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Tastassa AC, Sharaby Y, Lang-Yona N. Aeromicrobiology: A global review of the cycling and relationships of bioaerosols with the atmosphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168478. [PMID: 37967625 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microorganisms and biological matter (bioaerosols) play a key role in global biogeochemical cycling, human and crop health trends, and climate patterns. Their presence in the atmosphere is controlled by three main stages: emission, transport, and deposition. Aerial survival rates of bioaerosols are increased through adaptations such as ultra-violet radiation and desiccation resistance or association with particulate matter. Current research into modern concerns such as climate change, global gene transfer, and pathogenicity often neglects to consider atmospheric involvement. This comprehensive review outlines the transpiring of bioaerosols across taxa in the atmosphere, with significant focus on their interactions with environmental elements including abiotic factors (e.g., atmospheric composition, water cycle, and pollution) and events (e.g., dust storms, hurricanes, and wildfires). The aim of this review is to increase understanding and shed light on needed research regarding the interplay between global atmospheric phenomena and the aeromicrobiome. The abundantly documented bacteria and fungi are discussed in context of their cycling and human health impacts. Gaps in knowledge regarding airborne viral community, the challenges and importance of studying their composition, concentrations and survival in the air are addressed, along with understudied plant pathogenic oomycetes, and archaea cycling. Key methodologies in sampling, collection, and processing are described to provide an up-to-date picture of ameliorations in the field. We propose optimization to microbiological methods, commonly used in soil and water analysis, that adjust them to the context of aerobiology, along with other directions towards novel and necessary advancements. This review offers new perspectives into aeromicrobiology and calls for advancements in global-scale bioremediation, insights into ecology, climate change impacts, and pathogenicity transmittance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel C Tastassa
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel
| | - Yehonatan Sharaby
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel
| | - Naama Lang-Yona
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel.
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2
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Zambrana W, Boehm AB. Occurrence of Human Viruses on Fomites in the Environment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2023; 3:277-294. [PMID: 37743950 PMCID: PMC10515712 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Documenting the occurrence of viruses on fomites is crucial in determining the significance of fomite-mediated transmission and the potential use of fomites for environmental disease surveillance. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compile information on the occurrence of human viruses on fomites in the environment; we identified 134 peer-reviewed papers. We compiled sampling and measurement methods, results, quality control information, and whether virus data were compared with community health data from the papers. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate if presence of virus on fomites was associated with virus type (enveloped, nonenveloped), sampling location (healthcare setting, nonhealthcare temporary setting, nonhealthcare nontemporary setting), and area of fomite swabbed (<50, 50-100, >100 cm2). Across 275 data sets from the 134 papers, there was the most data available for Coronaviridae and from fomites at hospitals. Positivity rates, defined as the percent positive fomite samples, were low (median = 6%). Data were available on viruses from 16 different viral families, but data on viruses from 9 families had few (n < 5) data sets. Many human virus families were not identified in this review (11 families). Less than 15% of the data sets reported virus concentrations in externally valid units (viruses per area of surface), and 16% provided a quantitative comparison between virus and health data. Virus type and area swabbed were significant predictors of virus presence on fomites, and the positivity rate of data sets collected from healthcare settings and nonhealthcare nontemporary settings (e.g., individual housing) were significantly higher than those collected in nonhealthcare temporary settings (e.g., restaurants). Data from this review indicates that viruses may be present on fomites, that fomite-mediated virus transmission may occur, and that fomites may provide information on circulation of infectious diseases in the community. However, more quantitative data on diverse viruses are needed, and method reporting needs significant improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Zambrana
- Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alexandria B. Boehm
- Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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3
