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Godin R, Hejazi S, Reuel NF. Advancements in Airborne Viral Nucleic Acid Detection with Wearable Devices. ADVANCED SENSOR RESEARCH 2024; 3:2300061. [PMID: 38764891 PMCID: PMC11101210 DOI: 10.1002/adsr.202300061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Wearable health sensors for an expanding range of physiological parameters have experienced rapid development in recent years and are poised to disrupt the way healthcare is tracked and administered. The monitoring of environmental contaminants with wearable technologies is an additional layer of personal and public healthcare and is also receiving increased focus. Wearable sensors that detect exposure to airborne viruses could alert wearers of viral exposure and prompt proactive testing and minimization of viral spread, benefitting their own health and decreasing community risk. With the high levels of asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 observed during the pandemic, such devices could dramatically enhance our pandemic response capabilities in the future. To facilitate advancements in this area, this review summarizes recent research on airborne viral detection using wearable sensing devices as well as technologies suitable for wearables. Since the low concentration of viral particles in the air poses significant challenges to detection, methods for airborne viral particle collection and viral sensing are discussed in detail. A special focus is placed on nucleic acid-based viral sensing mechanisms due to their enhanced ability to discriminate between viral subtypes. Important considerations for integrating airborne viral collection and sensing on a single wearable device are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Godin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University
| | - Sepehr Hejazi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University
| | - Nigel F. Reuel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University
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2
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Rastmanesh A, Boruah JS, Lee MS, Park S. On-Site Bioaerosol Sampling and Airborne Microorganism Detection Technologies. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:122. [PMID: 38534229 DOI: 10.3390/bios14030122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Bioaerosols are small airborne particles composed of microbiological fragments, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollens, and/or by-products of cells, which may be viable or non-viable wherever applicable. Exposure to these agents can cause a variety of health issues, such as allergic and infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Therefore, detecting and identifying bioaerosols is crucial, and bioaerosol sampling is a key step in any bioaerosol investigation. This review provides an overview of the current bioaerosol sampling methods, both passive and active, as well as their applications and limitations for rapid on-site monitoring. The challenges and trends for detecting airborne microorganisms using molecular and immunological methods are also discussed, along with a summary and outlook for the development of prompt monitoring technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afagh Rastmanesh
- Complex Fluids Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jayanta S Boruah
- Complex Fluids Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seok Lee
- Complex Fluids Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungkyung Park
- Complex Fluids Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
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Xing Y, Tsang MSM, Yang Z, Wang MH, Pivniouk V, Leung ASY, Leung TF, Roponen M, Schaub B, Vercelli D, Wong CK, Li J, Wong GWK. Immune modulation by rural exposures and allergy protection. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2024; 35:e14086. [PMID: 38351891 DOI: 10.1111/pai.14086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing up on traditional farms protects children from the development of asthma and allergies. However, we have identified distinct asthma-protective factors, such as poultry exposure. This study aims to examine the biological effect of rural exposure in China. METHODS We recruited 67 rural children (7.4 ± 0.9 years) and 79 urban children (6.8 ± 0.6 years). Depending on the personal history of exposure to domestic poultry (DP), rural children were further divided into those with DP exposure (DP+ , n = 30) and those without (DP- , n = 37). Blood samples were collected to assess differential cell counts and expression of immune-related genes. Dust samples were collected from poultry stables inside rural households. In vivo activities of nasal administration of DP dust extracts were tested in an ovalbumin-induced asthma model. RESULTS There was a stepwise increase in the percentage of eosinophils (%) from rural DP+ children (median = 1.65, IQR = [1.28, 3.75]) to rural DP- children (3.40, [1.70, 6.50]; DP+ vs. DP- , p = .087) and to the highest of their urban counterparts (4.00, [2.00, 7.25]; urban vs. DP+ , p = .017). Similarly, rural children exhibited reduced mRNA expression of immune markers, both at baseline and following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Whereas LPS stimulation induced increased secretion of Th1 and proinflammatory cytokines in rural DP+ children compared to rural DP- children and urban children. Bronchoalveolar lavage of mice with intranasal instillation of dust extracts from DP household showed a significant decrease in eosinophils as compared to those of control mice (p < .05). Furthermore, DP dust strongly inhibited gene expression of Th2 signature cytokines and induced IL-17 expression in the murine asthma model. CONCLUSIONS Immune responses of rural children were dampened compared to urban children and those exposed to DP had further downregulated immune responsiveness. DP dust extracts ameliorated Th2-driven allergic airway inflammation in mice. Determining active protective components in the rural environment may provide directions for the development of primary prevention of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Xing
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Miranda Sin-Man Tsang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhaowei Yang
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Maggie Haitian Wang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vadim Pivniouk
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Agnes Sze-Yin Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting-Fan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Marjut Roponen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Bianca Schaub
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Donata Vercelli
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Chun-Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Gary Wing-Kin Wong
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Loukou E, Jensen NF, Rohde L, Andersen B. Damp Buildings: Associated Fungi and How to Find Them. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:108. [PMID: 38392780 PMCID: PMC10890273 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of buildings experiencing humidity problems and fungal growth appears to be increasing as energy-saving measures and changes in construction practices and climate become more common. Determining the cause of the problem and documenting the type and extent of fungal growth are complex processes involving both building physics and indoor mycology. New detection and identification methods have been introduced, and new fungal species have been added to the list of building-related fungi. However, the lack of standardised procedures and general knowledge hampers the effort to resolve the problems and advocate for an effective renovation plan. This review provides a framework for building inspections on current sampling methods and detection techniques for building-related fungi. The review also contains tables with fungal species that have been identified on commonly used building materials in Europe and North America (e.g., gypsum wallboard, oriented strand board (OSB), concrete and mineral wool). The most reported building-associated fungi across all materials are Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus versicolor. Chaetomium globosum is common on all organic materials, whereas Aspergillus niger is common on all inorganic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Loukou
- Division of Building Technology, Management and Indoor Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nickolaj Feldt Jensen
- Division of Building Technology, Management and Indoor Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Rohde
- Division of Energy and Sustainability in Buildings, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Andersen
- Division of Building Technology, Management and Indoor Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Rittscher AE, Vlasblom AA, Duim B, Scherpenisse P, van Schothorst IJ, Wouters IM, Van Gompel L, Smit LAM. A comparison of passive and active dust sampling methods for measuring airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pig farms. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:1004-1010. [PMID: 37300560 PMCID: PMC10516621 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are resistant to most β-lactam antibiotics. Pigs are an important reservoir of livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA), which is genetically distinct from both hospital and community-acquired MRSA. Occupational exposure to pigs on farms can lead to LA-MRSA carriage by workers. There is a growing body of research on MRSA found in the farm environment, the airborne route of transmission, and its implication on human health. This study aims to directly compare two sampling methods used to measure airborne MRSA in the farm environment; passive dust sampling with electrostatic dust fall collectors (EDCs), and active inhalable dust sampling using stationary air pumps with Gesamtstaubprobenahme (GSP) sampling heads containing Teflon filters. Paired dust samples using EDCs and GSP samplers, totaling 87 samples, were taken from 7 Dutch pig farms, in multiple compartments housing pigs of varying ages. Total nucleic acids of both types of dust samples were extracted and targets indicating MRSA (femA, nuc, mecA) and total bacterial count (16S rRNA) were quantified using quantitative real-time PCRs. MRSA could be measured from all GSP samples and in 94% of the EDCs, additionally MRSA was present on every farm sampled. There was a strong positive relationship between the paired MRSA levels found in EDCs and those measured on filters (Normalized by 16S rRNA; Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.94, Not Normalized; Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.84). This study suggests that EDCs can be used as an affordable and easily standardized method for quantifying airborne MRSA levels in the pig farm setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Rittscher
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Abel A Vlasblom
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology (I&I), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitta Duim
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology (I&I), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Scherpenisse
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Isabella J van Schothorst
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Liese Van Gompel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Rasmussen PU, Uhrbrand K, Frederiksen MW, Madsen AM. Work in nursing homes and occupational exposure to endotoxin and bacterial and fungal species. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:831-846. [PMID: 37300561 PMCID: PMC10410494 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoor microbial exposure may cause negative health effects. Only little is known about the occupational microbial exposure in nursing homes and the factors that influence the exposure. The exposure in nursing homes may be increased due to close contact with elderly persons who may carry infectious or antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms and due to handling of laundry, such as used clothing and bed linen. We investigated the microbial exposure in 5 nursing homes in Denmark, by use of personal bioaerosol samples from different groups of staff members taken during a typical working day, stationary bioaerosol measurements taken during various work tasks, sedimented dust samples, environmental surface swabs, and swabs from staff members' hands. From the samples, we explored bacterial and fungal concentrations and species composition, endotoxin levels, and antimicrobial resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus isolates. Microbial concentrations from personal exposure samples differed among professions, and geometric means (GM) were 2,159 cfu/m3 (84 to 1.5 × 105) for bacteria incubated on nutrient agar, 1,745 cfu/m3 (82 to 2.0 × 104) for bacteria cultivated on a Staphylococcus selective agar, and 16 cfu/m3 air for potential pathogenic fungi incubated at 37 °C (below detection limit to 257). Bacterial exposures were elevated during bed making. On surfaces, the highest bacterial concentrations were found on bed railings. The majority of bacterial species found were related to the human skin microflora, such as different Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium species. Endotoxin levels ranged from 0.02 to 59.0 EU/m3, with a GM of 1.5 EU/m3. Of 40 tested A. fumigatus isolates, we found one multiresistant isolate, which was resistant towards both itraconazole and voriconazole, and one isolate resistant towards amphotericin B. In conclusion, we give an overview of the general microbial exposure in nursing homes and show that microbial exposures are higher for staff with more care and nursing tasks compared with administrative staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Katrine Uhrbrand
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Jonker L, Linde KJ, de Boer AR, Ding E, Zhang D, de Hoog MLA, Herfst S, Heederik DJJ, Fraaij PLA, Bluyssen PM, Wouters IM, Bruijning-Verhagen PCJL. SARS-CoV-2 incidence in secondary schools; the role of national and school-initiated COVID-19 measures. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1243. [PMID: 37370045 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our aim was to gain insight into the effect of COVID-19 measures on SARS-CoV-2 incidence in secondary schools and the association with classroom CO2 concentration and airborne contamination. METHODS Between October 2020-June 2021, 18 schools weekly reported SARS-CoV-2 incidence and completed surveys on school-initiated COVID-19 measures (e.g. improving hygiene or minimizing contacts). CO2 was measured in occupied classrooms twice, and SARS-CoV-2 air contamination longitudinally using electrostatic dust collectors (EDC) and analyzed using RT-qPCR. National COVID-19 policy measures varied during pre-lockdown, lockdown and post-lockdown periods. During the entire study, schools were recommended to improve ventilation. SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated by Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) models. RESULTS During 18 weeks follow-up (range: 10-22) SARS-CoV-2 school-incidence decreased during national lockdown (adjusted IRR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.21-0.80) and post-lockdown (IRR: 0.60, 0.39-0.93) compared to pre-lockdown. School-initiated COVID-19 measures had no additional effect. Pre-lockdown, IRRs per 10% increase in time CO2 exceeded 400, 550 and 800 ppm above outdoor level respectively, were 1.08 (1.00-1.16), 1.10 (1.02-1.19), and 1.08 (0.95-1.22). Post-lockdown, CO2-concentrations were considerably lower and not associated with SARS-CoV-2 incidence. No SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in any of the EDC samples. CONCLUSION During a period with low SARS-CoV-2 population immunity and increased attention to ventilation, with CO2 levels most of the time below acceptable thresholds, only the national policy during and post-lockdown of reduced class-occupancy, stringent quarantine, and contact testing reduced SARS-CoV-2 incidence in Dutch secondary schools. Widespread SARS-CoV-2 air contamination could not be demonstrated in schools under the prevailing conditions during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jonker
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K J Linde
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A R de Boer
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - E Ding
- Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 134, 2628 BL, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - D Zhang
- Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 134, 2628 BL, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - M L A de Hoog
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - D J J Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P L A Fraaij
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - P M Bluyssen
- Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 134, 2628 BL, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - I M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P C J L Bruijning-Verhagen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Viegas C, Gomes B, Cervantes R, Moreira S, Dias M, Pena P, Carolino E, Twarużek M, Kosicki R, Soszczyńska E, Caetano LA, Cañas L, Pozdniakova S, Borràs S, Viegas S. Microbial contamination in grocery stores from Portugal and Spain - The neglected indoor environment to be tackled in the scope of the One Health approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162602. [PMID: 36878289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162602] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microbial contamination in grocery shops (GS) should be evaluated since food commodities are commonly handled by workers and customers increasing the risk of food contamination and disease transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial contamination in Portuguese and Spanish GS with a multi-approach protocol using passive (electrostatic dust cloths and surface swabs) sampling methods. The molecular detection of Aspergillus sections, mycotoxin analysis, screening of azole resistance as well as cytotoxicity measurement were conducted to better estimate the potential health risks of exposure and to identify possible relations between the risk factors studied. Fruits/vegetables sampling location was the one identified has being the most contaminated (bacteria and fungi) area in GS from both countries. Aspergillus section Fumigati and Fusarium species were observed in samples from Portuguese groceries with reduced susceptibilities to azoles commonly used in the clinical treatment of fungal infections. Fumonisin B2 was detected in Portuguese GS possible unveiling this emergent threat concerning occupational exposure and food safety. Overall, the results obtained raise concerns regarding human health and food safety and must be surveilled applying a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Bianca Gomes
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Renata Cervantes
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Moreira
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pena
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Robert Kosicki
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ewelina Soszczyńska
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Lídia Cañas
- AIRLAB, Climate and Health Program, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sofya Pozdniakova
- AIRLAB, Climate and Health Program, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Borràs
- AIRLAB, Climate and Health Program, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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9
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Fakunle AG, Jafta N, Bossers A, Wouters IM, Kersen WV, Naidoo RN, Smit LAM. Childhood lower respiratory tract infections linked to residential airborne bacterial and fungal microbiota. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116063. [PMID: 37156352 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Residential microbial composition likely contributes to the development of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) among children, but the association is poorly understood. We aimed to study the relationship between the indoor airborne dust bacterial and fungal microbiota and childhood LRTI in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ninety-eight children under the age of five years hospitalized with LRTI were recruited and matched by age (±3 months), sex, and geographical location to 99 community-based controls without LRTI. Participants' homes were visited and sampled over a 14-day period for airborne house dust using electrostatic dustfall collectors (EDC). In airborne dust samples, the composition of bacterial and fungal communities was characterized by a meta-barcoding approach using amplicons targeting simultaneously the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the internal-transcribed-spacer (ITS) region-1 of fungi in association with the SILVA and UNITE database respectively. A 100-unit change in house dust bacterial, but not fungal, richness (OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.03-1.10) and a 1-unit change in Shannon diversity (OR 1.92; 95%CI 1.28-3.01) were both independently associated with childhood LRTI after adjusting for other indoor environmental risk factors. Beta-diversity analysis showed that bacterial (PERMANOVA p < 0.001, R2 = 0.036) and fungal (PERMANOVA p < 0.001, R2 = 0.028) community composition differed significantly between homes of cases and controls. Pair-wise differential abundance analysis using both DESEq2 and MaAsLin2 consistently identified the bacterial phyla Deinococcota (Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) adjusted p-value <0.001) and Bacteriodota (BH-adjusted p-value = 0.004) to be negatively associated with LRTI. Within the fungal microbiota, phylum Ascomycota abundance (BH adjusted p-value <0.001) was observed to be directly associated with LRTI, while Basidiomycota abundance (BH adjusted p-value <0.001) was negatively associated with LRTI. Our study suggests that early-life exposure to certain airborne bacterial and fungal communities is associated with LRTI among children under the age of five years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adekunle G Fakunle
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 321 George Campbell Building Howard College Campus, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Department of Public Health, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria.
| | - Nkosana Jafta
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 321 George Campbell Building Howard College Campus, Durban, 4041, South Africa
| | - Alex Bossers
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Netherlands
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Netherlands
| | - Warner van Kersen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Netherlands
| | - Rajen N Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 321 George Campbell Building Howard College Campus, Durban, 4041, South Africa
| | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Netherlands
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10
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de Rooij MM, Sikkema RS, Bouwknegt M, de Geus Y, Stanoeva KR, Nieuwenweg S, van Dam AS, Raben C, Dohmen W, Heederik D, Reusken C, Meijer A, Koopmans MP, Franz E, Smit LA. A Comprehensive Sampling Study on SARS-CoV-2 Contamination of Air and Surfaces in a Large Meat Processing Plant Experiencing COVID-19 Clusters in June 2020. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e227-e233. [PMID: 36640441 PMCID: PMC10090283 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess SARS-CoV-2 contamination of air and surfaces to gain insight into potential occupational exposure in a large meat processing plant experiencing COVID-19 clusters. Methods: Oro-nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 screening was performed in 76 workers. Environmental samples ( n = 275) including air, ventilation systems, sewage, and swabs of high-touch surfaces and workers' hands were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Twenty-seven (35.5%) of the (predominantly asymptomatic) workers tested positive with modest to low viral loads (cycle threshold ≥ 29.7). Six of 203 surface swabs, 1 of 12 personal air samples, and one of four sewage samples tested positive; other samples tested negative. Conclusions: Although one third of workers tested positive, environmental contamination was limited. Widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission via air and surfaces was considered unlikely within this plant at the time of investigation while strict COVID-19 control measures were already implemented.
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11
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Madsen AM, Moslehi-Jenabian S, Frankel M, White JK, Frederiksen MW. Airborne bacterial species in indoor air and association with physical factors. UCL OPEN ENVIRONMENT 2023; 5:e056. [PMID: 37229345 PMCID: PMC10208329 DOI: 10.14324/111.444/ucloe.000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about which cultivable bacterial species are present in indoor air in homes, and whether the concentration and diversity of airborne bacteria are associated with different factors. Measurements have been performed for one whole year inside different rooms in five homes and once in 52 homes. Within homes, a room-to-room variation for concentrations of airborne bacteria was found, but an overlap in bacterial species was found across rooms. Eleven species were found very commonly and included: Acinetobacter lowffii, Bacillus megaterium, B. pumilus, Kocuria carniphila, K. palustris, K. rhizophila, Micrococcus flavus, M. luteus, Moraxella osloensis and Paracoccus yeei. The concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria in general and the species P. yeei were significantly associated with the season with the highest concentrations in spring. The concentrations of P. yeei, K. rhizophila and B. pumilus were associated positively with relative humidity (RH), and concentrations of K. rhizophila were associated negatively with temperature and air change rate (ACR). Micrococcus flavus concentrations were associated negatively with ACR. Overall, this study identified species which are commonly present in indoor air in homes, and that the concentrations of some species were associated with the factors: season, ACR and RH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Saloomeh Moslehi-Jenabian
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Mika Frankel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - John Kerr White
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margit W. Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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12
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Amin H, Marshall IPG, Bertelsen RJ, Wouters IM, Schlünssen V, Sigsgaard T, Šantl-Temkiv T. Optimization of bacterial DNA and endotoxin extraction from settled airborne dust. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159455. [PMID: 36252657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Collecting and obtaining sufficient amount of airborne particles for multiple microbial component assessments can be challenging. A passive dust sampling device, the electrostatic dust fall collector (EDC) has been established for assessing airborne exposures including endotoxin and glucans. Recently, with advances in next-generation sequencing techniques, EDCs were used to collect microbial cells for DNA sequencing analysis to promote the study of airborne bacterial and fungal communities. However, low DNA yields have been problematic when employing passive sampling with EDC. To address this challenge, we attempted to increase the efficiency of extraction. We compared DNA extraction efficiency of bacterial components from EDCs captured on filters through filtration using five extraction techniques. By measuring the abundance, diversity and structure of bacterial communities using qPCR and amplicon sequencing targeting 16S rRNA genes, we found that two techniques outperformed the rest. Furthermore, we developed protocols to simultaneously extract both DNA and endotoxin from a single EDC cloth. Our technique promotes a high quality to price ratio and may be employed in large epidemiological studies addressing airborne bacterial exposure where a large number of samples is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham Amin
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ian P G Marshall
- Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Randi J Bertelsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Environment, Work and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tina Šantl-Temkiv
- Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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13
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Barrozo F, de Almeida GA, Luz MS, Olympio KPK. A Low-Cost Method Shows Potentially Toxic Element Levels in Dust Correlated with Elevated Blood Levels of These Chemicals in Children Exposed to an Informal Home-Based Production Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16236. [PMID: 36498308 PMCID: PMC9735684 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Dust is recognized as a route of exposure to environmental pollutants. The city of Limeira, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, is a production center for jewelry and fashion jewelry, where part of this jewelry production is home-based, informal, and outsourced. The aim of this study was to evaluate exposure to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE: Cr, Sn, Mn, Sb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and As) in dust among children from households of informal workers using electrostatic dust cloths (EDC). Dust samples were collected in 21 exposed and 23 control families using EDC from surfaces where dust deposits had accumulated for approximately 14 days. In exposed families, dust samples were also collected from welders’ workstations. PTE concentrations were then determined using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results raised concerns in relation to Cr, As, and Cd exposure among children within the informal home-based production environment. Blood PTE concentrations in children showed a moderate correlation with levels of Cr (Rho 0.40), Zn (Rho −0.43), and As (Rho 0.40), and a strong correlation with Cd (Rho 0.80) (p < 0.05), detected in dust. In conclusion, analyzing dust collected using EDC proved a potentially low-cost tool for determining PTE in dust. In addition, the results confirmed that informal home-based work poses a risk for children residing in these households. Public policies are needed to assist these families and promote better conditions of occupational health and safety for the whole family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fairah Barrozo
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Gilmar Alves de Almeida
- Advanced Materials, Laboratory of Metallurgical Processes, Institute for Technological Research of the State of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-901, Brazil
| | - Maciel Santos Luz
- Advanced Materials, Laboratory of Metallurgical Processes, Institute for Technological Research of the State of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-901, Brazil
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14
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Season, Vegetation Proximity and Building Age Shape the Indoor Fungal Communities’ Composition at City-Scale. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101045. [PMID: 36294610 PMCID: PMC9605656 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to particular microbiome compositions in the built environment can affect human health and well-being. Identifying the drivers of these indoor microbial assemblages is key to controlling the microbiota of the built environment. In the present study, we used culture and metabarcoding of the fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer ribosomal RNA region to assess whether small-scale variation in the built environment influences the diversity, composition and structure of indoor air fungal communities between a heating and an unheated season. Passive dust collectors were used to collect airborne fungi from 259 dwellings representative of three major building periods and five building environments in one city—Lausanne (Vaud, Switzerland)—over a heating and an unheated period. A homogenous population (one or two people with an average age of 75 years) inhabited the households. Geographic information systems were used to assess detailed site characteristics (altitude, proximity to forest, fields and parks, proximity to the lake, and density of buildings and roads) for each building. Our analysis indicated that season was the factor that explained most of the variation in colonies forming unit (CFU) concentration and indoor mycobiome composition, followed by the period of building construction. Fungal assemblages were more diverse during the heating season than during the unheated season. Buildings with effective insulation had distinct mycobiome compositions from those built before 1975 — regardless of whether they were constructed with pre-1945 technology and materials or 1945 — 1974 ones. The urban landscape—as a whole—was a significant predictor of cultivable Penicillium load—the closer the building was to the lake, the higher the Penicillium load—but not of fungal community composition. Nevertheless, the relative abundance of eleven fungal taxa detected by metabarcoding decreased significantly with the urbanization gradient. When urban landscape descriptors were analyzed separately, the explanatory power of proximity to vegetation in shaping fungal assemblages become significant, indicating that land cover type had an influence on fungal community structure that was obscured by the effects of building age and sampling season. In conclusion, indoor mycobiomes are strongly modulated by season, and their assemblages are shaped by the effectiveness of building insulation, but are weakly influenced by the urban landscape.
