclusions This study suggests that airborne Aspergillus fumigatus spores were more abundant during the summer months of the survey period, which appeared to be driven by increased temperatures and lower wind speeds. Indoor counts directly correlated to outdoor A. fumigatus levels and were elevated in patient rooms that were directly connected to the outdoor environment via an openable window designed for ventilation purposes. Further studies are required to determine the clinical implications of these findings for cystic fibrosis patients who are predisposed to Aspergillus related diseases, and in particular whether there is seasonal influence on incidence of Aspergillus related conditions and if screening for such complications such be increased during summer months and precautions intensified for those with a known history of Aspergillus related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James Coleman
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Collier
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Moore
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm D Richardson
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rowland J Bright-Thomas
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Jones
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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22
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Wright DW, Koziel JA, Parker DB, Iwasinska A, Hartman TG, Kolvig P, Wahe L. Qualitative Exploration of the 'Rolling Unmasking Effect' for Downwind Odor Dispersion from a Model Animal Source. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph182413085. [PMID: 34948693 PMCID: PMC8702010 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Solving environmental odor issues can be confounded by many analytical, technological, and socioeconomic factors. Considerable know-how and technologies can fail to properly identify odorants responsible for the downwind nuisance odor and, thereby, focus on odor mitigation strategies. We propose enabling solutions to environmental odor issues utilizing troubleshooting techniques developed for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries. Our research has shown that the odorant impact-priority ranking process can be definable and relatively simple. The initial challenge is the prioritization of environmental odor character from the perspective of the impacted citizenry downwind. In this research, we utilize a natural model from the animal world to illustrate the rolling unmasking effect (RUE) and discuss it more systematically in the context of the proposed environmental odorant prioritization process. Regardless of the size and reach of an odor source, a simplification of odor character and composition typically develops with increasing dilution downwind. An extreme odor simplification-upon-dilution was demonstrated for the prehensile-tailed porcupine (P.T. porcupine); its downwind odor frontal boundary was dominated by a pair of extremely potent character-defining odorants: (1) ‘onion’/‘body odor’ and (2) ‘onion’/‘grilled’ odorants. In contrast with the outer-boundary simplicity, the near-source assessment presented considerable compositional complexity and composite odor character difference. The ultimate significance of the proposed RUE approach is the illustration of naturally occurring phenomena that explain why some environmental odors and their sources can be challenging to identify and mitigate using an analytical-only approach (focused on compound identities and concentrations). These approaches rarely move beyond comprehensive lists of volatile compounds emitted by the source. The novelty proposed herein lies in identification of those few compounds responsible for the downwind odor impacts and requiring mitigation focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald W. Wright
- Don Wright & Associates, LLC, Georgetown, TX 78628, USA
- Correspondence: (D.W.W.); (J.A.K.); Tel.: +1-512-750-1047 (D.W.W.); +1-515-294-4206 (J.A.K.)
| | - Jacek A. Koziel
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Correspondence: (D.W.W.); (J.A.K.); Tel.: +1-512-750-1047 (D.W.W.); +1-515-294-4206 (J.A.K.)
| | - David B. Parker
- College of Engineering, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX 79016, USA;
| | - Anna Iwasinska
- Volatile Analysis Corporation Inc., Grant, AL 78664, USA;
| | - Thomas G. Hartman
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | | | - Landon Wahe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
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23
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Bukenov B, Baimatova N, Kenessov B. Quantification of transformation products of rocket fuel unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine in air using solid-phase microextraction. J Sep Sci 2021; 45:614-622. [PMID: 34796657 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202100684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Quantification of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine transformation products in ambient air is important for assessing the environmental impact of heavy rocket launches. There are very little data of such analyses, which is mainly caused by the low number of analytes covered by the available analytical methods and their complexity. A simple and cost-efficient method for accurate simultaneous determination of seven unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine transformation products in air using solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed. The method was optimized for air sampling and solid-phase microextraction from 20-mL vials, which allows full automation of analysis. The extraction for 5 min by Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber from amber vials and desorption for 3 min provided the greatest analytes' responses, lowest relative standard deviations, linear calibration (R2 ≥ 0.99), and limits of detection from 0.12 to 0.5 μg/m3 . Samples with concentrations 500 μg/m3 can be stored at 21 ± 1°C without substantial losses (1-11%) for up to 24 h, while air samples with concentrations 10 and 50 μg/m3 stored for up to 24 h can be used for accurate quantification of only two and four out of seven analytes, respectively. The developed method was successfully tested for the analysis of air above real soil samples contaminated with unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine rocket fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bauyrzhan Bukenov
- Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 96a Tole bi street, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Nassiba Baimatova
- Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 96a Tole bi street, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Bulat Kenessov
- Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 96a Tole bi street, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
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24
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de Man P, Ortiz M, Bluyssen PM, de Man SJ, Rentmeester MJ, van der Vliet M, Wils EJ, Ong DSY. Airborne SARS-CoV-2 in home- and hospital environment investigated with a high-powered air sampler. J Hosp Infect 2021; 119:126-131. [PMID: 34752804 PMCID: PMC8572039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background The initial aim was to study the effects of face masks worn by recently infected individuals on the airborne spread of SARS-CoV-2, but findings motivated us to proceed with comparing the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in air samples near infected individuals at home with those near infected intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Aim To assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the air of homes of infected individuals and in ICU rooms of critically ill patients with COVID-19 who were undergoing different forms of potential aerosol-generating medical procedures. Methods A high-volume air sampler method was developed that used a household vacuum cleaner with surgical face masks serving as sample filters. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was harvested from these filters and analysed by polymerase chain reaction. Fog experiments were performed to visualize the airflow around the air sampler. Air samples were acquired in close proximity of infected individuals, with or without wearing face masks, in their homes. Environmental air samples remote from these infected individuals were also obtained, plus samples near patients in the ICU undergoing potential aerosol-generating medical procedures. Findings Wearing a face mask resulted in a delayed and reduced flow of the fog into the air sampler. Face masks worn by infected individuals were found to contain SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 71% of cases. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in air samples regardless of mask experiments. The proportion of positive air samples was higher in the homes (29/41; 70.7%) than in the ICU (4/17; 23.5%) (P < 0.01). Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected in air samples by using a vacuum cleaner based air sampler method. Air samples in the home environment of recently infected individuals contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA nearly three times more frequently by comparison with those obtained in ICU rooms during potential aerosol-generating medical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter de Man