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Peng Y, Yao M. Quantitatively Visualizing Airborne Disease Transmission Risks of Different Exhalation Activities through CO 2 Imaging. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6865-6875. [PMID: 37074044 PMCID: PMC10124748 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Aerosol transmission has played a leading role in COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is still a poor understanding about how it is transmitted. This work was designed to study the exhaled breath flow dynamics and transmission risks under different exhaling modes. Using an infrared photography device, exhaled flow characteristics of different breathing activities, such as deep breathing, dry coughing, and laughing, together with the roles of mouth and nose were characterized by imaging CO2 flow morphologies. Both mouth and nose played an important role in the disease transmission though in the downward direction for the nose. In contrast to the trajectory commonly modeled, the exhaled airflows appeared with turbulent entrainments and obvious irregular movements, particularly the exhalations involving mouth were directed horizontal and had a higher propagation capacity and transmission risk. While the cumulative risk was high for deep breathing, those transient ones from dry coughing, yawning, and laughing were also shown to be significant. Various protective measures including masks, canteen table shields, and wearable devices were visually demonstrated to be effective for altering the exhaled flow directions. This work is useful to understanding the risk of aerosol infection and guiding the formulation of its prevention and control strategies. Experimental data also provide important information for refining model boundary conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijiao Peng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and
Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking
University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maosheng Yao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and
Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking
University, Beijing 100871, China
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4
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Aganovic A, Bi Y, Cao G, Kurnitski J, Wargocki P. Modeling the impact of indoor relative humidity on the infection risk of five respiratory airborne viruses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11481. [PMID: 35798789 PMCID: PMC9261129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
With a modified version of the Wells-Riley model, we simulated the size distribution and dynamics of five airborne viruses (measles, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, human rhinovirus, and adenovirus) emitted from a speaking person in a typical residential setting over a relative humidity (RH) range of 20-80% and air temperature of 20-25 °C. Besides the size transformation of virus-containing droplets due to evaporation, respiratory absorption, and then removal by gravitational settling, the modified model also considered the removal mechanism by ventilation. The trend and magnitude of RH impact depended on the respiratory virus. For rhinovirus and adenovirus humidifying the indoor air from 20/30 to 50% will be increasing the relative infection risk, however, this relative infection risk increase will be negligible for rhinovirus and weak for adenovirus. Humidification will have a potential benefit in decreasing the infection risk only for influenza when there is a large infection risk decrease for humidifying from 20 to 50%. Regardless of the dry solution composition, humidification will overall increase the infection risk via long-range airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Compared to humidification at a constant ventilation rate, increasing the ventilation rate to moderate levels 0.5 → 2.0 h-1 will have a more beneficial infection risk decrease for all viruses except for influenza. Increasing the ventilation rate from low values of 0.5 h-1 to higher levels of 6 h-1 will have a dominating effect on reducing the infection risk regardless of virus type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Aganovic
- Department of Automation and Process Engineering, The Arctic University of Norway-UiT, 9019, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Yang Bi
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology-NTNU, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Guangyu Cao
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology-NTNU, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jarek Kurnitski
- REHVA Technology and Research Committee, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Pawel Wargocki
- Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Copenhagen, Kgs, Denmark
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5
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Parvez MK, Parveen S. Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19). Future Virol 2022. [PMID: 35251292 PMCID: PMC8889901 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad K Parvez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, King Saud University College of Pharmacy, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shama Parveen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia Central University, New Delhi, 110025, India
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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] [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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7