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15
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Linde KJ, Wouters IM, Kluytmans JAJW, Kluytmans-van den Bergh MFQ, Pas SD, GeurtsvanKessel CH, Koopmans MPG, Meier M, Meijer P, Raben CR, Spithoven J, Tersteeg-Zijderveld MHG, Heederik DJJ, Dohmen W. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Air and on Surfaces in Rooms of Infected Nursing Home Residents. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 67:129-140. [PMID: 36068657 PMCID: PMC9834894 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate on airborne transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a risk factor for infection. In this study, the level of SARS-CoV-2 in air and on surfaces of SARS-CoV-2 infected nursing home residents was assessed to gain insight in potential transmission routes. During outbreaks, air samples were collected using three different active and one passive air sampling technique in rooms of infected patients. Oropharyngeal swabs (OPS) of the residents and dry surface swabs were collected. Additionally, longitudinal passive air samples were collected during a period of 4 months in common areas of the wards. Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was determined using RT-qPCR, targeting the RdRp- and E-genes. OPS, samples of two active air samplers and surface swabs with Ct-value ≤35 were tested for the presence of infectious virus by cell culture. In total, 360 air and 319 surface samples from patient rooms and common areas were collected. In rooms of 10 residents with detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in OPS, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 93 of 184 collected environmental samples (50.5%) (lowest Ct 29.5), substantially more than in the rooms of residents with negative OPS on the day of environmental sampling (n = 2) (3.6%). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was most frequently present in the larger particle size fractions [>4 μm 60% (6/10); 1-4 μm 50% (5/10); <1 μm 20% (2/10)] (Fischer exact test P = 0.076). The highest proportion of RNA-positive air samples on room level was found with a filtration-based sampler 80% (8/10) and the cyclone-based sampler 70% (7/10), and impingement-based sampler 50% (5/10). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 10 out of 12 (83%) passive air samples in patient rooms. Both high-touch and low-touch surfaces contained SARS-CoV-2 genome in rooms of residents with positive OPS [high 38% (21/55); low 50% (22/44)]. In one active air sample, infectious virus in vitro was detected. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 is frequently detected in air and on surfaces in the immediate surroundings of room-isolated COVID-19 patients, providing evidence of environmental contamination. The environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 and infectious aerosols confirm the potential for transmission via air up to several meters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Linde
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +31302535358; e-mail:
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A J W Kluytmans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein F Q Kluytmans-van den Bergh
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Department of Infection Control, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan D Pas
- Microvida Location Amphia/Bravis, Breda/Roosendaal, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Patrick Meijer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ceder R Raben
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Spithoven
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dick J J Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wietske Dohmen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Manibusan S, Mainelis G. Passive Bioaerosol Samplers: A Complementary Tool for Bioaerosol Research. A Review. JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE 2022; 163:105992. [PMID: 36386279 PMCID: PMC9648171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2022.105992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols consist of airborne particles of biological origin. They play an important role in our environment and may cause negative health effects. The presence of biological aerosol is typically determined using active samplers. While passive bioaerosol samplers are used much less frequently in bioaerosol investigations, they offer certain advantages, such as simple design, low cost, and long sampling duration. This review discusses different types of passive bioaerosol samplers, including their collection mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, applicability in different sampling environments, and available sample elution and analysis methods. Most passive samplers are based on gravitational settling and electrostatic capture mechanism or their combination. We discuss the agar settle plate, dustfall collector, Personal Aeroallergen Sampler (PAAS), and settling filters among the gravity-based samplers. The described electrostatics-based samplers include electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) and Rutgers Electrostatic Passive Sampler (REPS). In addition, the review also discusses passive opportunity samplers using preexisting airflow, such as filters in HVAC systems. Overall, passive bioaerosol sampling technologies are inexpensive, easy to operate, and can continuously sample for days and even weeks which is not easily accomplished by active sampling devices. Although passive sampling devices are usually treated as qualitative tools, they still provide information about bioaerosol presence and diversity, especially over longer time scales. Overall, this review suggests that the use of passive bioaerosol samplers alongside active collection devices can aid researchers in developing a more comprehensive understanding of biological presence and dynamics, especially over extended time scales and multiple locations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gediminas Mainelis
- Corresponding author: Gediminas Mainelis, Phone: 848-932-5707, Fax: 732-932-8644
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17
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Luiken RE, Heederik DJ, Scherpenisse P, Van Gompel L, van Heijnsbergen E, Greve GD, Jongerius-Gortemaker BG, Tersteeg-Zijderveld MH, Fischer J, Juraschek K, Skarżyńska M, Zając M, Wasyl D, Wagenaar JA, Smit LA, Wouters IM, Mevius DJ, Schmitt H. Determinants for antimicrobial resistance genes in farm dust on 333 poultry and pig farms in nine European countries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112715. [PMID: 35033551 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Livestock feces with antimicrobial resistant bacteria reaches the farm floor, manure pit, farm land and wider environment by run off and aerosolization. Little research has been done on the role of dust in the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in farms. Concentrations and potential determinants of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in farm dust are at present not known. Therefore in this study absolute ARG levels, representing the levels people and animals might be exposed to, and relative abundances of ARGs, representing the levels in the bacterial population, were quantified in airborne farm dust using qPCR. Four ARGs were determined in 947 freshly settled farm dust samples, captured with electrostatic dustfall collectors (EDCs), from 174 poultry (broiler) and 159 pig farms across nine European countries. By using linear mixed modeling, associations with fecal ARG levels, antimicrobial use (AMU) and farm and animal related parameters were determined. Results show similar relative abundances in farm dust as in feces and a significant positive association (ranging between 0.21 and 0.82) between the two reservoirs. AMU in pigs was positively associated with ARG abundances in dust from the same stable. Higher biosecurity standards were associated with lower relative ARG abundances in poultry and higher relative ARG abundances in pigs. Lower absolute ARG levels in dust were driven by, among others, summer season and certain bedding materials for poultry, and lower animal density and summer season for pigs. This study indicates different pathways that contribute to shaping the dust resistome in livestock farms, related to dust generation, or affecting the bacterial microbiome. Farm dust is a large reservoir of ARGs from which transmission to bacteria in other reservoirs can possibly occur. The identified determinants of ARG abundances in farm dust can guide future research and potentially farm management policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roosmarijn Ec Luiken
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Dick Jj Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Scherpenisse
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Liese Van Gompel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eri van Heijnsbergen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerdit D Greve
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jennie Fischer
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Juraschek
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Magdalena Skarżyńska
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet), Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zając
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet), Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wasyl
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet), Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Department Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221RA, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Lidwien Am Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dik J Mevius
- Department Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221RA, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Heike Schmitt
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721MA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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18
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Applying the exposome concept to working life health. Environ Epidemiol 2022; 6:e185. [PMID: 35434456 PMCID: PMC9005258 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposures at work have a major impact on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Current risk reduction policies and strategies are informed by existing scientific evidence, which is limited due to the challenges of studying the complex relationship between exposure at work and outside work and health. We define the working life exposome as all occupational and related nonoccupational exposures. The latter includes nonoccupational exposures that may be directly or indirectly influenced by or interact with the working life of the individual in their relation to health. The Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research aims to advance knowledge on the complex working life exposures in relation to disease beyond the single high exposure–single health outcome paradigm, mapping and relating interrelated exposures to inherent biological pathways, key body functions, and health. This will be achieved by combining (1) large-scale harmonization and pooling of existing European cohorts systematically looking at multiple exposures and diseases, with (2) the collection of new high-resolution external and internal exposure data. Methods and tools to characterize the working life exposome will be developed and applied, including sensors, wearables, a harmonized job exposure matrix (EuroJEM), noninvasive biomonitoring, omics, data mining, and (bio)statistics. The toolbox of developed methods and knowledge will be made available to policy makers, occupational health practitioners, and scientists. Advanced knowledge on working life exposures in relation to NCDs will serve as a basis for evidence-based and cost-effective preventive policies and actions. The toolbox will also enable future scientists to further expand the working life exposome knowledge base.
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19
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Viegas C, Dias M, Viegas S. Electrostatic Dust Cloth: A Useful Passive Sampling Method When Assessing Exposure to Fungi Demonstrated in Studies Developed in Portugal (2018–2021). Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030345. [PMID: 35335669 PMCID: PMC8955157 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) have been widely used for microbiologic contamination assessment in different indoor and occupational environments. This paper reviews sixteen studies performed in Portugal between 2018 and 2021 for evaluating the exposure to microbiological agents and focusing on fungi using EDC as a passive sampling method. The findings suggest that EDC can be applied as a screening method for particulate matter-exposure assessment and as a complementary method to characterize microbial exposures in occupational environments. Overall, EDC should be included, side by side with other sampling methods, in sampling campaigns focused on exposure assessments due to the advantages such as the straightforward extraction protocol favoring the employment of different assays, which allows us to assess exposure to a wide range of microbial agents, and presents higher accuracy regarding the fungal diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.D.); (S.V.)
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.D.); (S.V.)
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.D.); (S.V.)