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Ortiz
- Indoor Environment, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Philomena M Bluyssen
- Indoor Environment, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn J de Man
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Jozé Rentmeester
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evert-Jan Wils
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David S Y Ong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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25
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Kutter JS, de Meulder D, Bestebroer TM, Mulders A, Fouchier RA, Herfst S. Comparison of three air samplers for the collection of four nebulized respiratory viruses - Collection of respiratory viruses from air. Indoor Air 2021; 31:1874-1885. [PMID: 34124803 PMCID: PMC8530848 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Viral respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, the transmission routes and shedding kinetics of respiratory viruses remain poorly understood. Air sampling techniques to quantify infectious viruses in the air are indispensable to improve intervention strategies to control and prevent spreading of respiratory viruses. Here, the collection of infectious virus with the six-stage Andersen cascade impactor was optimized with semi-solid gelatin as collection surface. Subsequently, the collection efficiency of the cascade impactor, the SKC BioSampler, and an in-house developed electrostatic precipitator was compared. In an in vitro set-up, influenza A virus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus type 3, and respiratory syncytial virus were nebulized and the amount of collected infectious virus and viral RNA was quantified with each air sampler. Whereas only low amounts of virus were collected using the electrostatic precipitator, high amounts were collected with the BioSampler and cascade impactor. The BioSampler allowed straight-forward sampling in liquid medium, whereas the more laborious cascade impactor allowed size fractionation of virus-containing particles. Depending on the research question, either the BioSampler or the cascade impactor can be applied in laboratory and field settings, such as hospitals to gain more insight into the transmission routes of respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin S. Kutter
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Dennis de Meulder
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Theo M. Bestebroer
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Ard Mulders
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Ron A.M. Fouchier
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
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26
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Choi YW, Sunderman MM, McCauley MW, Richter WR, Willenberg ZJ, Wood J, Serre S, Mickelsen L, Willison S, Rupert R, Muñiz-Ortiz JG, Casey S, Calfee MW. Decontamination of Bacillus Spores with Formaldehyde Vapor under Varied Environmental Conditions. Appl Biosaf 2021; 26:139-53. [PMID: 32982605 PMCID: PMC7511015 DOI: 10.1089/apb.21.926975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This study investigated formaldehyde decontamination efficacy against dried Bacillus spores on porous and non-porous test surfaces, under various environmental conditions. This knowledge will help responders determine effective formaldehyde exposure parameters to decontaminate affected spaces following a biological agent release. Methods Prescribed masses of paraformaldehyde or formalin were sublimated or evaporated, respectively, to generate formaldehyde vapor within a bench-scale test chamber. Adsorbent cartridges were used to measure formaldehyde vapor concentrations in the chamber at pre-determined times. A validated method was used to extract the cartridges and analyze for formaldehyde via liquid chromatography. Spores of Bacillus globigii, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus anthracis were inoculated and dried onto porous bare pine wood and non-porous painted concrete material coupons. A series of tests was conducted where temperature, relative humidity, and formaldehyde concentration were varied, to determine treatment efficacy outside of conditions where this decontaminant is well-characterized (laboratory temperature and humidity and 12 mg/L theoretical formaldehyde vapor concentration) to predict decontamination efficacy in applications that may arise following a biological incident. Results Low temperature trials (approximately 10°C) resulted in decreased formaldehyde air concentrations throughout the 48-hour time-course when compared with formaldehyde concentrations collected in the ambient temperature trials (approximately 22°C). Generally, decontamination efficacy on wood was lower for all three spore types compared with painted concrete. Also, higher recoveries resulted from painted concrete compared to wood, consistent with historical data on these materials. The highest decontamination efficacies were observed on the spores subjected to the longest exposures (48 hours) on both materials, with efficacies that gradually decreased with shorter exposures. Adsorption or absorption of the formaldehyde vapor may have been a factor, especially during the low temperature trials, resulting in less available formaldehyde in the air when measured. Conclusion Environmental conditions affect formaldehyde concentrations in the air and thereby affect decontamination efficacy. Efficacy is also impacted by the material with which the contaminants are in contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph Wood
- US Environmental Protection Agency, TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Shannon Serre
- US Environmental Protection Agency, TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Leroy Mickelsen
- US Environmental Protection Agency, TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Rich Rupert
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Sara Casey
- United Kingdom, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, CBRN Recovery Team, Stafford, England
| | - M Worth Calfee
- US Environmental Protection Agency, TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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27
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Angen Ø, Nielsen MW, Løfstrøm P, Larsen AR, Hendriksen NB. Airborne Spread of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus From a Swine Farm. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:644729. [PMID: 34150881 PMCID: PMC8211894 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.644729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spread of livestock-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) to farmworkers has been recognized as a risk when working in LA-MRSA positive stables, due to LA-MRSA being present on airborne dust particles. Based on this, airborne spread of LA-MRSA through stable vents is a concern that is addressed in this study. The aim of the investigation was to quantify the airborne spread of LA-MRSA from a MRSA positive swine farm. In order to achieve this, a method for sampling large volumes of air was applied. The results were compared to meteorological data and bacteriological investigation of samples from the air inside the swine barn, soil outside the farm, and nasal samples from the individuals participating in the sampling process. MRSA was detected up to 300 m (the maximal measuring distance) from the swine farm in the air but only at low levels at distances above 50 meters (0.085 CFU/m3 at a distance of 50 m in the wind plume). MRSA was detected in sock samples obtained at the soil surfaces up to 400 m (the maximal measuring distance) from the farm building. The proportion of MRSA positive soil samples decreased from ~80 to 30% with increasing distance from the farm. A total of 25 human nasal samples were sampled after the farm visits after the participants had stayed in the surroundings of the farm for an average of 10.5 h. When leaving the farm, only two of the samples (8%) were LA-MRSA-positive both obtained from one individual who was the one who had sampled the ventilation shafts. In conclusion, airborne spread of MRSA from swine farms does not seem to be an important route for human contamination for individuals staying a whole working day outside a swine farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Angen