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Anderson CE, Boehm AB. Transfer Rate of Enveloped and Nonenveloped Viruses between Fingerpads and Surfaces. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0121521. [PMID: 34469200 PMCID: PMC8552898 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01215-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fomites can represent a reservoir for pathogens, which may be subsequently transferred from surfaces to skin. In this study, we aim to understand how different factors (including virus type, surface type, time since last hand wash, and direction of transfer) affect virus transfer rates, defined as the fraction of virus transferred, between fingerpads and fomites. To determine this, 360 transfer events were performed with 20 volunteers using Phi6 (a surrogate for enveloped viruses), MS2 (a surrogate for nonenveloped viruses), and three clean surfaces (stainless steel, painted wood, and plastic). Considering all transfer events (all surfaces and both transfer directions combined), the mean transfer rates of Phi6 and MS2 were 0.17 and 0.26, respectively. Transfer of MS2 was significantly higher than that of Phi6 (P < 0.05). Surface type was a significant factor that affected the transfer rate of Phi6: Phi6 is more easily transferred to and from stainless steel and plastic than to and from painted wood. Direction of transfer was a significant factor affecting MS2 transfer rates: MS2 is more easily transferred from surfaces to fingerpads than from fingerpads to surfaces. Data from these virus transfer events, and subsequent transfer rate distributions, provide information that can be used to refine quantitative microbial risk assessments. This study provides a large-scale data set of transfer events with a surrogate for enveloped viruses, which extends the reach of the study to the role of fomites in the transmission of human enveloped viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE This study created a large-scale data set for the transfer of enveloped viruses between skin and surfaces. The data set produced by this study provides information on modeling the distribution of enveloped and nonenveloped virus transfer rates, which can aid in the implementation of risk assessment models in the future. Additionally, enveloped and nonenveloped viruses were applied to experimental surfaces in an equivalent matrix to avoid matrix effects, so results between different viral species can be directly compared without confounding effects of different matrices. Our results indicating how virus type, surface type, time since last hand wash, and direction of transfer affect virus transfer rates can be used in decision-making processes to lower the risk of viral infection from transmission through fomites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E. Anderson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alexandria B. Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Wang CC, Prather KA, Sznitman J, Jimenez JL, Lakdawala SS, Tufekci Z, Marr LC. Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses. Science 2021; 373:eabd9149. [PMID: 34446582 PMCID: PMC8721651 DOI: 10.1126/science.abd9149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 152.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed critical knowledge gaps in our understanding of and a need to update the traditional view of transmission pathways for respiratory viruses. The long-standing definitions of droplet and airborne transmission do not account for the mechanisms by which virus-laden respiratory droplets and aerosols travel through the air and lead to infection. In this Review, we discuss current evidence regarding the transmission of respiratory viruses by aerosols-how they are generated, transported, and deposited, as well as the factors affecting the relative contributions of droplet-spray deposition versus aerosol inhalation as modes of transmission. Improved understanding of aerosol transmission brought about by studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection requires a reevaluation of the major transmission pathways for other respiratory viruses, which will allow better-informed controls to reduce airborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia C Wang
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China.
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China
| | - Kimberly A Prather
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Josué Sznitman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Jose L Jimenez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
- Department of Chemistry and CIRES, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Seema S Lakdawala
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Zeynep Tufekci
- School of Information and Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Linsey C Marr
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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9
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Wang CC, Prather KA, Sznitman J, Jimenez JL, Lakdawala SS, Tufekci Z, Marr LC. Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses. Science 2021. [PMID: 34446582 DOI: 10.1126/science:abd9149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed critical knowledge gaps in our understanding of and a need to update the traditional view of transmission pathways for respiratory viruses. The long-standing definitions of droplet and airborne transmission do not account for the mechanisms by which virus-laden respiratory droplets and aerosols travel through the air and lead to infection. In this Review, we discuss current evidence regarding the transmission of respiratory viruses by aerosols-how they are generated, transported, and deposited, as well as the factors affecting the relative contributions of droplet-spray deposition versus aerosol inhalation as modes of transmission. Improved understanding of aerosol transmission brought about by studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection requires a reevaluation of the major transmission pathways for other respiratory viruses, which will allow better-informed controls to reduce airborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia C Wang
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China.