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
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20
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Møller SA, Rasmussen PU, Frederiksen MW, Madsen AM. Work clothes as a vector for microorganisms: Accumulation, transport, and resuspension of microorganisms as demonstrated for waste collection workers. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107112. [PMID: 35091375 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Work clothes may act as a vector for the transport of microorganisms leading to second-hand exposure; however, this has not been studied in work environments. We investigated whether microorganisms accumulate on workers' clothes in environments with elevated microbial exposures, and whether they are transported with the clothes and subsequently resuspended to the air. To study this, we selected waste collection workers and potential transport of bacteria and fungi to waste truck cabs via clothes, and compared the microbial communities within truck cabs, in waste collection workers' personal exposure, and on clean T-shirts worn by the workers. Microbial communities were also investigated for the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms. Results showed that microorganisms accumulated in large quantities (GM = 3.69 × 105 CFU/m2/h for bacteria, GM = 8.29 × 104 CFU/m2/h for fungi) on workers' clothes. The concentrations and species composition of airborne fungi in the truck cabs correlated significantly with the accumulation and composition of fungi on clothes and correlated to concentrations (a trend) and species composition of their personal exposures. The same patterns were not found for bacteria, indicating that work clothes to a lesser degree act as a vector for bacteria under waste collection workers' working conditions compared to fungi. Several pathogenic or allergenic microorganisms were present, e.g.: Klebsiella oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia rettgeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus fumigatus, A. glaucus, A. nidulans, A. niger, and various Penicillium species. The potential 'take-home' exposure to these microorganisms are of most concern for immunocompromised or atopic individuals or people with open wounds or cuts. In conclusion, the large accumulation of microorganisms on workers' clothes combined with the overlap between fungal species for the different sample types, and the presence of pathogenic and allergenic microorganisms forms the basis for encouragement of good clothing hygiene during and post working hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Agnete Møller
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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21
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Madsen AM, Rasmussen PU, Frederiksen MW. Accumulation of microorganisms on work clothes of workers collecting different types of waste - A feasibility study. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 139:250-257. [PMID: 34979353 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrostatic dust cloths have previously been used to study microorganisms in settled dust by placing the cloths horizontally on surfaces (called Electrostatic Dust Collectors, EDC). In this study, we investigate whether the same cloths, henceforth called 'E-Cloths', can be used to study accumulation of microorganisms and endotoxin on workers' clothes. This was studied as current methods have limitations. It was examined for waste collection workers, as their work environment is associated with elevated exposure to microorganisms and endotoxin. Each worker received a kit with a T-shirt with an attached E-Cloth on the front, a instruction letter, and a questionnaire. Workers wore the T-shirts during the next two workdays. Unaffected by waste type collected, it was possible to measure the accumulation of bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin from the work environment on the E-Cloths. Geometric mean concentration of 9 × 106 CFU bacteria/m2, 1 × 107 CFU fungi/m2, and 4 × 104 endotoxin units/m2 were found. In total, 100 different bacterial and 25 fungal species were found. The genus Bacillus (with 18 species) and Brevibacterium aurantiacum were among the dominating bacteria. For fungi, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. commune, Penicillium italicum, and Aspergillus niger were most often found. Importantly, mainly environmental bacteria and fungi had accumulated on the E-Cloths and only few skin-related bacterial species were present, showing that accumulation had happened from the work exposure and not workers' skin. In conclusion, the T-shirts with an E-Cloth can be used as a self-administered method for measurement of accumulation of microorganisms and endotoxin from the work environment on waste collection workers' clothes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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22
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Compendium of analytical methods for sampling, characterization and quantification of bioaerosols. ADV ECOL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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23
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Theodorou J, Nowak E, Böck A, Salvermoser M, Beerweiler C, Zeber K, Kulig P, Tsang MS, Wong CK, Wong GWK, Roponen M, Kumbrink J, Alhamdan F, Michel F, Garn H, Tosevski V, Schaub B. Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in childhood asthma development and environment-mediated protection. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13657. [PMID: 34455626 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While childhood asthma prevalence is rising in Westernized countries, farm children are protected. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway with its negative regulator dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1) is presumably associated with asthma development. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the role of MAPK signaling in childhood asthma and its environment-mediated protection, including a representative selection of 232 out of 1062 children from two cross-sectional cohorts and one birth cohort study. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from asthmatic and healthy children were cultured upon stimulation with farm-dust extracts or lipopolysaccharide. In subgroups, gene expression was analyzed by qPCR (PBMCs, cord blood) and NanoString technology (dendritic cells). Protein expression of phosphorylated MAPKs was measured by mass cytometry. Histone acetylation was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Asthmatic children expressed significantly less DUSP1 (p = .006) with reduced acetylation at histone H4 (p = .012) compared with healthy controls. Farm-dust stimulation upregulated DUSP1 expression reaching healthy levels and downregulated inflammatory MAPKs on gene and protein levels (PBMCs; p ≤ .01). Single-cell protein analysis revealed downregulated pMAPKs upon farm-dust stimulation in B cells, NK cells, monocytes, and T-cell subpopulations. CONCLUSION Lower DUSP1 baseline levels in asthmatic children and anti-inflammatory regulation of MAPK in several immune cell types by farm-dust stimulation indicate a regulatory function for DUSP1 for future therapy contributing to anti-inflammatory characteristics of farming environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Theodorou
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children´s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Member of German Center for Lung Research - DZL, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Nowak
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children´s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Böck
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children´s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Salvermoser
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children´s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Beerweiler
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children´s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Zeber
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children´s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Paulina Kulig
- Mass Cytometry Facility, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miranda S Tsang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun-Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary W K Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Marjut Roponen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jörg Kumbrink
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fahd Alhamdan
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Florian Michel
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Vinko Tosevski
- Mass Cytometry Facility, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bianca Schaub
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children´s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Member of German Center for Lung Research - DZL, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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24
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de Rooij MMT, Hakze-Van der Honing RW, Hulst MM, Harders F, Engelsma M, van de Hoef W, Meliefste K, Nieuwenweg S, Oude Munnink BB, van Schothorst I, Sikkema RS, van der Spek AN, Spierenburg M, Spithoven J, Bouwstra R, Molenaar RJ, Koopmans M, Stegeman A, van der Poel WHM, Smit LAM. Occupational and environmental exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in and around infected mink farms. Occup Environ Med 2021; 78:893-899. [PMID: 34330815 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.06.20248760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unprecedented SARS-CoV-2 infections in farmed minks raised immediate concerns regarding transmission to humans and initiated intensive environmental investigations to assess occupational and environmental exposure. METHODS Air sampling was performed at infected Dutch mink farms, at farm premises and at nearby residential sites. A range of other environmental samples were collected from minks' housing units, including bedding materials. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was analysed in all samples by quantitative PCR. RESULTS Inside the farms, considerable levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were found in airborne dust, especially in personal inhalable dust samples (approximately 1000-10 000 copies/m3). Most of the settling dust samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (82%, 75 of 92). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in outdoor air samples, except for those collected near the entrance of the most recently infected farm. Many samples of minks' housing units and surfaces contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA. CONCLUSIONS Infected mink farms can be highly contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA. This warns of occupational exposure, which was substantiated by considerable SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in personal air samples. Dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 to outdoor air was found to be limited and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in air samples collected beyond farm premises, implying a negligible risk of environmental exposure to nearby communities. Our occupational and environmental risk assessment is in line with whole genome sequencing analyses showing mink-to-human transmission among farm workers, but no indications of direct zoonotic transmission events to nearby communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna M T de Rooij
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marcel M Hulst
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Harders
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Engelsma
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter van de Hoef
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kees Meliefste
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sigrid Nieuwenweg
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Reina S Sikkema
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arco N van der Spek
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Spierenburg
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Spithoven
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marion Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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25
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de Rooij MMT, Hakze-Van der Honing RW, Hulst MM, Harders F, Engelsma M, van de Hoef W, Meliefste K, Nieuwenweg S, Oude Munnink BB, van Schothorst I, Sikkema RS, van der Spek AN, Spierenburg M, Spithoven J, Bouwstra R, Molenaar RJ, Koopmans M, Stegeman A, van der Poel WHM, Smit LAM. Occupational and environmental exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in and around infected mink farms. Occup Environ Med 2021; 78:893-899. [PMID: 34330815 PMCID: PMC8327637 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2021-107443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unprecedented SARS-CoV-2 infections in farmed minks raised immediate concerns regarding transmission to humans and initiated intensive environmental investigations to assess occupational and environmental exposure. METHODS Air sampling was performed at infected Dutch mink farms, at farm premises and at nearby residential sites. A range of other environmental samples were collected from minks' housing units, including bedding materials. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was analysed in all samples by quantitative PCR. RESULTS Inside the farms, considerable levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were found in airborne dust, especially in personal inhalable dust samples (approximately 1000-10 000 copies/m3). Most of the settling dust samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (82%, 75 of 92). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in outdoor air samples, except for those collected near the entrance of the most recently infected farm. Many samples of minks' housing units and surfaces contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA. CONCLUSIONS Infected mink farms can be highly contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA. This warns of occupational exposure, which was substantiated by considerable SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in personal air samples. Dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 to outdoor air was found to be limited and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in air samples collected beyond farm premises, implying a negligible risk of environmental exposure to nearby communities. Our occupational and environmental risk assessment is in line with whole genome sequencing analyses showing mink-to-human transmission among farm workers, but no indications of direct zoonotic transmission events to nearby communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna M T de Rooij
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marcel M Hulst
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Harders
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Engelsma
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter van de Hoef
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kees Meliefste
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sigrid Nieuwenweg
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Reina S Sikkema
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arco N van der Spek
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Spierenburg
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Spithoven
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marion Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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26
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Riederer AM, Krenz JE, Tchong-French MI, Torres E, Perez A, Younglove LR, Jansen KL, Hardie DC, Farquhar SA, Sampson PD, Metwali N, Thorne PS, Karr CJ. Effectiveness of portable HEPA air cleaners on reducing indoor endotoxin, PM 10, and coarse particulate matter in an agricultural cohort of children with asthma: A randomized intervention trial. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1926-1939. [PMID: 34288127 PMCID: PMC8577577 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a randomized trial of portable HEPA air cleaners in the homes of children age 6-12 years with asthma in the Yakima Valley, Washington. All families received asthma education while intervention families also received two HEPA cleaners (child's bedroom, living room). We collected 14-day integrated samples of endotoxin in settled dust and PM10 and PM10-2.5 in the air of the children's bedrooms at baseline and one-year follow-up, and used linear regression to compare follow-up levels, adjusting for baseline. Seventy-one families (36 HEPA, 35 control) completed the study. Baseline geometric mean (GSD) endotoxin loadings were 1565 (6.3) EU/m2 and 2110 (4.9) EU/m2 , respectively, in HEPA vs. control homes while PM10 and PM10-2.5 were 22.5 (1.9) μg/m3 and 9.5 (2.9) μg/m3 , respectively, in HEPA homes, and 19.8 (1.8) μg/m3 and 7.7 (2.0) μg/m3 , respectively, in control homes. At follow-up, HEPA families had 46% lower (95% CI, 31%-57%) PM10 on average than control families, consistent with prior studies. In the best-fit heterogeneous slopes model, HEPA families had 49% (95% CI, 6%-110%) and 89% lower (95% CI, 28%-177%) PM10-2.5 at follow-up, respectively, at 50th and 75th percentile baseline concentrations. Endotoxin loadings did not differ significantly at follow-up (4% lower, HEPA homes; 95% CI, -87% to 50%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Riederer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Krenz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Maria I. Tchong-French
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- Northwest Communities Education Center, Radio KDNA, Granger, WA, USA
| | - Adriana Perez
- Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Toppenish, WA, USA
| | - Lisa R. Younglove
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karen L. Jansen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David C. Hardie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Farquhar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul D. Sampson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Peter S. Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Catherine J. Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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27
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Adams RI, Leppänen H, Karvonen AM, Jacobs J, Borràs-Santos A, Valkonen M, Krop E, Haverinen-Shaughnessy U, Huttunen K, Zock JP, Hyvärinen A, Heederik D, Pekkanen J, Täubel M. Microbial exposures in moisture-damaged schools and associations with respiratory symptoms in students: A multi-country environmental exposure study. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1952-1966. [PMID: 34151461 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Moisture-damaged buildings are associated with respiratory symptoms and underlying diseases among building occupants, but the causative agent(s) remain a mystery. We first identified specific fungal and bacterial taxa in classrooms with moisture damage in Finnish and Dutch primary schools. We then investigated associations of the identified moisture damage indicators with respiratory symptoms in more than 2700 students. Finally, we explored whether exposure to specific taxa within the indoor microbiota may explain the association between moisture damage and respiratory health. Schools were assessed for moisture damage through detailed inspections, and the microbial composition of settled dust in electrostatic dustfall collectors was determined using marker-gene analysis. In Finland, there were several positive associations between particular microbial indicators (diversity, richness, individual taxa) and a respiratory symptom score, while in the Netherlands, the associations tended to be mostly inverse and statistically non-significant. In Finland, abundance of the Sphingomonas bacterial genus and endotoxin levels partially explained the associations between moisture damage and symptom score. A few microbial taxa explained part of the associations with health, but overall, the observed associations between damage-associated individual taxa and respiratory health were limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel I Adams
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Hanna Leppänen
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Karvonen
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - José Jacobs
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alicia Borràs-Santos
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Escola Universitària d'Infermeria, Escoles Universitàries Gimbernat, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Maria Valkonen
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Esmeralda Krop
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kati Huttunen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anne Hyvärinen
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dick Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Juha Pekkanen
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Public Health, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Martin Täubel
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
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28
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Viegas C, Sousa P, Dias M, Caetano LA, Ribeiro E, Carolino E, Twarużek M, Kosicki R, Viegas S. Bioburden contamination and Staphylococcus aureus colonization associated with firefighter's ambulances. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111125. [PMID: 33895113 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Ambulance vehicles are an essential part of emergency clinical services. Bioburden control in ambulances, through cleaning and disinfection, is crucial to minimize hospital-acquired infections, cross contamination and exposure of patients and ambulances' crew. In Portugal, firefighter crews are responsible, besides fire extinction, for first aid and urgent pre-hospital treatment. This study assessed the bioburden in Portuguese firefighters' ambulances with a multi-approach protocol using active and passive sampling methods. Fungal resistance profile and mycotoxins detection in ambulances' ambient, and S. aureus (SA) prevalence and resistance profile in ambulances' ambient and colonization in workers were also investigated. Toxigenic fungi with clinical relevance, namely Aspergillus section Fumigati, were found on ambulance's air in the hazardous dimension range. Interestingly, surface contamination was higher after cleaning in several sampling sites. Prevalence of S. aureus was 3% in environmental samples, of which 2% were methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and 1% methicillin-resistant (MRSA). About 2.07 fungal species were able to grow in at least one azole, ranging from one (44% samples) to five (6% samples) species in each azole. Mycotoxins were detected in mops and electrostatic dust cloths. Colonization by S. aureus in the firefighter crew was observed with a high associated prevalence, namely 48%, with a 24% prevalence of MSSA (8/33) and 21% of MRSA (7/33). Additional studies are needed to determine the potential risk of infection transmission between different vehicle fleets and under varying conditions of use. This will strengthen the paramedic sector's mission to save lives without putting their own health and safety at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal.