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology, and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Weiss Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology and Production, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Per Løfstrøm
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Anders Rhod Larsen
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology, and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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28
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Nakanishi Y, Kasahara K, Koizumi A, Tokutani J, Yoshihara S, Mikasa K, Imamura T. Evaluation of Nosocomial Infection Control Measures to Minimize the Risk of Aspergillus Dispersion During Major Demolition Work: A Case Study of a Japanese University Hospital. HERD 2021; 14:58-74. [PMID: 33957793 DOI: 10.1177/19375867211009979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To verify the effectiveness of our infection control measures based on the infection control risk assessment (ICRA) to minimize the risk of Aspergillus dispersion before, during, and after demolition work in a university hospital. BACKGROUND It is widely accepted that invasive aspergillosis is associated with construction, renovation, and demolition activities within or close to hospital sites. However, the risk is underestimated, and only limited preventive measures are taken in Japanese hospitals. METHOD The demolition process, carried out in July 2014, was supervised by our facility management in collaboration with the infection prevention team and followed an adapted ICRA tool. Dust containment measures were implemented to reduce the risk of airborne Aspergillus contamination. Air sampling was performed at four wards in the adjacent hospital buildings to assess the containment measures' effectiveness. RESULTS A high, undetermined number of colonies of bacteria and molds were detected on all outside balconies before demolition. During demolition, Aspergillus spp. was detected only in the ward closest to the demolition site. However, no case of aspergillosis was reported. The difference-in-difference analysis revealed that the interaction between the demolition activity, height of the ward, and distance of the air intake to the demolition activities resulted in a significant increase in the numbers of Aspergillus spp. CONCLUSIONS When large-scale demolition work occurs in hospital premises, Aspergillus spp. may increase in the ward where the vertical and horizontal distance of air intake from the demolition site is close, even though infection control measures based on the ICRA are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nakanishi
- Department of Public Health, Health Management and Policy, 12967Nara Medical University, Japan.,Corporate Administration Department, Research Promotion Division, 12967Nara Medical University, Japan
| | - Kei Kasahara
- Center for Infectious Diseases, 12967Nara Medical University, Japan.,Infection Control Team, 243062Nara Medical University Hospital, Japan
| | - Akira Koizumi
- Infection Control Team, 243062Nara Medical University Hospital, Japan.,Central Clinical Laboratory, 243062Nara Medical University Hospital, Japan
| | - Junko Tokutani
- Infection Control Team, 243062Nara Medical University Hospital, Japan.,Department of Nursing, 243062Nara Medical University Hospital, Japan
| | - Shingo Yoshihara
- Department of Public Health, Health Management and Policy, 12967Nara Medical University, Japan.,Center for Infectious Diseases, 12967Nara Medical University, Japan
| | - Keiichi Mikasa
- Center for Infectious Diseases, 12967Nara Medical University, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Imamura
- Department of Public Health, Health Management and Policy, 12967Nara Medical University, Japan
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29
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López-Lorenzo G, López-Novo C, Prieto A, Díaz P, Panadero R, Rodríguez-Vega V, Morrondo P, Fernández G, Díaz-Cao JM. Monitoring of porcine circovirus type 2 infection through air and surface samples in vaccinated and unvaccinated fattening farms. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1108-1117. [PMID: 33711193 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Air and surfaces of swine farms are the two alternative samples to obtain information about the health status of the herd. The aim of this study was to assess air and surface sampling for the detection of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in vaccinated and unvaccinated fattening farms, studying the relationship between the viral load in these samples with the viremia at herd level. Three swine fattening batches (one unvaccinated; two vaccinated) were monitored at 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 weeks old; at each stage, blood, air and different surfaces were sampled and analysed by qPCR. In all herds, PCV2 was detected in all types of samples. Whenever viremia was detected, PCV2 was also detected in air and surface samples, even in those cases with a low estimated prevalence (1.6%); moreover, in two out of the three herds, PCV2 was detected in air and surface samples earlier than in the blood of the sampled population. In addition, a good correlation between the viremia of pig population and the PCV2 load in air and surface samples was found in both cases (τ = 0.672 and 0.746, respectively; p <0.05). These results show that air and surface samples could be useful tools to monitor PCV2 infection, being suitable for detecting the virus in cases of low prevalence and even before pigs develop viremia; therefore, these sampling techniques would speed up the implementation of the required measures to prevent productive and economic losses due to PCV2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo López-Lorenzo
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Cynthia López-Novo
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Alberto Prieto
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Rosario Panadero
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | | | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Fernández
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - José Manuel Díaz-Cao
- Department of Animal Pathology (INVESAGA Group), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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Choi YW, Sunderman MM, McCauley MW, Richter WR, Willenberg ZJ, Wood J, Serre S, Mickelsen L, Willison S, Rupert R, Muñiz Ortiz JG, Casey S, Calfee MW. Formaldehyde Vapor Characteristics in Varied Decontamination Environments. Appl Biosaf 2021; 26:33-41. [PMID: 34017220 DOI: 10.1089/apb.21.926968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This effort investigated formaldehyde vapor characteristics under various environmental conditions by the analyses of air samples collected over a time-course. This knowledge will help responders achieve desired formaldehyde exposure parameters for decontamination of affected spaces after a biological contamination incident. Methods Prescribed masses of paraformaldehyde and formalin were sublimated or evaporated, respectively, to generate formaldehyde vapor. Adsorbent cartridges were used to collect air samples from the test chamber at predetermined times. A validated method was used to extract the cartridges and analyze for formaldehyde via liquid chromatography. In addition, material demand for the formaldehyde was evaluated by inclusion of arrays of Plexiglas panels in the test chamber to determine the impact of varied surface areas within the test chamber. Temperature was controlled with a circulating water bath connected to a radiator and fan inside the chamber. Relative humidity was controlled with humidity fixed-point salt solutions and water vapor generated from evaporated water. Results Low temperature trials (approximately 10°C) resulted in decreased formaldehyde air concentrations throughout the 48-hour time-course when compared with formaldehyde concentrations in the ambient temperature trials (approximately 22°C). The addition of clear Plexiglas panels to increase the surface area of the test chamber interior resulted in appreciable decreases of formaldehyde air concentration when compared to an empty test chamber. Conclusion This work has shown that environmental variables and surface-to-volume ratios in the decontaminated space may affect the availability of formaldehyde in the air and, therefore, may affect decontamination effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph Wood
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Shannon Serre
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Leroy Mickelsen
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Rich Rupert
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Sara Casey
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, CBRN Recovery Team, Stafford, UK