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China
| | - Kimberly A Prather
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Josué Sznitman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Jose L Jimenez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
- Department of Chemistry and CIRES, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Seema S Lakdawala
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Zeynep Tufekci
- School of Information and Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Linsey C Marr
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 804, Republic of China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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10
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Hippee CE, Singh BK, Thurman AL, Cooney AL, Pezzulo AA, Cattaneo R, Sinn PL. Measles virus exits human airway epithelia within dislodged metabolically active infectious centers. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009458. [PMID: 34383863 PMCID: PMC8384213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Measles virus (MeV) is the most contagious human virus. Unlike most respiratory viruses, MeV does not directly infect epithelial cells upon entry in a new host. MeV traverses the epithelium within immune cells that carry it to lymphatic organs where amplification occurs. Infected immune cells then synchronously deliver large amounts of virus to the airways. However, our understanding of MeV replication in airway epithelia is limited. To model it, we use well-differentiated primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells (HAE) from lung donors. In HAE, MeV spreads directly cell-to-cell forming infectious centers that grow for ~3–5 days, are stable for a few days, and then disappear. Transepithelial electrical resistance remains intact during the entire course of HAE infection, thus we hypothesized that MeV infectious centers may dislodge while epithelial function is preserved. After documenting by confocal microscopy that infectious centers progressively detach from HAE, we recovered apical washes and separated cell-associated from cell-free virus by centrifugation. Virus titers were about 10 times higher in the cell-associated fraction than in the supernatant. In dislodged infectious centers, ciliary beating persisted, and apoptotic markers were not readily detected, suggesting that they retain functional metabolism. Cell-associated MeV infected primary human monocyte-derived macrophages, which models the first stage of infection in a new host. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified wound healing, cell growth, and cell differentiation as biological processes relevant for infectious center dislodging. 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining located proliferating cells underneath infectious centers. Thus, cells located below infectious centers divide and differentiate to repair the dislodged infected epithelial patch. As an extension of these studies, we postulate that expulsion of infectious centers through coughing and sneezing could contribute to MeV’s strikingly high reproductive number by allowing the virus to survive longer in the environment and by delivering a high infectious dose to the next host. Measles virus (MeV) is a respiratory pathogen that infects millions worldwide each year. Although sometimes mischaracterized as an innocuous childhood disease, measles remains a leading cause of death for children under five. MeV is the most contagious human virus and requires vaccination rates above 90% to maintain herd immunity. Global decreases in vaccination rates over the past ten years contributed to recent, widespread MeV outbreaks. We uncover here a novel mechanism by which MeV exits the human airways that may explain why it is much more contagious than other viruses. We document that infected cells containing cell-associated virus detach en masse from the airway epithelial sheet. These dislodged infectious centers are metabolically active and can transmit infection to primary human monocyte-derived macrophages via cell-cell contact as efficiently as cell-free virus particles. Thus, cell-associated MeV could spread host-to-host and is a potentially vital strategy for efficient respiratory virus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla E. Hippee
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Brajesh K. Singh
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Andrew L. Thurman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Ashley L. Cooney
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Alejandro A. Pezzulo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Roberto Cattaneo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Semelka CT, Ornelles DA, O’Connell NS, Parsons EC, Blevins MW, Ivey LE, Bischoff WE. Detection of Environmental Spread of SARS-CoV-2 and Associated Patient Characteristics. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab107. [PMID: 34183976 PMCID: PMC7989193 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 informs infection prevention practices. Air sampling devices were placed in patient hospital rooms for consecutive collections with and without masks. With patient mask use, no virus was detected in the room. High viral load and fewer days from symptom onset were associated with viral particulate dispersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Semelka
- Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - David A Ornelles
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nathaniel S O’Connell
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emma C Parsons
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria W Blevins
- Section on Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren E Ivey
- Internal Medicine Residency, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Werner E Bischoff
- Section on Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
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12
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MacIntyre CR, Ananda-Rajah MR. Scientific evidence supports aerosol transmission of SARS-COV-2. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020; 9:202. [PMID: 33339522 PMCID: PMC7747188 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00868-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Research Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, Sydney, Australia.
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13