| | - Pedro Sousa
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Edna Ribeiro
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Robert Kosicki
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal
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Vijayakumar R, Abdulaziz Alfaiz F, Al-Malki ES, Sandle T. Assessment of airborne endotoxin in sandstorm dust and indoor environments using a novel passive sampling device in Al Zulfi city, Saudi Arabia - Establishing threshold exposure levels. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1257-1266. [PMID: 33613055 PMCID: PMC7878821 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of sandstorm dust events affects local air quality and public health. These issues are becoming of greater concern in Saudi Arabia. There is a significant lack of research on airborne endotoxin exposure and analysis in the Middle East countries and no coherent body of research exists focusing on sandstorm dust in worldwide. In this study, we used a novel design of an aluminum foil plate (AFP) electrostatic dust cloth (EDC) for the passive air sampling of sandstorm dust. A total of 38 sandstorm dust samples were collected during sandstorm episodes occurring between January and April 2020 in both indoor (7 days, n = 20) and outdoor environments (24 h, n = 18). After exposure, and following an extraction procedure, bacterial endotoxin levels were measured using the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) gel clot method. The study highlights that the airborne endotoxin level observed was between 10 and 200 EU/m2 in both indoor and outdoor environments, during a sandstorm event. Agricultural activities and farmhouses observed higher airborne endotoxin levels. In general, increased endotoxin levels were related to the severity of the sandstorms. Given that the observed values were high as per existing guidelines for respiratory health, we recommend the setting an occupational airborne exposure limit for bacterial endotoxin. This is the first report and further studies across various sandstorm-hit regions will need to be undertaken, together with various sampling methods, in order to assess for seasonal and geographic trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Vijayakumar
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author at: Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Faiz Abdulaziz Alfaiz
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam S. Al-Malki
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tim Sandle
- Head of Microbiology, Risk Management and Sterility Assurance, Bio Products Laboratory, Elstree, United Kingdom
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Viegas C, Dias M, Monteiro A, Faria T, Lage J, Carolino E, Caetano LA, Gomes AQ, Almeida SM, Verde SC, Belo J, Canha N. Bioburden in sleeping environments from Portuguese dwellings. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 273:116417. [PMID: 33465652 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A wider characterization of indoor air quality during sleep is still lacking in the literature. This study intends to assess bioburden before and after sleeping periods in Portuguese dwellings through active methods (air sampling) coupled with passive methods, such as electrostatic dust cloths (EDC); and investigate associations between before and after sleeping and bioburden. In addition, and driven by the lack of information regarding fungi azole-resistance in Portuguese dwellings, a screening with supplemented media was also performed. The most prevalent genera of airborne bacteria identified in the indoor air of the bedrooms were Micrococcus (41%), Staphylococcus (15%) and Neisseria (9%). The major indoor bacterial species isolated in all ten studied bedrooms were Micrococcus luteus (30%), Staphylococcus aureus (13%) and Micrococcus varians (11%). Our results highlight that our bodies are the source of the majority of the bacteria found in the indoor air of our homes. Regarding air fungal contamination, Chrysosporium spp. presented the highest prevalence both in after the sleeping period (40.8%) and before the sleeping period (28.8%) followed by Penicillium spp. (23.47% morning; 23.6% night) and Chrysonilia spp. (12.4% morning; 20.3% night). Several Aspergillus sections were identified in air and EDC samples. However, none of the fungal species/strains (Aspergillus sections Fumigati, Flavi, Nidulantes and Circumdati) were amplified by qPCR in the analyzed EDC. The correlations observed suggest reduced susceptibility to antifungal drugs of some fungal species found in sleeping environments. Toxigenic fungal species and indicators of harmful fungal contamination were observed in sleeping environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de, Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de, Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal.
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Monteiro
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago Faria
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela-LRS, Portugal
| | - Joana Lage
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela-LRS, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de, Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anita Quintal Gomes
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de, Lisboa, Portugal; University of Lisbon Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Marta Almeida
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela-LRS, Portugal
| | - Sandra Cabo Verde
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela-LRS, Portugal
| | - Joana Belo
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de, Lisboa, Portugal; Integrated Pathophysiological Mechanisms Research Group (CEDOC) - NMS-UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno Canha
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela-LRS, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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Culture Media and Sampling Collection Method for Aspergillus spp. Assessment: Tackling the Gap between Recommendations and the Scientific Evidence. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Culturing is still the most widely used method for determining fungal growth. Thus, is important to identify the most suitable culture media to assess Aspergillus spp. The aim of this study was to analyze data obtained from previous studies, aiming at identifying the most suitable culture media (malt extract agar (MEA) or dichloran-glycerol agar (DG18) to assess Aspergillus spp. isolation and growth. This study was conducted by using environmental samples (n = 1153). Most of the active sampling methods (air samples) were impacted directly onto both culture media. As for passive sampling methods, fungi were extracted from environmental matrices inoculated onto both media. Overall, total Aspergillus counts were higher in MEA (n = 617, 53.5%) than in DG18 (n = 536, 46.5%). Regarding Aspergillus sections, significant associations were detected with the media (χ2 (7) = 241.118, p < 0.001), the sampling approach (p < 0.001, 95% CI = (0.3 × 10−4), and the indoor environment (p < 0.001, 95% CI = (0.3 × 10−4)). As such, sampling approach and the culture media should be accurately selected when dealing with Aspergillus spp. exposure assessment.
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Luiken REC, Van Gompel L, Bossers A, Munk P, Joosten P, Hansen RB, Knudsen BE, García-Cobos S, Dewulf J, Aarestrup FM, Wagenaar JA, Smit LAM, Mevius DJ, Heederik DJJ, Schmitt H. Farm dust resistomes and bacterial microbiomes in European poultry and pig farms. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:105971. [PMID: 32738764 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Livestock farms are a reservoir of antimicrobial resistant bacteria from feces. Airborne dust-bound bacteria can spread across the barn and to the outdoor environment. Therefore, exposure to farm dust may be of concern for animals, farmers and neighboring residents. Although dust is a potential route of transmission, little is known about the resistome and bacterial microbiome of farm dust. OBJECTIVES We describe the resistome and bacterial microbiome of pig and poultry farm dust and their relation with animal feces resistomes and bacterial microbiomes, and on-farm antimicrobial usage (AMU). In addition, the relation between dust and farmers' stool resistomes was explored. METHODS In the EFFORT-study, resistomes and bacterial microbiomes of indoor farm dust collected on Electrostatic Dust fall Collectors (EDCs), and animal feces of 35 conventional broiler and 44 farrow-to-finish pig farms from nine European countries were determined by shotgun metagenomic analysis. The analysis also included 79 stool samples from farmers working or living at 12 broiler and 19 pig farms and 46 human controls. Relative abundance of and variation in resistome and bacterial composition of farm dust was described and compared to animal feces and farmers' stool. RESULTS The farm dust resistome contained a large variety of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs); more than the animal fecal resistome. For both poultry and pigs, composition of dust resistomes finds (partly) its origin in animal feces as dust resistomes correlated significantly with fecal resistomes. The dust bacterial microbiome also correlated significantly with the dust resistome composition. A positive association between AMU in animals on the farm and the total abundance of the dust resistome was found. Occupational exposure to pig farm dust or animal feces may contribute to farmers' resistomes, however no major shifts in farmers resistome towards feces or dust resistomes were found in this study. CONCLUSION Poultry and pig farm dust resistomes are rich and abundant and associated with the fecal resistome of the animals and the dust bacterial microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roosmarijn E C Luiken
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Liese Van Gompel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alex Bossers
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick Munk
- Section for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 204, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Philip Joosten
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Berith E Knudsen
- Section for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 204, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Silvia García-Cobos
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frank M Aarestrup
- Section for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 204, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands; Dept. Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dik J Mevius
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands; Dept. Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dick J J Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Heike Schmitt
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands; Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721MA Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Stapleton EM, Kizhakke Puliyakote A, Metwali N, Jeronimo M, Thornell IM, Manges RB, Bilas M, Kamal Batcha MA, Kumaravel MS, Durairaj K, Karuppusamy K, Kathiresan G, Rahim SA, Shanmugam K, Thorne PS, Peters TM, Hoffman EA, Comellas AP. Lung function of primary cooks using LPG or biomass and the effect of particulate matter on airway epithelial barrier integrity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109888. [PMID: 32979995 PMCID: PMC7525042 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cooks exposed to biomass fuel experience increased risk of respiratory disease and mortality. We sought to characterize lung function and environmental exposures of primary cooking women using two fuel-types in southeastern India, as well as to investigate the effect of particulate matter (PM) from kitchens on human airway epithelial (HAE) cells in vitro. METHODS We assessed pre- and post-bronchodilator lung function on 25 primary female cooks using wood biomass or liquified petroleum gas (LPG), and quantified exposures from 34 kitchens (PM2.5, PM < 40 μm, black carbon, endotoxin, and PM metal and bacterial content). We then challenged HAE cells with PM, assessing its cytotoxicity to small-airway cells (A549) and its effect on: transepithelial conductance and macromolecule permeability (NuLi cells), and antimicrobial activity (using airway surface liquid, ASL, from primary HAE cells). RESULTS Lung function was impaired in cooks using both fuel-types. 60% of participants in both fuel-types had respiratory restriction (post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC>90). The remaining 40% in the LPG group had normal spirometry (post FEV1/FVC = 80-90), while only 10% of participants in the biomass group had normal spirometry, and the remaining biomass cooks (30%) had respiratory obstruction (post FEV1/FVC<80). Significant differences were found in environmental parameters, with biomass kitchens containing greater PM2.5, black carbon, zirconium, arsenic, iron, vanadium, and endotoxin concentrations. LPG kitchens tended to have more bacteria (p = 0.14), and LPG kitchen PM had greater sulphur concentrations (p = 0.02). In vitro, PM induced cytotoxicity in HAE A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner, however the effect was minimal and there were no differences between fuel-types. PM from homes of participants with a restrictive physiology increased electrical conductance of NuLi HAE cells (p = 0.06) and decreased macromolar permeability (p ≤ 0.05), while PM from homes of those with respiratory obstruction tended to increase electrical conductance (p = 0.20) and permeability (p = 0.07). PM from homes of participants with normal spirometry did not affect conductance or permeability. PM from all homes tended to inhibit antimicrobial activity of primary HAE cell airway surface liquid (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS Biomass cooks had airway obstruction, and significantly greater concentrations of kitchen environmental contaminants than LPG kitchens. PM from homes of participants with respiratory restriction and obstruction altered airway cell barrier function, elucidating mechanisms potentially responsible for respiratory phenotypes observed in biomass cooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Stapleton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| | | | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| | - Matthew Jeronimo
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T1Z3, Canada.