| | - M Worth Calfee
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Rufino de Sousa N, Shen L, Silcott D, Call CJ, Rothfuchs AG. Operative and Technical Modifications to the Coriolis® µ Air Sampler That Improve Sample Recovery and Biosafety During Microbiological Air Sampling. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 64:852-865. [PMID: 32469054 PMCID: PMC7544001 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting infectious aerosols is central for gauging and countering airborne threats. In this regard, the Coriolis® µ cyclonic air sampler is a practical, commercial collector that can be used with various analysis methods to monitor pathogens in air. However, information on how to operate this unit under optimal sampling and biosafety conditions is limited. We investigated Coriolis performance in aerosol dispersal experiments with polystyrene microspheres and Bacillus globigii spores. We report inconsistent sample recovery from the collector cone due to loss of material when sampling continuously for more than 30 min. Introducing a new collector cone every 10 min improved this shortcoming. Moreover, we found that several surfaces on the device become contaminated during sampling. Adapting a high efficiency particulate air-filter system to the Coriolis prevented contamination without altering collection efficiency or tactical deployment. A Coriolis modified with these operative and technical improvements was used to collect aerosols carrying microspheres released inside a Biosafety Level-3 laboratory during simulations of microbiological spills and aerosol dispersals. In summary, we provide operative and technical solutions to the Coriolis that optimize microbiological air sampling and improve biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Rufino de Sousa
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lei Shen
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Antonio Gigliotti Rothfuchs
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Ong SWX, Tan YK, Coleman KK, Tan BH, Leo YS, Wang DL, Ng CG, Ng OT, Wong MSY, Marimuthu K. Lack of viable severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among PCR-positive air samples from hospital rooms and community isolation facilities. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021;:1-6. [PMID: 33487210 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the extent of aerosol-based transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is important for tailoring interventions for control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Multiple studies have reported the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in air samples, but only one study has successfully recovered viable virus, although it is limited by its small sample size. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the extent of shedding of viable SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory aerosols from COVID-19 patients. METHODS In this observational air sampling study, air samples from airborne-infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) and a community isolation facility (CIF) housing COVID-19 patients were collected using a water vapor condensation method into liquid collection media. Samples were tested for presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and qRT-PCR-positive samples were tested for viability using viral culture. RESULTS Samples from 6 (50%) of the 12 sampling cycles in hospital rooms were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, including aerosols ranging from <1 µm to >4 µm in diameter. Of 9 samples from the CIF, 1 was positive via qRT-PCR. Viral RNA concentrations ranged from 179 to 2,738 ORF1ab gene copies per cubic meter of air. Virus cultures were negative after 4 blind passages. CONCLUSION Although SARS-CoV-2 is readily captured in aerosols, virus culture remains challenging despite optimized sampling methodologies to preserve virus viability. Further studies on aerosol-based transmission and control of SARS-CoV-2 are needed.
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Hoorfar J, Koláčková I, Johannessen GS, Garofolo G, Marotta F, Wieczorek K, Osek J, Torp M, Spilsberg B, Sekse C, Thornval NR, Karpíšková R. A Multicenter Proposal for a Fast Tool To Screen Biosecure Chicken Flocks for the Foodborne Pathogen Campylobacter. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:e01051-20. [PMID: 32769183 DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01051-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present multicenter study aimed at assessing the performance of air sampling as a novel method for monitoring Campylobacter in biosecure poultry farms. We compared, using a harmonized procedure, the bacteriological isolation protocol (ISO 10272-1:2017) and a real-time PCR method used on air filter samples. Air samples and boot swabs were collected from 62 biosecure flocks from five European countries during the summer of 2019. For air filters, the frequency of PCR-positive findings was significantly higher (n = 36; 58%) than that obtained with the cultivation methods (P < 0.01; standardized residuals). The cultivation protocols (one with Bolton enrichment and one with Preston enrichment) were comparable to each other but returned fewer positive samples (0 to 8%). The association between type of sample and frequency of PCR-positive findings was statistically confirmed (P < 0.01; Fisher´s exact test), although no culture-positive air filters were detected using direct plating. For the boot swabs, the highest number of positive samples were detected after enrichment in Preston broth (n = 23; 37%), followed by direct plating after homogenization in Preston (n = 21; 34%) or Bolton broth (n = 20; 32%). It is noteworthy that the flocks in Norway, a country known to have low Campylobacter prevalence in biosecure chicken flocks, tested negative for Campylobacter by the new sensitive approach. In conclusion, air sampling combined with real-time PCR is proposed as a multipurpose, low-cost, and convenient screening method that can be up to four times faster and four times more sensitive than the current boot-swab testing scheme used for screening biosecure chicken production.IMPORTANCE Campylobacter bacteria are the cause of the vast majority of registered cases of foodborne illness in the industrialized world. In fact, the bacteria caused 246,571 registered cases of foodborne illness in 2018, which equates to 70% of all registered cases in Europe that year. An important tool to prevent campylobacters from making people sick is good data on where in the food chain the bacterium is present. The present study reports a new test method that quadruples the likelihood of identifying campylobacter-positive chicken flocks. It is important to identify campylobacter-positive flocks before they arrive at the slaughterhouse, because negative flocks can be slaughtered first in order to avoid cross-contamination along the production line.
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Harper M. Recent Advances in Occupational Exposure Assessment of Aerosols. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E6820. [PMID: 32962023 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure science is underpinned by characterization (measurement) of exposures. In this article, six recent advances in exposure characterization by sampling and analysis are reviewed as tools in the occupational exposure assessment of aerosols. Three advances discussed in detail are (1) recognition and inclusion of sampler wall deposits; (2) development of a new sampling and analytical procedure for respirable crystalline silica that allows non-destructive field analysis at the end of the sampling period; and (3) development of a new sampler to collect the portion of sub-300 nm aerodynamic diameter particles that would deposit in human airways. Three additional developments are described briefly: (4) a size-selective aerosol sampler that allows the collection of multiple physiologically-relevant size fractions; (5) a miniaturized pump and versatile sampling head to meet multiple size-selective sampling criteria; and (6) a novel method of sampling bioaerosols including viruses while maintaining viability. These recent developments are placed in the context of the historical evolution in sampling and analytical developments from 1900 to the present day. While these are not the only advances in exposure characterization, or exposure assessment techniques, they provide an illustration of how technological advances are adding more tools to our toolkit. The review concludes with a number of recommended areas for future research, including expansion of real-time and end-of-shift on-site measurement, development of samplers that operate at higher flow-rates to ensure measurement at lowered limit values, and development of procedures that accurately distinguish aerosol and vapor phases of semi-volatile substances.