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Fennelly KP. Particle sizes of infectious aerosols: implications for infection control. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2020; 8:914-924. [PMID: 32717211 PMCID: PMC7380927 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(20)30323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The global pandemic of COVID-19 has been associated with infections and deaths among health-care workers. This Viewpoint of infectious aerosols is intended to inform appropriate infection control measures to protect health-care workers. Studies of cough aerosols and of exhaled breath from patients with various respiratory infections have shown striking similarities in aerosol size distributions, with a predominance of pathogens in small particles (<5 μm). These are immediately respirable, suggesting the need for personal respiratory protection (respirators) for individuals in close proximity to patients with potentially virulent pathogens. There is no evidence that some pathogens are carried only in large droplets. Surgical masks might offer some respiratory protection from inhalation of infectious aerosols, but not as much as respirators. However, surgical masks worn by patients reduce exposures to infectious aerosols to health-care workers and other individuals. The variability of infectious aerosol production, with some so-called super-emitters producing much higher amounts of infectious aerosol than most, might help to explain the epidemiology of super-spreading. Airborne infection control measures are indicated for potentially lethal respiratory pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Fennelly
- Pulmonary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Heath, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald K Milton
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
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15
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Prussin AJ, Belser JA, Bischoff W, Kelley ST, Lin K, Lindsley WG, Nshimyimana JP, Schuit M, Wu Z, Bibby K, Marr LC. Viruses in the Built Environment (VIBE) meeting report. MICROBIOME 2020; 8:1. [PMID: 31901242 PMCID: PMC6942371 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-019-0777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During a period of rapid growth in our understanding of the microbiology of the built environment in recent years, the majority of research has focused on bacteria and fungi. Viruses, while probably as numerous, have received less attention. In response, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation supported a workshop entitled "Viruses in the Built Environment (VIBE)," at which experts in environmental engineering, environmental microbiology, epidemiology, infection prevention, fluid dynamics, occupational health, metagenomics, and virology convened to synthesize recent advances and identify key research questions and knowledge gaps regarding viruses in the built environment. RESULTS Four primary research areas and funding priorities were identified. First, a better understanding of viral communities in the built environment is needed, specifically which viruses are present and their sources, spatial and temporal dynamics, and interactions with bacteria. Second, more information is needed about viruses and health, including viral transmission in the built environment, the relationship between virus detection and exposure, and the definition of a healthy virome. The third research priority is to identify and evaluate interventions for controlling viruses and the virome in the built environment. This encompasses interactions among viruses, buildings, and occupants. Finally, to overcome the challenge of working with viruses, workshop participants emphasized that improved sampling methods, laboratory techniques, and bioinformatics approaches are needed to advance understanding of viruses in the built environment. CONCLUSIONS We hope that identifying these key questions and knowledge gaps will engage other investigators and funding agencies to spur future research on the highly interdisciplinary topic of viruses in the built environment. There are numerous opportunities to advance knowledge, as many topics remain underexplored compared to our understanding of bacteria and fungi. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Prussin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Jessica A. Belser
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Werner Bischoff
- Section on Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
| | - Scott T. Kelley
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182 USA
| | - Kaisen Lin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - William G. Lindsley
- Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
| | | | - Michael Schuit
- National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Kyle Bibby
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Linsey C. Marr
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
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16
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Measles outbreak from Hong Kong International Airport to the hospital due to secondary vaccine failure in healthcare workers. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2019; 40:1407-1415. [PMID: 31587686 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2019.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report an outbreak of measles with epidemiological link between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and a hospital. METHODS Epidemiological investigations, patients' measles serology, and phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin (H) and nucleoprotein (N) genes of measles virus isolates were conducted. RESULTS In total, 29 HKIA staff of diverse ranks and working locations were infected with measles within 1 month. Significantly fewer affected staff had history of travel than non-HKIA-related measles patients [10 of 29 (34.5%) vs 28 of 35 (80%); P < .01]. Of 9 airport staff who could recall detailed exposure history, 6 (66.7%) had visited self-service food premises at HKIA during the incubation period, where food trays, as observed during the epidemiological field investigation, were not washed after use. Furthermore, 1 airport baggage handler who was admitted to hospital A before rash onset infected 2 healthcare workers (HCWs) known to have 2 doses of MMR vaccination with positive measles IgG and lower viral loads in respiratory specimens. Infections in these 2 HCWs warranted contact tracing of another 168 persons (97 patients and 71 HCWs). Phylogenetic comparison of H and N gene sequences confirmed the clonality of outbreak strains. CONCLUSION Despite good herd immunity with overall seroprevalence of >95% against measles, major outbreaks of measles occurred among HKIA staff having daily contact with many international pssengers. Lessons from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and measles outbreaks suggested that an airport can be a strategic epidemic center. Pre-exanthem transmission of measles from airport staff to HCWs with secondary vaccine failure poses a grave challenge to hospital infection control.