| | - Ian M Thornell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| | - Robert B Manges
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| | - Monalisa Bilas
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| | | | | | - Kumar Durairaj
- Centre for Research and Development, Ponnaiah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Kesavan Karuppusamy
- Department of Physics, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Geetha Kathiresan
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sirajunnisa Abdul Rahim
- Department of Chemistry, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Kumaran Shanmugam
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| | - Thomas M Peters
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| | - Eric A Hoffman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| | - Alejandro P Comellas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
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Assessment of Children’s Potential Exposure to Bioburden in Indoor Environments. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11090993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The exposure to particles and bioaerosols has been associated with the increase in health effects in children. The objective of this study was to assess the indoor exposure to bioburden in the indoor microenvironments more frequented by children. Air particulate matter (PM) and settled dust were sampled in 33 dwellings and four schools with a medium volume sampler and with a passive method using electrostatic dust collectors (EDC), respectively. Settled dust collected by EDC was analyzed by culture-based methods (including azole resistance profile) and using qPCR. Results showed that the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in classrooms (31.15 μg/m3 and 57.83 μg/m3, respectively) were higher than in homes (15.26 μg/m3 and 18.95 μg/m3, respectively) and highly exceeded the limit values established by the Portuguese legislation for indoor air quality. The fungal species most commonly found in bedrooms was Penicillium sp. (91.79%), whereas, in living rooms, it was Rhizopus sp. (37.95%). Aspergillus sections with toxigenic potential were found in bedrooms and living rooms and were able to grow on VOR. Although not correlated with PM, EDC provided information regarding the bioburden. Future studies, applying EDC coupled with PM assessment, should be implemented to allow for a long-term integrated sample of organic dust.
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Masterson EE, Younglove LB, Perez A, Torres E, Krenz JE, Tchong French MI, Riederer AM, Sampson PD, Metwali N, Min E, Jansen KL, Aisenberg G, Babadi RS, Farquhar SA, Thorne PS, Karr CJ. The home air in agriculture pediatric intervention (HAPI) trial: Rationale and methods. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 96:106085. [PMID: 32721578 PMCID: PMC7494646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data addressing air quality effects on children with asthma in rural U.S. communities are rare. Our community engaged research partnership previously demonstrated associations between neighborhood NH3 and ambient PM2.5 and asthma in the agricultural lower Yakima Valley of Washington. As a next step, the partnership desired an intervention approach to address concerns about pediatric asthma in this largely Latino immigrant, farm worker community. OBJECTIVE The Home Air in Agriculture Pediatric Intervention (HAPI) sought to examine the effectiveness of enrichment of an existing asthma education program with portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners designed to reduce PM2.5 and NH3. We investigated the effect of this enriched approach on these exposures and asthma health measures. DESIGN We randomized children with poorly controlled asthma to a control arm (current asthma education program) or an intervention arm (current asthma education program + placement of two indoor air cleaners in the family's home). Outcomes included (1) 14-day integrated samples of indoor air contaminants (PM2.5 and NH3) at baseline and one-year follow-up and (2) child asthma health metrics at baseline, midpoint (4-6 months) and one-year follow-up. These included the Asthma Control Test, symptoms days, clinical utilization, oral corticosteroid use, pulmonary function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and urinary leukotriene E4 concentration. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the first randomized HEPA cleaner intervention designed to assess NH3 as well as PM2.5 and to evaluate health outcomes of children with asthma in an agricultural region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Masterson
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America.
| | - Lisa B Younglove
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Adriana Perez
- Yakima Valley Farm Worker's Clinic, Toppenish, WA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- Northwest Communities Education Center, Radio KDNA, Granger, WA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer E Krenz
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Maria I Tchong French
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Anne M Riederer
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Paul D Sampson
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Esther Min
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Karen L Jansen
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Gino Aisenberg
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Ryan S Babadi
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Stephanie A Farquhar
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America; Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Catherine J Karr
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Vornanen-Winqvist C, Järvi K, Andersson MA, Duchaine C, Létourneau V, Kedves O, Kredics L, Mikkola R, Kurnitski J, Salonen H. Exposure to indoor air contaminants in school buildings with and without reported indoor air quality problems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 141:105781. [PMID: 32417615 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Reported indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints are common even in relatively new or renovated school buildings in Finland. However, detecting the causes for complaints with commonly used indoor air measurements is difficult. This study presents data on perceived and measured IAQ in six comprehensive school buildings in Finland. The aim of this study was to discover the possible differences of perceived and measured IAQ between schools with reported IAQ complaints and schools without reported IAQ complaints. The initial categorisation of schools with ('problematic schools') and without ('comparison schools') complaints was ensured via a validated indoor climate survey and a recently developed online questionnaire, which were completed by 186 teachers and 1268 students from the six schools. IAQ measurements of physical parameters, gaseous pollutants, particulate matter and bioaerosols were conducted in four problematic school buildings (26 classrooms) and two comparison school buildings (12 classrooms). Using air sampling as well as exhaust air filters and classroom settled dust to detect the presence of elevated concentrations of airborne cultivable microbes and pathogenic, toxigenic and mycoparasitic Trichoderma strains were the most indicative methods in distinguishing problematic schools from comparison schools. Other IAQ-related measurements did not detect clear differences between problematic and comparison schools, as the concentration levels were very low. The results indicate that the complaints reported by occupants could have been related to excess moisture or mould problems that had not been found or repaired. Ventilation pressure condition investigations and simultaneous exhaust and supply air filter dust culture should be addressed precisely in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kati Järvi
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Maria A Andersson
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- Université Laval, Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, 2325, rue de l'Université, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Valérie Létourneau
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Orsolya Kedves
- University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Microbiology, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Kredics
- University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Microbiology, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Raimo Mikkola
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Jarek Kurnitski
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Heidi Salonen
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
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Niculita-Hirzel H, Yang S, Hager Jörin C, Perret V, Licina D, Goyette Pernot J. Fungal Contaminants in Energy Efficient Dwellings: Impact of Ventilation Type and Level of Urbanization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17144936. [PMID: 32650626 PMCID: PMC7400204 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17144936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The presence of growing fungi in the indoor environment has been associated with the development of respiratory problems such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, as well as the worsening of respiratory pathologies. Their proliferation indoors could be a result of water leakage or inadequate ventilation. Although the factors promoting mould growth have been widely investigated in traditional dwellings, little work has been done in energy efficient dwellings. Here, the effectiveness of ventilation type, i.e., natural or mechanical, in influencing mould development was estimated in 44 recent and 105 retrofitted energy efficient dwellings. Fungi growing on surfaces were investigated in the dwellings situated in rural, peri-urban, and urban regions of Switzerland. The presence of these fungi was also investigated in bedroom settled dust. Information on building characteristics and owners' lifestyle were collected. Significant associations were found with the level of urbanisation, the location of mouldy area in dwellings, and the diversity of fungal taxa. Dwellings in peri-urban zones showed the most frequent fungal contamination in the owners' bedroom and the highest diversity of fungal genera among dwellings. While the urbanisation level or the ventilation type favoured no specific genus, we found marked disparities in the diversity of fungi growing on surfaces in naturally ventilated versus mechanically ventilated dwellings. Aspergillus, in particular, was a frequent surface contaminant in bedrooms with natural ventilation, but not in those mechanically ventilated. We observed a strong association between fungal growth on surfaces and the number of fungal particles counted in the settled dust of owners' bedrooms. These results demonstrate the importance of ventilation systems in energy efficient dwellings in controlling fungal proliferation in living areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Niculita-Hirzel
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Shen Yang
- Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (S.Y.); (D.L.)
| | - Corinne Hager Jörin
- HumanTech Institute, School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland;
| | | | - Dusan Licina
- Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (S.Y.); (D.L.)
| | - Joëlle Goyette Pernot
- Transform Institute, School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland;
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Guo J, Xiong Y, Kang T, Xiang Z, Qin C. Bacterial community analysis of floor dust and HEPA filters in air purifiers used in office rooms in ILAS, Beijing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6417. [PMID: 32286482 PMCID: PMC7156680 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove not only particulate matter but also airborne microorganisms in indoor environments. We investigated the bacterial community in HEPA filters (used for 1 year) and that in the floor dust of 12 office rooms in Beijing. We found that the viable bacteria proportion in the filter was significantly higher than that in the floor dust (p < 0.001). The Non-Metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling analysis showed that the bacterial communities in the filters and dust were significantly different (p = 0.001). The Chao1, Shannon-Wiener and phylogenetic diversity values in the filter were significantly higher than those in the dust (p < 0.001). The predominant bacterial classes in the filter were Alphaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria, whereas those in the dust were Bacteroidia, Clostridia and Bacilli. Human occupancy contributed more to the bacterial community in the filter than that in the dust. Klebsiella and Alloprevotella in the dust and filters positively correlated with the occupancy density. Soil bacteria contributed to a significantly higher proportion of the bacteria in the HEPA filter (p < 0.001). In contrast, human oral, indoor air and outdoor haze contributed to a higher proportion of the bacteria in the dust samples (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). As HEPA filters serve as an ecological niche for indoor bacteria, they should be carefully investigated during the assessment of indoor environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS&PUMC, Beijing, 100021, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal Model, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yi Xiong
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Taisheng Kang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS&PUMC, Beijing, 100021, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal Model, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhiguang Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS&PUMC, Beijing, 100021, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal Model, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chuan Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS&PUMC, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal Model, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Fakunle AG, Olusola B, Jafta N, Faneye A, Heederik D, Smit LA, Naidoo RN. Home Assessment of Indoor Microbiome (HAIM) in Relation to Lower Respiratory Tract Infections among Under-Five Children in Ibadan, Nigeria: The Study Protocol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061857. [PMID: 32183028 PMCID: PMC7143126 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The association between household air pollution and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) among children under five years of age has been well documented; however, the extent to which the microbiome within the indoor environment contributes to this association is uncertain. The home assessment of indoor microbiome (HAIM) study seeks to assess the abundance of indoor microbiota (IM) in the homes of under-five children (U-5Cs) with and without LRTI. HAIM is a hospital- and community-based study involving 200 cases and 200 controls recruited from three children’s hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. Cases will be hospital-based patients with LRTI confirmed by a pediatrician, while controls will be community-based participants, matched to cases on the basis of sex, geographical location, and age (±3 months) without LRTI. The abundance of IM in houses of cases and controls will be investigated using active and passive air sampling techniques and analyzed by qualitative detection of bacterial 16SrRNA gene (V3–V4), fungal ITS1 region, and viral RNA sequencing. HAIM is expected to elucidate the relationship between exposure to IM and incidence of LRTI among U-5Cs and ultimately provide evidence base for strategic interventions to curtail the burgeoning burden of LRTI on the subcontinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adekunle G. Fakunle
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 321 George Campbell Building Howard College Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa;
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200212, Nigeria
- Correspondence: (A.G.F.); (R.N.N.); Tel.: +234-90-9395-6165 (A.G.F.); +27-824-379-333 (R.N.N.)