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35
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Lednicky JA, Shankar SN, Elbadry MA, Gibson JC, Alam MM, Stephenson CJ, Eiguren-Fernandez A, Morris JG, Mavian CN, Salemi M, Clugston JR, Wu CY. Collection of SARS-CoV-2 Virus from the Air of a Clinic Within a University Student Health Care Center and Analyses of the Viral Genomic Sequence. Aerosol Air Qual Res 2020; 20:1167-1171. [PMID: 33424954 DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.2020.05.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The progression of COVID-19 worldwide can be tracked by identifying mutations within the genomic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 that occur as a function of time. Such efforts currently rely on sequencing the genome of SARS-CoV-2 in patient specimens (direct sequencing) or of virus isolated from patient specimens in cell cultures. A pilot SARS-CoV-2 air sampling study conducted at a clinic within a university student health care center detected the virus vRNA, with an estimated concentration of 0.87 virus genomes L-1 air. To determine whether the virus detected was viable ('live'), attempts were made to isolate the virus in cell cultures. Virus-induced cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed within two days post-inoculation of Vero E6 cells with collection media from air samples; however, rtRT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 vRNA from cell culture were negative. Instead, three other fast-growing human respiratory viruses were isolated and subsequently identified, illustrating the challenge in isolating SARS-CoV-2 when multiple viruses are present in a test sample. The complete SAR-CoV-2 genomic sequence was nevertheless determined by Sanger sequencing and most closely resembles SARS-CoV-2 genomes previously described in Georgia, USA. Results of this study illustrate the feasibility of tracking progression of the COVID-19 pandemic using environmental aerosol samples instead of human specimens. Collection of a positive sample from a distance more than 2 m away from the nearest patient traffic implies the virus was in an aerosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | | | - Maha A Elbadry
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | - Julia C Gibson
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | - Md Mahbubul Alam
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | - Caroline J Stephenson
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | | | - J Glenn Morris
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
- College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Carla N Mavian
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Marco Salemi
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - James R Clugston
- Student Health Care Center, University of Florida
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida
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36
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Lednicky JA, Shankar SN, Elbadry MA, Gibson JC, Alam MM, Stephenson CJ, Eiguren-Fernandez A, Morris JG, Mavian CN, Salemi M, Clugston JR, Wu CY. Collection of SARS-CoV-2 Virus from the Air of a Clinic Within a University Student Health Care Center and Analyses of the Viral Genomic Sequence. Aerosol Air Qual Res 2020; 20:1167-1171. [PMID: 33424954 PMCID: PMC7792982 DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.2020.02.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The progression of COVID-19 worldwide can be tracked by identifying mutations within the genomic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 that occur as a function of time. Such efforts currently rely on sequencing the genome of SARS-CoV-2 in patient specimens (direct sequencing) or of virus isolated from patient specimens in cell cultures. A pilot SARS-CoV-2 air sampling study conducted at a clinic within a university student health care center detected the virus vRNA, with an estimated concentration of 0.87 virus genomes L-1 air. To determine whether the virus detected was viable ('live'), attempts were made to isolate the virus in cell cultures. Virus-induced cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed within two days post-inoculation of Vero E6 cells with collection media from air samples; however, rtRT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 vRNA from cell culture were negative. Instead, three other fast-growing human respiratory viruses were isolated and subsequently identified, illustrating the challenge in isolating SARS-CoV-2 when multiple viruses are present in a test sample. The complete SAR-CoV-2 genomic sequence was nevertheless determined by Sanger sequencing and most closely resembles SARS-CoV-2 genomes previously described in Georgia, USA. Results of this study illustrate the feasibility of tracking progression of the COVID-19 pandemic using environmental aerosol samples instead of human specimens. Collection of a positive sample from a distance more than 2 m away from the nearest patient traffic implies the virus was in an aerosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | | | - Maha A. Elbadry
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | - Julia C. Gibson
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | - Md. Mahbubul Alam
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | - Caroline J. Stephenson
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
| | | | - J. Glenn Morris
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
- College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Carla N. Mavian
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Marco Salemi
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - James R. Clugston
- Student Health Care Center, University of Florida
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida
- Corresponding author: University of Florida, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, Tel: 353-392-0845, Fax: 352-392-3076,
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Mendy A, Metwali N, Perry SS, Chrischilles EA, Wang K, Thorne PS. Household endotoxin reduction in the Louisa Environmental Intervention Project for rural childhood asthma. Indoor Air 2020; 30:88-97. [PMID: 31605641 PMCID: PMC7889405 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Endotoxin exacerbates asthma. We designed the Louisa Environmental Intervention Project (LEIP) and assessed its effectiveness in reducing household endotoxin and improving asthma symptoms in rural Iowa children. Asthmatic school children (N = 104 from 89 homes) of Louisa and Keokuk counties in Iowa (aged 5-14 years) were recruited and block-randomized to receive extensive (education + professional cleaning) or educational interventions. Environmental sampling collection and respiratory survey administration were done at baseline and during three follow-up visits. Mixed-model analyses were used to assess the effect of the intervention on endotoxin levels and asthma symptoms in the main analysis and of endotoxin reduction on asthma symptoms in exploratory analysis. In the extensive intervention group, dust endotoxin load was significantly reduced in post-intervention visits. The extensive compared with the educational intervention was associated with significantly decreased dust endotoxin load in farm homes and less frequent nighttime asthma symptoms. In exploratory analysis, dust endotoxin load reduction from baseline was associated with lower total asthma symptoms score (Odds ratio: 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.92). In conclusion, the LEIP intervention reduced household dust endotoxin and improved asthma symptoms. However, endotoxin reductions were not sustained post-intervention by residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelico Mendy
- Departments of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Departments of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Sarah S Perry
- Departments of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Kai Wang
- Departments of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Departments of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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Lees AK, Roberts DM, Lynott J, Sullivan L, Brierley JL. Real-Time PCR and LAMP Assays for the Detection of Spores of Alternaria solani and Sporangia of Phytophthora infestans to Inform Disease Risk Forecasting. Plant Dis 2019; 103:3172-3180. [PMID: 31657996 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-04-19-0765-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the detection of sporangia of the causal pathogen of late blight, Phytophthora infestans, and spores of the main causal pathogen of early blight, Alternaria solani, were developed to facilitate the in-field detection of airborne inoculum to improve disease forecasting. These assays were compared with an existing real-time PCR assay for P. infestans and a newly developed real-time PCR assay for A. solani. Primers were designed for real-time LAMP of P. infestans and A. solani. The specificity of the P. infestans real-time LAMP assay was similar to that of an existing real-time PCR assay: DNA of P. infestans was consistently amplified as was DNA of the taxonomically closely related species Phytophthora mirabilis, Phytophthora phaseoli, and Phytophthora ipomoea; no amplification of DNA from the potato pathogens Phytophthora erythroseptica or Phytophthora nicotianae occurred. Real-time LAMP and PCR assays were developed for A. solani, and the specificity was compared with an existing conventional PCR assay. Importantly, the A. solani real-time LAMP and PCR assays did not amplify the species Alternaria alternata. However, cross-reactivity with Alternaria dauci was observed with the real-time PCR assay and Alternaria brassicae with the real-time LAMP assay. The sensitivity of all assays for the detection of DNA extracted from sporangia/spores of the target pathogens was evaluated. The P. infestans real-time LAMP assay reliably detected 5 pg of DNA, equivalent to ∼1 sporangia per reaction. By comparison, 20 fg of DNA was detectable with the existing real-time PCR assay. In the case of A. solani, real-time LAMP detected 4.4 pg of DNA, equivalent to ∼1 spore per reaction, and real-time PCR detected 200 fg of DNA. In-field air samplers were deployed in two trial plots planted with potato: one infected with P. infestans, and the other infected with A. solani. Four additional samplers were located in commercial potato fields. Air samples were taken through the season, and detection of airborne inoculum of P. infestans and A. solani with both real-time PCR and LAMP was assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Lees