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17
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Martinez L, Verma R, Croda J, Horsburgh CR, Walter KS, Degner N, Middelkoop K, Koch A, Hermans S, Warner DF, Wood R, Cobelens F, Andrews JR. Detection, survival and infectious potential of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the environment: a review of the evidence and epidemiological implications. Eur Respir J 2019; 53:1802302. [PMID: 31048345 PMCID: PMC6753378 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02302-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Much remains unknown about Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission. Seminal experimental studies from the 1950s demonstrated that airborne expulsion of droplet nuclei from an infectious tuberculosis (TB) patient is the primary route of transmission. However, these findings did not rule out other routes of M. tuberculosis transmission. We reviewed historical scientific evidence from the late 19th/early 20th century and contemporary studies investigating the presence, persistence and infectiousness of environmental M. tuberculosis We found both experimental and epidemiological evidence supporting the presence and viability of M. tuberculosis in multiple natural and built environments for months to years, presumably following contamination by a human source. Furthermore, several studies confirm M. tuberculosis viability and virulence in the environment using guinea pig and mouse models. Most of this evidence was historical; however, several recent studies have reported consistent findings of M. tuberculosis detection and viability in the environment using modern methods. Whether M. tuberculosis in environments represents an infectious threat to humans requires further investigation; this may represent an untapped source of data with which to further understand M. tuberculosis transmission. We discuss potential opportunities for harnessing these data to generate new insights into TB transmission in congregate settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Martinez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Renu Verma
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julio Croda
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Campo Grande and Salvador, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - C Robert Horsburgh
- Dept of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Dept of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katharine S Walter
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Degner
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Keren Middelkoop
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Dept of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anastasia Koch
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, Dept of Pathology and Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sabine Hermans
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Dept of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Digby F Warner
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, Dept of Pathology and Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Center for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robin Wood
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Cobelens
- Dept of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jason R Andrews
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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18
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Canine Distemper Virus Spread and Transmission to Naive Ferrets: Selective Pressure on Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule-Dependent Entry. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00669-18. [PMID: 29793948 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00669-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon infection, morbilliviruses such as measles virus, rinderpest virus, and canine distemper virus (CDV) initially target immune cells via the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) before spreading to respiratory epithelia through the adherens junction protein nectin-4. However, the roles of these receptors in transmission from infected to naive hosts have not yet been formally tested. To experimentally addressing this question, we established a model of CDV contact transmission between ferrets. We show here that transmission of wild-type CDV sometimes precedes the onset of clinical disease. In contrast, transmission was not observed in most animals infected with SLAM- or nectin-4-blind CDVs, even though all animals infected with the nectin-4-blind virus developed sustained viremia. There was an unexpected case of transmission of a nectin-4-blind virus, possibly due to biting. Another unprecedented event was transient viremia in an infection with a SLAM-blind virus. We identified three compensatory mutations within or near the SLAM-binding surface of the attachment protein. A recombinant CDV expressing the mutated attachment protein regained the ability to infect ferret lymphocytes in vitro, but its replication was not as efficient as that of wild-type CDV. Ferrets infected with this virus developed transient viremia and fever, but there was no transmission to naive contacts. Our study supports the importance of epithelial cell infection and of sequential CDV H protein interactions first with SLAM and then nectin-4 receptors for transmission to naive hosts. It also highlights the in vivo selection pressure on the H protein interactions with SLAM.IMPORTANCE Morbilliviruses such as measles virus, rinderpest virus, and canine distemper virus (CDV) are highly contagious. Despite extensive knowledge of how morbilliviruses interact with their receptors, little is known about how those interactions influence viral transmission to naive hosts. In a ferret model of CDV contact transmission, we showed that sequential use of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) and nectin-4 receptors is essential for transmission. In one animal infected with a SLAM-blind CDV, we documented mild viremia due to the acquisition of three compensatory mutations within or near the SLAM-binding surface. The interaction, however, was not sufficient to cause disease or sustain transmission to naive contacts. This work confirms the sequential roles of SLAM and nectin-4 in morbillivirus transmission and highlights the selective pressure directed toward productive interactions with SLAM.