| | - Babatunde Olusola
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200212, Nigeria; (B.O.); (A.F.)
| | - Nkosana Jafta
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 321 George Campbell Building Howard College Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa;
| | - Adedayo Faneye
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200212, Nigeria; (B.O.); (A.F.)
| | - Dick Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Environmental Epidemiology Division (IRAS-EEPI), Utrecht University, 80177 Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.H.)
| | - Lidwien A.M. Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Environmental Epidemiology Division (IRAS-EEPI), Utrecht University, 80177 Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.H.)
| | - Rajen N. Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 321 George Campbell Building Howard College Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa;
- Correspondence: (A.G.F.); (R.N.N.); Tel.: +234-90-9395-6165 (A.G.F.); +27-824-379-333 (R.N.N.)
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Sander I, Lotz A, Neumann HD, Czibor C, Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Reliability and Correlation Between Indoor Allergen Concentrations from Vacuumed Surface Samples and Electrostatic Dust Collectors. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 64:165-174. [PMID: 31773159 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most studies on indoor allergen exposure used vacuumed surface samples for quantification. One alternative is electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs), which sample previously airborne settled dust. The aim of this study was to compare allergen quantification using two different sampling methods, with respect to repeatability, and to determine how well the results agree with one another. METHODS Four times a year, measurements were made from samples that were either collected from the vacuuming of surfaces, or from EDCs, from 20 German day-care centers totaling 167 rooms. Overall, 504 vacuumed samples collected from smooth floors, 435 samples from carpets, 291 samples from upholstered furniture and beds, and 605 EDC samples were analyzed using six fluorescence enzyme immunoassays recognizing Fel d 1, Can f 1, Mus m 1, domestic mite (DM), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Tp) antigens. Variances and correlations among the repeat measurements over the course of the year within each sample type, and the correlations between surface samples and the corresponding EDC samples were calculated. RESULTS Repeat measurements over the year correlated significantly with one another. However, only Fel d 1, Can f 1, and DM in the EDC samples; DM, Dp, Tp, and Fel d 1 in the upholstered furniture samples; and DM in the carpet samples show representative results of single measurements according to their variance ratios (within-room/between-room variance <1). The highest correlation between surface and EDC samples was found for Fel d 1 on the upholstered furniture (r 0.52), followed by Can f 1 on the upholstered furniture and Can f 1 on carpets (r 0.47 and 0.45, respectively). The maximum correlation for mite antigens was between carpet samples and EDC (DM r 0.27, Dp r 0.33). Mus m 1 and Tp antigens for the most part did not correlate to the EDC results. CONCLUSIONS Both vacuumed dust from upholstered furniture and EDC samples were suitable for repeatable quantification of several allergens in day-care centers within a year. However, there was little agreement among the different collection methods, especially for Mus m 1 and certain mite antigens. Therefore, the method and location used for collection may greatly influence allergen exposure assessment and study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Sander
- Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IPA), Kompetenz-Zentrum für Allergologie/Immunologie, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anne Lotz
- Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IPA), Kompetenz-Zentrum für Epidemiologie, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Heinz-Dieter Neumann
- Unfallkasse Nordrhein-Westfalen der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung, Dezernat Prävention, Biologische, chemische und physikalische Einwirkungen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Czibor
- Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IPA), Kompetenz-Zentrum für Allergologie/Immunologie, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eva Zahradnik
- Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IPA), Kompetenz-Zentrum für Allergologie/Immunologie, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IPA), Kompetenz-Zentrum für Allergologie/Immunologie, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Warmink-Perdijk WDB, Peters LL, Tigchelaar EF, Dekens JAM, Jankipersadsing SA, Zhernakova A, Bossers WJR, Sikkema J, de Jonge A, Reijneveld SA, Verkade HJ, Koppelman GH, Wijmenga C, Kuipers F, Scherjon SA. Lifelines NEXT: a prospective birth cohort adding the next generation to the three-generation Lifelines cohort study. Eur J Epidemiol 2020; 35:157-168. [PMID: 32100173 PMCID: PMC7125065 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-020-00614-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological research has shown there to be a strong relationship between preconceptional, prenatal, birth and early-life factors and lifelong health. The Lifelines NEXT is a birth cohort designed to study the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic determinants on health and disease in a four-generation design. It is embedded within the Lifelines cohort study, a prospective three-generation population-based cohort study recording the health and health-related aspects of 167,729 individuals living in Northern Netherlands. In Lifelines NEXT we aim to include 1500 pregnant Lifelines participants and intensively follow them, their partners and their children until at least 1 year after birth. Longer-term follow-up of physical and psychological health will then be embedded following Lifelines procedures. During the Lifelines NEXT study period biomaterials-including maternal and neonatal (cord) blood, placental tissue, feces, breast milk, nasal swabs and urine-will be collected from the mother and child at 10 time points. We will also collect data on medical, social, lifestyle and environmental factors via questionnaires at 14 different time points and continuous data via connected devices. The extensive collection of different (bio)materials from mother and child during pregnancy and afterwards will provide the means to relate environmental factors including maternal and neonatal microbiome composition) to (epi)genetics, health and developmental outcomes. The nesting of the study within Lifelines enables us to include preconceptional transgenerational data and can be used to identify other extended families within the cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn D B Warmink-Perdijk
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van de Boechorstraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- AVAG (Academy Midwifery Amsterdam and Groningen), Dirk Huizingastraat 3-5, 9713 GL, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lilian L Peters
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van de Boechorstraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
- AVAG (Academy Midwifery Amsterdam and Groningen), Dirk Huizingastraat 3-5, 9713 GL, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ettje F Tigchelaar
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jackie A M Dekens
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Center for Development and Innovation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Soesma A Jankipersadsing
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Zhernakova
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J R Bossers
- Lifelines Cohort Study, Bloemsingel 1, 9713 BZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Sikkema
- Center for Development and Innovation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ank de Jonge
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van de Boechorstraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- AVAG (Academy Midwifery Amsterdam and Groningen), Dirk Huizingastraat 3-5, 9713 GL, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sijmen A Reijneveld
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henkjan J Verkade
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology - Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard H Koppelman
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergy, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cisca Wijmenga
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Folkert Kuipers
- Department of Pediatrics/Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sicco A Scherjon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Viegas C, Almeida B, Monteiro A, Paciência I, Rufo J, Aguiar L, Lage B, Diogo Gonçalves LM, Caetano LA, Carolino E, Gomes AQ, Twarużek M, Kosicki R, Grajewski J, Teixeira JP, Viegas S, Pereira C. Exposure assessment in one central hospital: A multi-approach protocol to achieve an accurate risk characterization. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 181:108947. [PMID: 31767353 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The bioburden in a Hospital building originates not only from patients, visitors and staff, but is also disseminated by several indoor hospital characteristics and outdoor environmental sources. This study intends to assess the exposure to bioburden in one central Hospital with a multi-approach protocol using active and passive sampling methods. The microbial contamination was also characterized through molecular tools for toxigenic species, antifungal resistance and mycotoxins and endotoxins profile. Two cytotoxicity assays (MTT and resazurin) were conducted with two cell lines (Calu-3 and THP-1), and in vitro pro-inflammatory potential was assessed in THP-1 cell line. Out of the 15 sampling locations 33.3% did not comply with Portuguese legislation regarding bacterial contamination, whereas concerning fungal contamination 60% presented I/O > 1. Toxigenic fungal species were observed in 27% of the sampled rooms (4 out of 15) and qPCR analysis successfully amplified DNA from the Aspergillus sections Flavi and Fumigati, although mycotoxins were not detected. Growth of distinct fungal species was observed on Sabouraud dextrose agar with triazole drugs, such as Aspergillus section Versicolores on 1 mg/L VORI. The highest concentrations of endotoxins were found in settled dust samples and ranged from 5.72 to 23.0 EU.mg-1. While a considerable cytotoxic effect (cell viability < 30%) was observed in one HVAC filter sample with Calu-3 cell line, it was not observed with THP-1 cell line. In air samples a medium cytotoxic effect (61-68% cell viability) was observed in 3 out of 15 samples. The cytokine responses produced a more potent average cell response (46.8 ± 12.3 ρg/mL IL-1β; 90.8 ± 58.5 ρg/mL TNF-α) on passive samples than air samples (25.5 ± 5.2 ρg/mL IL-1β and of 19.4 ± 5.2 ρg/mL TNF-α). A multi-approach regarding parameters to assess, sampling and analysis methods should be followed to characterize the biorburden in the Hospital indoor environment. This study supports the importance of considering exposure to complex mixtures in indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal.
| | - Beatriz Almeida
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Monteiro
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Paciência
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal & Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Rufo
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal & Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lívia Aguiar
- INSA - Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruna Lage
- INSA - Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lídia Maria Diogo Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Anita Quintal Gomes
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; University of Lisbon Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Experimental Biology, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Robert Kosicki
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Experimental Biology, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Jan Grajewski
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Experimental Biology, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INSA - Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal
| | - Cristiana Pereira
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INSA - Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Porto, Portugal
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Mainelis G. Bioaerosol Sampling: Classical Approaches, Advances, and Perspectives. AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2020; 54:496-519. [PMID: 35923417 PMCID: PMC9344602 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2019.1671950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosol sampling is an essential and integral part of any bioaerosol investigation. Since bioaerosols are very diverse in terms of their sizes, species, biological properties, and requirements for their detection and quantification, bioaerosol sampling is an active, yet challenging research area. This paper was inspired by the discussions during the 2018 International Aerosol Conference (IAC) (St. Louis, MO) regarding the need to summarize the current state of the art in bioaerosol research, including bioaerosol sampling, and the need to develop a more standardized set of guidelines for protocols used in bioaerosol research. The manuscript is a combination of literature review and perspectives: it discusses the main bioaerosol sampling techniques and then overviews the latest technical developments in each area; the overview is followed by the discussion of the emerging trends and developments in the field, including personal sampling, application of passive samplers, and advances toward improving bioaerosol detection limits as well as the emerging challenges such as collection of viruses and collection of unbiased samples for bioaerosol sequencing. The paper also discusses some of the practical aspects of bioaerosol sampling with particular focus on sampling aspects that could lead to bioaerosol determination bias. The manuscript concludes by suggesting several goals for bioaerosol sampling and development community to work towards and describes some of the grand bioaerosol challenges discussed at the IAC 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gediminas Mainelis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Airborne Rodent Allergen Levels in Dutch Households: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193736. [PMID: 31590211 PMCID: PMC6801909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Little research has been conducted in Europe regarding indoor exposure to airborne rodent allergens. The aims of this study were to gain insight into the prevalence of rodent allergens in airborne dust in Dutch households, to assess whether there is a relationship between rodent sightings and detectable allergens, and to identify risk factors associated with the presence of rodent allergens. Airborne dust was collected from the living rooms of 80 households distributed around central Netherlands by passive sampling using electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs). Samples were analysed for mouse (Mus m 1) and rat (Rat n 1) allergens. Participants completed a questionnaire on household and building characteristics, household pets, cleaning habits and ventilation. Mouse allergen was more prevalent than rat allergen and mouse sightings within the past year more than doubled the odds of detectable mouse allergen. Proximity to green areas, ventilation through an open window and insulation under the living room floor were determinants for detectable mouse allergen. Conversely, proximity to surface water was protective. No significant association was found between asthma and detectable mouse allergen. The passive EDC sampling method was used successfully to detect mouse and rat allergens in homes. The presence of mouse allergen was associated with previous mouse sightings. Risk factors and protective factors associated with the presence and levels of mouse allergen were identified.