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
| | - D M Roberts
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
| | - J Lynott
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
| | - L Sullivan
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
| | - J L Brierley
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
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Chen YC, Kuo SF, Wang HC, Wu CJ, Lin YS, Li WS, Lee CH. Azole resistance in Aspergillus species in Southern Taiwan: An epidemiological surveillance study. Mycoses 2019; 62:1174-1181. [PMID: 31549427 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Poor clinical outcomes for invasive aspergillosis are associated with antifungal resistance. Performing antifungal susceptibility tests on clinically relevant Aspergillus isolates from patients and environmental regions with known azole resistance is recommended. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of azole resistance in clinical Aspergillus spp. isolates and those from hospital environments and farmlands within a 40 km radius of the hospital. Clinical Aspergillus spp. isolates were cultured, as well as environmental Aspergillus spp. isolates obtained from air samples. Samples were subcultured in azole-containing agar plates. Isolates with a positive screening test were subjected to YeastOne methods to determine their minimum inhibitory concentrations of antifungals. Resistance mechanisms were investigated in the azole-resistant Aspergillus spp. isolates. No azole-resistant clinical or environmental A flavus, A oryaze, A niger or A terreus isolates were found in the present study. All A fumigatus clinical isolates were azole-susceptible. Seven A fumigatus environmental isolates were associated with cyp51A mutations, including two that harboured TR34 /L98H mutations with S297T/F495I substitutions, two with TR34 /L98H mutations and three with TR46 /Y121F/T289A mutations. One of these isolates was collected from farmland, one was from A ward and five were from B ward. The proportion of azole-resistant A fumigatus was 10.2% (6/59) and 3.2% (1/31) in the hospital environments and the farmlands near the hospital, respectively. The results showed that azole-resistant A fumigatus existed within hospital environments. This emphasises the importance of periodic surveillance in hospital environments and monitoring for the emergence of azole-resistant A fumigatus clinical isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fang Kuo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Chen Wang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jung Wu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Shiou Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Sin Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsiang Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Zendehdel R, Goli F, Hajibabaei M. Comparing the microbial inhibition of nanofibres with multi-metal ion exchanged nano-zeolite Y in air sampling. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 128:202-208. [PMID: 31536673 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Fibre membranes containing metals have attracted great attention because of their high antibacterial efficiency. However, comparison of antibacterial activity of fibres with multi-metals in air samples has remained understudied. METHODS AND RESULTS Different ion exchanged nano-zeolite Y (IE-NZY) of Ag, Zn and Cu was studied. Polyvinylpyrrolidine/polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibres containing various IE-NZY were synthesized according to electrospinning technique. The presence of metal ions was confirmed using XRF. The morphological properties of nanofibres were characterized by SEM. Zone of inhibition was seen between 10·1 and 12 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 11·5-14·57 for Escherichia coli. IE-NZY containing Ag, Zn and Cu had the highest antibacterial efficiency. In the air samples, there were any colonies on the media under the Ag/Cu-NZY and Zn/Cu/Ag-NZY nanofibres. CONCLUSIONS The bacterial inhibition for nanofibres containing a three metal nano-zeolite Y (TM-NZY) is higher than bimetals (BM-NZY) types while for monometals nano-zeolite Y (MM-NZY), it was lower compared to the others. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results indicate significant antibacterial activity of ion-exchanged NZY in air sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Zendehdel
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Goli
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, School of Public Health, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
| | - M Hajibabaei
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Hygiene, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Partovi E, Bahrami A, AfKhami A, Ghorbani Shahna F, Ghamari F, Farhadian M. Development of Membrane Hollow Fiber for Determination of Maleic Anhydride in Ambient Air as a Field Sampler. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 63:797-805. [PMID: 31278410 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This research develops a rapid method for sampling and analysis of maleic anhydride (MA) in air using a one-step hollow fiber (HF) membrane in the liquid phase followed by high-performance liquid chromatography. A sampling chamber was prepared for sampling of MA with HF-supported de-ionized water absorbency. Several important parameters, such as sampling flow rate, sampling time, and breakthrough volume (BTV), were optimized at different concentrations using a central composite design. The results showed that sampling could be performed at the maximum period of 4 h with a flow rate of 1 mL min-1 for different concentrations (in the range of 0.05-2 mg m-3). The BTV was 240 mL. The relative standard deviations for the repeatability of interday and intraday were 7-10%, 10%, respectively, and the pooled standard deviation was 0.088. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation values were 0.033 and 0.060 mg m-3, respectively. Moreover, our findings revealed that the samples could be stored in sealed HF flexible plastic tubes in a cover at refrigerator temperature (4°C) for up to 7 days. The HF method was compared with method number 3512 National Institute Occupational Safety and Health for determination of MA. There was a good correlation (R2 = 0.99) between the two methods at a concentration of 0.05 to 2 mg m-3 in the laboratory and the average concentration of MA for both methods was 0.11 mg m-3 in the ambient air at an adhesive manufacturer. Our findings indicated that the proposed HF can act as a reliable, rapid, and effective approach for sampling of MA in workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Partovi
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdulrahman Bahrami
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abbas AfKhami
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Farshid Ghorbani Shahna
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Farhad Ghamari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Maryam Farhadian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Tseng CC, Chang DC, Chang KC. Development of a Biocontrol Method Applying Bacteriophage-Containing Aerosol against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Using the Bacteriophage BTCU-1 and M. smegmatis as Models. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7080237. [PMID: 31382591 PMCID: PMC6722745 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7080237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of bacteriophages for biocontrol has attracted increasing attention. Here, we applied ϕBTCU-1 as a model phage to develop a method for controlling Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) by using a bacteriophage-containing aerosol in a chamber study. The soil-isolated ϕBTCU-1 can infect both MTB and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Our study used M. smegmatis as an MTB surrogate for safety reasons. Among all the evaluated air samplers, the Andersen impactor was chosen to evaluate the bactericidal efficiency of ϕBTCU-1 against M. smegmatis since the recovery rates of the Andersen impactor were 1.5 to 10.6 times higher than those of sampling filters. When airborne ϕBTCU-1 with the highest concentration of 109 PFU/m3 challenged M. smegmatis (105 CFU/m3) for 10 s, no M. smegmatis colony was recovered from the culture medium. For surface decontamination, no colony of M. smegmatis, which started at 1000 CFU/plate (63.6 cm2), was recovered when exposed to higher ϕBTCU-1 concentrations (>109 PFU/m3) for 60 min. Bacteriophages may be useful for reducing MTB contamination in the air or on hard surfaces. The method we have established suggests that the biocontrol method may be an alternative approach or may be combined with other disinfection methods to prevent MTB infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chieh Tseng
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97071, Taiwan.