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Bing-Yuan, Zhang YH, Leung NH, Cowling BJ, Yang ZF. Role of viral bioaerosols in nosocomial infections and measures for prevention and control. JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE 2018; 117:200-211. [PMID: 32226118 PMCID: PMC7094610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The presence of patients with diverse pathologies in hospitals results in an environment that can be rich in various microorganisms including respiratory and enteric viruses, leading to outbreaks in hospitals or spillover infections to the community. All hospital patients are at risk of nosocomial viral infections, but vulnerable groups such as older adults, children and immuno-compromised/-suppressed patients are at particular risk of severe outcomes including prolonged hospitalization or death. These pathogens could transmit through direct or indirect physical contact, droplets or aerosols, with increasing evidence suggesting the importance of aerosol transmission in nosocomial infections of respiratory and enteric viruses. Factors affecting the propensity to transmit and the severity of disease transmitted via the aerosol route include the biological characteristics affecting infectivity of the viruses and susceptibility of the host, the physical properties of aerosol particles, and the environmental stresses that alter these properties such as temperature and humidity. Non-specific systematic and individual-based interventions designed to mitigate the aerosol route are available although empirical evidence of their effectiveness in controlling transmission of respiratory and enteric viruses in healthcare settings are sparse. The relative importance of aerosol transmission in healthcare setting is still an on-going debate, with particular challenge being the recovery of infectious viral bioaerosols from real-life settings and the difficulty in delineating transmission events that may also be a result of other modes of transmission. For the prevention and control of nosocomial infections via the aerosol route, more research is needed on identifying settings, medical procedures or equipment that may be associated with an increased risk of aerosol transmission, including defining which procedures are aerosol-generating; and on the effectiveness of systematic interventions on aerosol transmission of respiratory and enteric viruses in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 151, Yanjiangxi Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
- Department of Respiration, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157, Jinbi Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Yun-Hui Zhang
- Department of Respiration, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157, Jinbi Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Nancy H.L. Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Patrick Manson Building (North Wing), 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Benjamin J. Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Patrick Manson Building (North Wing), 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zi-Feng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 151, Yanjiangxi Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
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20
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Transmission routes of respiratory viruses among humans. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 28:142-151. [PMID: 29452994 PMCID: PMC7102683 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections can be caused by a wide variety of viruses. Airborne transmission via droplets and aerosols enables some of these viruses to spread efficiently among humans, causing outbreaks that are difficult to control. Many outbreaks have been investigated retrospectively to study the possible routes of inter-human virus transmission. The results of these studies are often inconclusive and at the same time data from controlled experiments is sparse. Therefore, fundamental knowledge on transmission routes that could be used to improve intervention strategies is still missing. We here present an overview of the available data from experimental and observational studies on the transmission routes of respiratory viruses between humans, identify knowledge gaps, and discuss how the available knowledge is currently implemented in isolation guidelines in health care settings.
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Zemouri C, de Soet H, Crielaard W, Laheij A. A scoping review on bio-aerosols in healthcare and the dental environment. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178007. [PMID: 28531183 PMCID: PMC5439730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bio-aerosols originate from different sources and their potentially pathogenic nature may form a hazard to healthcare workers and patients. So far no extensive review on existing evidence regarding bio-aerosols is available. Objectives This study aimed to review evidence on bio-aerosols in healthcare and the dental setting. The objectives were 1) What are the sources that generate bio-aerosols?; 2) What is the microbial load and composition of bio-aerosols and how were they measured?; and 3) What is the hazard posed by pathogenic micro-organisms transported via the aerosol route of transmission? Methods Systematic scoping review design. Searched in PubMed and EMBASE from inception to 09-03-2016. References were screened and selected based on abstract and full text according to eligibility criteria. Full text articles were assessed for inclusion and summarized. The results are presented in three separate objectives and summarized for an overview of evidence. Results The search yielded 5,823 studies, of which 62 were included. Dental hand pieces were found to generate aerosols in the dental settings. Another 30 sources from human activities, interventions and daily cleaning performances in the hospital also generate aerosols. Fifty-five bacterial species, 45 fungi genera and ten viruses were identified in a hospital setting and 16 bacterial and 23 fungal species in the dental environment. Patients with certain risk factors had a higher chance to acquire Legionella in hospitals. Such infections can lead to irreversible septic shock and death. Only a few studies found that bio-aerosol generating procedures resulted in transmission of infectious diseases or allergic reactions. Conclusion Bio-aerosols are generated via multiple sources such as different interventions, instruments and human activity. Bio-aerosols compositions reported are heterogeneous in their microbiological composition dependent on the setting and methodology. Legionella species were found to be a bio-aerosol dependent hazard to elderly and patients with respiratory complaints. But all aerosols can be can be hazardous to both patients and healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charifa Zemouri
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Hans de Soet
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Crielaard
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexa Laheij
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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