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Krusche J, Twardziok M, Rehbach K, Böck A, Tsang MS, Schröder PC, Kumbrink J, Kirchner T, Xing Y, Riedler J, Dalphin JC, Pekkanen J, Lauener R, Roponen M, Li J, Wong CK, Wong GWK, Schaub B. TNF-α-induced protein 3 is a key player in childhood asthma development and environment-mediated protection. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 144:1684-1696.e12. [PMID: 31381928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood asthma prevalence is significantly greater in urban areas compared with rural/farm environments. Murine studies have shown that TNF-α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3; A20), an anti-inflammatory regulator of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling, mediates environmentally induced asthma protection. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the role of TNFAIP3 for asthma development in childhood and the immunomodulatory effects of environmental factors. METHODS In a representative selection of 250 of 2168 children from 2 prospective birth cohorts and 2 cross-sectional studies, we analyzed blood cells of healthy and asthmatic children from urban and rural/farm environments from Europe and China. PBMCs were stimulated ex vivo with dust from "asthma-protective" farms or LPS. NF-κB signaling-related gene and protein expression was assessed in PBMCs and multiplex gene expression assays (NanoString Technologies) in isolated dendritic cells of schoolchildren and in cord blood mononuclear cells from newborns. RESULTS Anti-inflammatory TNFAIP3 gene and protein expression was consistently decreased, whereas proinflammatory Toll-like receptor 4 expression was increased in urban asthmatic patients (P < .05), reflecting their increased inflammatory status. Ex vivo farm dust or LPS stimulation restored TNFAIP3 expression to healthy levels in asthmatic patients and shifted NF-κB signaling-associated gene expression toward an anti-inflammatory state (P < .001). Farm/rural children had lower expression, indicating tolerance induction by continuous environmental exposure. Newborns with asthma at school age had reduced TNFAIP3 expression at birth, suggesting TNFAIP3 as a possible biomarker predicting subsequent asthma. CONCLUSION Our data indicate TNFAIP3 as a key regulator during childhood asthma development and its environmentally mediated protection. Because environmental dust exposure conferred the anti-inflammatory effects, it might represent a promising future agent for asthma prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Krusche
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research-DZL, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Twardziok
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Rehbach
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Böck
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Miranda S Tsang
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul C Schröder
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Kumbrink
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuhan Xing
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Josef Riedler
- Children's Hospital Schwarzach, Schwarzach, Austria, Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical Private University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jean-Charles Dalphin
- University Hospital of Besançon, UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environment, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Juha Pekkanen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland; Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Roger Lauener
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St Gallen, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; School of Medicine, University of St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland; Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Care and Education, CK-CARE, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Marjut Roponen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jing Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun K Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary W K Wong
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Bianca Schaub
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research-DZL, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Viegas C, Almeida B, Gomes AQ, Carolino E, Caetano LA. Aspergillus spp. prevalence in Primary Health Care Centres: Assessment by a novel multi-approach sampling protocol. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 175:133-141. [PMID: 31121528 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to Aspergillus conidia may cause adverse effects on human health; however, no specific recommendations for routine assessments of Aspergillus in the clinical environment have been suggested so far. This study intended to determine the prevalence of Aspergillus in the clinical environment, focusing on ten Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) through a novel multi-approach sampling protocol. Air and passive sampling, culture-based methods and a probe-based real-time assay for the detection of four clinically relevant Aspergillus sections were performed. Aspergillus spp. was observed in all PHCC, with highest prevalence on floor surface swabs (n=81) (18% on MEA; 6.94% on DG18). Regarding air samples (n=81), highest Aspergillus counts were found in the waiting room (94% MEA; 18% DG18), where Nigri was the most prevalent Aspergillus section. The use of a multi-approach sampling protocol to assess Aspergillus burden in the analysed PHCC has greatly contributed to risk characterization, highlighting the need to implement corrective measures in order to avoid fungal presence in those settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Beatriz Almeida
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Anita Quintal Gomes
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; University of PortugalLisbon - Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Barrera C, Rocchi S, Degano B, Soumagne T, Laurent L, Bellanger AP, Laplante JJ, Millon L, Dalphin JC, Reboux G. Microbial exposure to dairy farmers' dwellings and COPD occurrence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:387-399. [PMID: 30461300 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1545900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Dairy farming is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim was to determine predictive markers either in blood samples or in dwelling dust samples by comparing COPD and healthy controls with or without farming activity. Dust was collected and analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. ELISA and DELFIA® were performed to assay the level of specific IgG and IgE of 10 targeted microorganisms. The dwelling exposure of farmers was higher than in the non-farmers (Especially Eurotium amstelodami and Lichtheimia corymbifera). The IgG response against Wallemia sebi and Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula was more often higher in the farmers than the non-farmers. However, exposure and sensitization to the microorganisms tested cannot explain the occurrence of COPD in the dairy farmers' population. COPD development is probably caused by multiple factors associated with exposure over a period of several years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Barrera
- a UMR/CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, UFR Sciences médicales et pharmaceutiques , University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon , France
- b Department of Parasitology-Mycology , University Hospital , Besançon , France
| | - Steffi Rocchi
- a UMR/CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, UFR Sciences médicales et pharmaceutiques , University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon , France
- b Department of Parasitology-Mycology , University Hospital , Besançon , France
| | - Bruno Degano
- c Department of Functional Explorations , University Hospital , Besançon , France
| | - Thibaud Soumagne
- d Department of Pneumology , University Hospital , Besançon , France
| | - Lucie Laurent
- c Department of Functional Explorations , University Hospital , Besançon , France
| | - Anne-Pauline Bellanger
- a UMR/CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, UFR Sciences médicales et pharmaceutiques , University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon , France
- b Department of Parasitology-Mycology , University Hospital , Besançon , France
| | - Jean-Jacques Laplante
- e Department of Occupational Diseases , Social and Agricultural Mutual (MSA) of Franche-Comté , Besançon , France
| | - Laurence Millon
- a UMR/CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, UFR Sciences médicales et pharmaceutiques , University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon , France
- b Department of Parasitology-Mycology , University Hospital , Besançon , France
| | - Jean-Charles Dalphin
- a UMR/CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, UFR Sciences médicales et pharmaceutiques , University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon , France
- d Department of Pneumology , University Hospital , Besançon , France
| | - Gabriel Reboux
- a UMR/CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, UFR Sciences médicales et pharmaceutiques , University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon , France
- b Department of Parasitology-Mycology , University Hospital , Besançon , France
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Samadi S, Heederik DJJ, Zahradnik E, Rietbroek NNJ, van Eerdenburg F, Sander I, Raulf M, Wouters IM. Bovine Allergens in a Ruminant Clinic and Dairy Barns: Exposure Levels, Determinants, and Variability. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:663-673. [PMID: 29718069 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dairy farmers may develop specific sensitization and allergic airway diseases due to bovine allergens. However, dose-response relationships are lacking, and as yet little is known on bovine allergen exposure levels. Objective To investigate bovine allergen exposure levels in a ruminant clinic and dairy barns, and to assess exposure determinants and variability of exposure. Methods Samples were collected using active and passive airborne dust measurements in a ruminant clinic and several dairy barns. Bovine allergen levels were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear mixed models were applied to explore the association between bovine allergen exposure levels and potential exposure determinants. Day-to-day within-worker and between-worker exposure variability was determined, as well as how exposure determinants affect exposure variability. Results Bovine allergens were measureable in all samples. Personal bovine allergen exposure levels in the ruminant clinic ranged from 0.10 to 24.8 µg/m3, geometric mean (GM) 1.34 µg/m3. Exposure levels varied dependent on job titles. Personal exposure levels in dairy barns ranged from 0.10 to 46.8 µg/m3, GM 1.47 µg/m3. Type of bedding materials in the barns appeared to be a significant determinant of bovine allergen levels. Compost bedding, particularly, increased allergen levels. Milking by robot was the most important determinant explaining between-worker exposure variability, while bedding was important as well. Bovine allergen levels in stationary measurements were somewhat lower than personal measurements (GM ratio 0.47). Bovine allergens could be readily detected in electrostatic dust-fall collector measurements. Conclusion This study provides insight in bovine allergen exposure levels and their determinants, which is a first step to investigate dose-response relationships between sensitization/allergy associated with exposure to bovine allergen levels in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Samadi
- Department of Occupational Health, Health Faculty, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.,Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J J Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Zahradnik
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nancy N J Rietbroek
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, CN Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank van Eerdenburg
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, CN Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Sander
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Major Differences in the Diversity of Mycobiomes Associated with Wheat Processing and Domestic Environments: Significant Findings from High-Throughput Sequencing of Fungal Barcode ITS1. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16132335. [PMID: 31269667 PMCID: PMC6650792 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to grain dust is associated with both acute and chronic effects on the airways. However, the aetiology of these effects is not completely understood, mainly due to the complexity and variety of potentially causative agents to which workers are exposed during cereals process. In this study, we characterized the mycobiome during different steps of wheat processing—harvesting, grain unloading and straw handling—and compared it to mycobiomes of domestic environments—rural and urban. To do so, settled dust was collected at a six month interval for six weeks in the close proximity of 142 participants, 74 occupationally exposed to wheat dust—freshly harvested or stored—and 68 not occupationally exposed to it. Fungal community composition was determined in those samples by high-throughput sequencing of the primary fungal barcode marker internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). The comparison of different mycobiomes revealed that fungal richness, as well as their composition, was much higher in the domestic environment than at the workplace. Furthermore, we found that the fungal community composition strongly differed between workplaces where workers handled freshly harvested wheat and those where they handled stored wheat. Indicator species for each exposed population were identified. Our results emphasize the complexity of exposure of grain workers and farmers and open new perspectives in the identification of the etiological factors responsible for the respiratory pathologies induced by wheat dust exposure.
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Lemaire B, Normand AC, Forel JM, Cassir N, Piarroux R, Ranque S. Hospitalized Patient as Source of Aspergillus fumigatus, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:1524-1527. [PMID: 30014836 PMCID: PMC6056103 DOI: 10.3201/eid2408.171865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hospital-acquired aspergillosis is usually associated with environmental contamination. In 2015, continuous monitoring of airborne fungi and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis identified the source of Aspergillus fumigatus as the airway of a patient. Therefore, patients colonized with Aspergillus spp. should be treated in airborne infection isolation rooms.
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