| | - Dan Chi Chang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97071, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chih Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97071, Taiwan
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Cristofanelli P, Busetto M, Ronchi E, Miatto P, Marinoni A, Calzolari F, Bonasoni P, Tagliafico LA. New "Smart" Systems for Atmospheric Aerosol and Reactive Gas Sampling in Ambient Air. Sensors (Basel) 2018; 18:s18113602. [PMID: 30360572 PMCID: PMC6263473 DOI: 10.3390/s18113602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays a recognized need for accurate observations of atmospheric aerosols (AEs) and reactive gases (RGs) exists in the framework of regional, national and global near-surface networks based on permanent or mobile measurement stations. In this context, a paramount and not-trivial issue is related to the correct execution of continuous sampling of ambient air and its subsequent distribution to measurement analyzers hosted inside the stations. Sampling artifacts must be minimized for obtaining reliable pictures of ambient air composition. To respond to this need, a suite of novel “smart” and relatively low-cost systems for the continuous sampling of ambient air was developed in the framework of the 2012–2015 I-AMICA Project. These systems were designed to execute AE and RG measurements according with WMO/GAW and ACTRIS recommendations and standard operation procedures. A particular attention was dedicated to the stabilization and control of the sampling flow rates and temperatures. The analysis of one full year of operations at the WMO/GAW regional station of Capo Granitola (GAW ID: CGR, Italy), allowed to conclude that these systems are effective in meeting the technical requirements for correct execution of AE and RG measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cristofanelli
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Science and Climate, Via Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Busetto
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Science and Climate, Via Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy.
- Maurizio Busetto, Via Martucci, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Enrico Ronchi
- LEN srl, Via Sant' Andrea di Rovereto 33 CS, I-16043 Chiavari (GE), Italy.
| | - Paolo Miatto
- LEN srl, Via Sant' Andrea di Rovereto 33 CS, I-16043 Chiavari (GE), Italy.
| | - Angela Marinoni
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Science and Climate, Via Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francescopiero Calzolari
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Science and Climate, Via Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Bonasoni
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Science and Climate, Via Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luca A Tagliafico
- DIME, University of Genoa, Via all'Opera Pia, 15, I-16145 Genova (GE), Italy.
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Kenessov B, Koziel JA, Baimatova N, Demyanenko OP, Derbissalin M. Optimization of Time-Weighted Average Air Sampling by Solid-Phase Microextraction Fibers Using Finite Element Analysis Software. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23112736. [PMID: 30360543 PMCID: PMC6278546 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Determination of time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is advantageous over other sampling techniques, but is often characterized by insufficient accuracies, particularly at longer sampling times. Experimental investigation of this issue and disclosing the origin of the problem is problematic and often not practically feasible due to high uncertainties. This research is aimed at developing the model of the TWA extraction process and optimization of TWA air sampling by SPME using finite element analysis software (COMSOL Multiphysics, Burlington, MA, USA). It was established that sampling by porous SPME coatings with high affinity to analytes is affected by slow diffusion of analytes inside the coating, an increase of their concentrations in the air near the fiber tip due to equilibration, and eventual lower sampling rate. The increase of a fiber retraction depth (Z) resulted in better recoveries. Sampling of studied VOCs using 23 ga Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (Car/PDMS) assembly at maximum possible Z (40 mm) was proven to provide more accurate results. Alternative sampling configuration based on 78.5 × 0.75 mm internal diameter SPME liner was proven to provide similar accuracy at improved detection limits. Its modification with the decreased internal diameter from the sampling side should provide even better recoveries. The results obtained can be used to develop a more accurate analytical method for determination of TWA concentrations of VOCs in air using SPME. The developed model can be used to simulate sampling of other environments (process gases, water) by retracted SPME fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulat Kenessov
- Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan.
| | - Jacek A Koziel
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Nassiba Baimatova
- Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan.
| | - Olga P Demyanenko
- Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan.
| | - Miras Derbissalin
- Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan.
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Tseng CC, Yu PY, Liou JW, Chang KC. Altered susceptibility to air sampling stress by filtration is related to colistin resistance development in Acinetobacter baumannii. Indoor Air 2018; 28:732-743. [PMID: 29943860 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The accurate quantification of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in indoor air has recently attracted increasing attention. Here, we investigated whether the susceptibility of a nosocomial infection-related microbe, Acinetobacter baumannii, to strong sampling stress caused by Nuclepore filter changes as it develops resistance to a drug called colistin. Both colistin-sensitive A. baumannii (CSAB) and colistin-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) are generally desiccation-resistant strains that can be collected by filter sampling. However, the resistance of CRAB to the three combined stresses (aerosolization, impaction, and desiccation) caused by filter sampling was 1.8 times lower than that of CSAB (P < 0.05). The sampling stresses caused by filter sampling not only reduced the culturability of A. baumannii but also destroyed proteins to result in cellular protein leakage. CRAB released 17%-38% more extracellular protein than did CSAB when they were both subjected to desiccation stress for 240 minutes (P < 0.01). The combination of using a sampling flow rate of 20 L/min and sampling for 60 minutes with a Nuclepore filter with open-face cassettes (OFCs) is recommended for collecting airborne A. baumannii. A Nuclepore filter operated with closed-face cassettes (CFCs) significantly decreased the culturability of CRAB due to desiccation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chieh Tseng
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ying Yu
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Je-Wen Liou
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chih Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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46
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Jankovic J, Zontek TL, Moore M, Ogle BR, Hollenbeck S. Preferred sampler inlet configurations for collection of aerosolized nano-scale materials. Int J Occup Environ Health 2018; 24:1-6. [PMID: 29902943 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2018.1484995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the lack of standard industrial hygiene sampling protocols for collection of nano-scale materials, sampling inlet device selection is left to individual researchers and professionals. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare nano-scale aspiration efficiency for common inlet configurations with that of an open-ended sampler tube that is a commonly used inlet for direct reading instruments such as a condensation particle counter. METHODS A polydisperse aerosol was generated using an electric motor as the aerosol source. Typical aerosols generated by this method produced particles with geometric mean mobility diameters of approximately 30 nm with geometric standard deviations of approximately 2. Comparison of raw particle counts in size ranges measured with a scanning mobility particle analyzer was made by determining the fractional difference between the selected inlet and that of the open-ended tube. RESULTS Particle size distributions were nearly identical for all inlet types. The same held true for numbers of particles collected with the exception that the needle inlet was highly variable. CONCLUSIONS When completing air monitoring for nano-scale materials, inlets on most collection devices (filters, tubing) do not impact aspiration efficiency. This means that it is not necessary to match inlet configurations when using multiple methods to collect and analyze nano-scale materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jankovic
- a Integrated Research Operations , Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences , Oak Ridge , TN , USA
| | - Tracy L Zontek
- b School of Health Sciences , Western Carolina University , Cullowhee , NC , USA
| | - Megan Moore
- c School of Public Health , University of Alabama - Birmingham , Birmingham , AL , USA
| | - Burton R Ogle
- b School of Health Sciences , Western Carolina University , Cullowhee , NC , USA
| | - Scott Hollenbeck
- a Integrated Research Operations , Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences , Oak Ridge , TN , USA
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47
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Tang JW, Hoyle E, Moran S, Pareek M. Near-Patient Sampling to Assist Infection Control-A Case Report and Discussion. Int J Environ Res 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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48
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Chang CJ, Cheng SF, Chang PT, Tsai SW. Indoor air quality in hairdressing salons in Taipei. Indoor Air 2018; 28:173-180. [PMID: 28779498 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To improve indoor air quality and to protect public health, Taiwan has enacted the "Indoor Air Quality Act (IAQ Act)" in 2012. For the general public, the indoor air quality in hair salons is important because it is a popular location that people will often visit for hair treatments. However, only a few exposure assessments regarding air pollutants have previously been performed in hair salons. To assess the air quality of hairdressing environments in Taipei, ten hairdressing salons were included for a walk-through survey in this study. In addition, the airborne concentrations of formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO2 , and phthalate esters were also determined in 5 salons. Charcoal, XAD-2, and OVS-Tenax tubes were used for the air sampling, while the samples were analyzed with gas chromatography/mass spectrometer. It was found that the products used in hair salons contained various chemicals. In fact, from the walk-through survey, a total of 387 different ingredients were found on 129 hair product labels. The hair salons were not well ventilated, with CO2 levels of 600 to 3576 ppm. The formaldehyde concentrations determined in this study ranged from 12.40 to 1.04 × 103 μg m-3 , and the maximum level was above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US OSHA). Additionally, 83% of the samples were with levels higher than the standard regulated by Taiwan's IAQ Act. The concentrations of VOCs and phthalate esters were below the occupational exposure limits (OELs), but higher than what was found in general residential environments. The hair products were considered as the major source of air pollutants because significantly higher concentrations were found around the working areas. The number of perming treatments, the number of workers, and the frequency of using formaldehyde releasing products, were found to be associated with the levels of formaldehyde. This study indicates that efforts are needed to improve the indoor air quality in hairdressing salons in Taipei.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-J Chang
- Institute of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S-F Cheng
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, Sijhih,Taipei, Taiwan
| | - P-T Chang
- Institute of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S-W Tsai
- Institute of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
Peracetic acid (PAA) is a corrosive chemical with a pungent odor, which is extensively used in occupational settings and causes various health hazards in exposed workers. Currently, there is no US government agency recommended method that could be applied universally for the sampling and analysis of PAA. Legacy methods for determining airborne PAA vapor levels frequently suffered from cross-reactivity with other chemicals, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Therefore, to remove the confounding factor of cross-reactivity, a new viable, sensitive method was developed for assessment of PAA exposure levels, based on the differential reaction kinetics of PAA with methyl p-tolylsulfide (MTS), relative to H2O2, to preferentially derive methyl p-tolysulfoxide (MTSO). By quantifying MTSO concentration produced in the liquid capture solution from an air sampler, using an internal standard, and utilizing the reaction stoichiometry of PAA and MTS, the original airborne concentration of PAA is determined. After refining this liquid trap high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method in the laboratory, it was tested in five workplace settings where PAA products were used. PAA levels ranged from the detection limit of 0.013 parts per million (ppm) to 0.4 ppm. The results indicate a viable and potentially dependable method to assess the concentrations of PAA vapors under occupational exposure scenarios, though only a small number of field measurements were taken while field testing this method. However, the low limit of detection and precision offered by this method makes it a strong candidate for further testing and validation to expand the uses of this liquid trap HPLC method.
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50
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Uhrbrand K, Koponen IK, Schultz AC, Madsen AM. Evaluation of air samplers and filter materials for collection and recovery of airborne norovirus. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 124:990-1000. [PMID: 28921812 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to identify the most efficient sampling method for quantitative PCR-based detection of airborne human norovirus (NoV). METHODS AND RESULTS A comparative experiment was conducted in an aerosol chamber using aerosolized murine norovirus (MNV) as a surrogate for NoV. Sampling was performed using a nylon (NY) filter in conjunction with four kinds of personal samplers: Gesamtstaubprobenahme sampler (GSP), Triplex-cyclone sampler (TC), 3-piece closed-faced Millipore cassette (3P) and a 2-stage NIOSH cyclone sampler (NIO). In addition, sampling was performed using the GSP sampler with four different filter types: NY, polycarbonate (PC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and gelatine (GEL). The sampling efficiency of MNV was significantly influenced by both sampler and filter type. The GSP sampler was found to give significantly (P < 0·05) higher recovery of aerosolized MNV than 3P and NIO. A higher recovery was also found for GSP compared with TC, albeit not significantly. Finally, recovery of aerosolized MNV was significantly (P < 0·05) higher using NY than PC, PTFE and GEL filters. CONCLUSIONS The GSP sampler combined with a nylon filter was found to be the best method for personal filter-based sampling of airborne NoV. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The identification of a suitable NoV air sampler is an important step towards studying the association between exposure to airborne NoV and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Uhrbrand
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Division of Microbiology and Production, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - I K Koponen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - A C Schultz
- Division of Microbiology and Production, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - A M Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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