1
|
Dobroes Fonseca PH, Duarte FMBH, Alves FSDS, Borges JADJ, Cardoso SIP, Silverio VCH, Antunes WDT. SOLARIS project: a portable 3D-printed bioaerosol sampler for environmental bacterial collection. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2025; 12:240364. [PMID: 39911890 PMCID: PMC11796458 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.240364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Abstract
Bioaerosols, a subset of aerosols released from the biosphere, can carry pathogens, and include particles with diameters from nanometres to a few micrometres. They can remain suspended indoors and travel significant distances. Bioaerosol studies play a vital role in public health, as bioaerosols are an effective route for human and animal pathogen transmission, especially in animal production and handling facilities, which are considered hotspots for the emergence of zoonotic pathogens. The 'One Health' approach, which interconnects human, animal and environmental health, underscores the need for robust biomonitoring and biosurveillance systems. We introduce the SOLARIS project, a novel bioaerosol sampler manufactured through three-dimensional printing with a biocompatible material. Our sampler is compact, portable and uses a liquid collection medium, increasing bioefficiency. Our sampler's laboratory testing demonstrated the successful separation of viable Escherichia coli bacteria from artificially generated bioaerosols. Collected samples were found suitable for downstream analysis methods such as culturing, mass spectrometry, molecular detection and electron microscopy. A field trial at a swine facility was performed, in which Clostridioides difficile spores were successfully collected from bioaerosols and identified using microbiological and molecular methods, reinforcing our sampler's utility and emphasizing the significance of incorporating aerosol samples in research studies within the One Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Dobroes Fonseca
- INESC MN, Lisboa1000-029, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa1049-001, Portugal
| | | | | | - Jose Alberto de Jesus Borges
- Centro de Investigação, Desenvolvimento e Inovação da Academia Militar (CINAMIL), Instituto Universitário Militar, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana Isabel Pinheiro Cardoso
- INESC MN, Lisboa1000-029, Portugal
- Department of Physics, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa1049-001, Portugal
| | - Vania Cristina Henriques Silverio
- INESC MN, Lisboa1000-029, Portugal
- Department of Physics, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa1049-001, Portugal
| | - Wilson David Talhao Antunes
- Centro de Investigação, Desenvolvimento e Inovação da Academia Militar (CINAMIL), Instituto Universitário Militar, Lisboa, Portugal
- Unidade Militar Laboratorial de Defesa Biológica e Química (UMLDBQ), Exército Português, Lisboa1849-012, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shen F, Wang M, Ma J, Sun Y, Zheng Y, Mu Q, Li X, Wu Y, Zhu T. Height-Resolved Analysis of Indoor Airborne Microbiome: Comparison with Floor Dust-Borne Microbiome and the Significance of Shoe Sole Dust. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:17364-17375. [PMID: 39291786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c06218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to the indoor airborne microbiome is closely related to the air that individuals breathe. However, the floor dust-borne microbiome is commonly used as a proxy for indoor airborne microbiome, and the spatial distribution of indoor airborne microbiome is less well understood. This study aimed to characterize indoor airborne microorganisms at varying heights and compare them with those in floor dust. An assembly of three horizontally and three vertically positioned Petri dishes coated with mineral oil was applied for passive air sampling continuously at three heights without interruption. The airborne microbiomes at the three different heights showed slight stratification and differed significantly from those found in the floor dust. Based on the apportionment results from the fast expectation-maximization algorithm (FEAST), shoe sole dust contributed approximately 4% to indoor airborne bacteria and 14% to airborne fungi, a contribution that is comparable to that from the floor dust-borne microbiome. The results indicated that floor dust may not be a reliable proxy for indoor airborne microbiome. Moreover, the study highlights the need for height-resolved studies of indoor airborne microbiomes among humans in different activity modes and life states. Additionally, shoe sole-dust-associated microorganisms could potentially be a source to "re-wild" the indoor microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangxia Shen
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengzhen Wang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ye Sun
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yunhao Zheng
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Quan Mu
- Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Xinghua Li
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Tianle Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yuan L, Jiang H, Li T, Liu Q, Jiang X, Han X, Wei Y, Yin X, Wang S. A Simulation Study to Reveal the Epidemiology and Aerosol Transmission Characteristics of Botrytis cinerea in Grape Greenhouses. Pathogens 2024; 13:505. [PMID: 38921802 PMCID: PMC11207035 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060505] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Most previously studies had considered that plant fungal disease spread widely and quickly by airborne fungi spore. However, little is known about the release dynamics, aerodynamic diameter, and pathogenicity threshold of fungi spore in air of the greenhouse environment. Grape gray mold is caused by Botrytis cinerea; the disease spreads in greenhouses by spores in the air and the spore attaches to the leaf and infects plant through the orifice. In this study, 120 μmol/L propidium monoazide (PMA) were suitable for treatment and quantitation viable spore by quantitative real-time PCR, with a limit detection of 8 spores/mL in spore suspension. In total, 93 strains of B. cinerea with high pathogenicity were isolated and identified from the air samples of grapevines greenhouses by a portable sampler. The particle size of B. cinerea aerosol ranged predominately from 0.65-3.3 μm, accounting for 71.77% of the total amount. The B. cinerea spore aerosols were infective to healthy grape plants, with the lowest concentration that could cause disease being 42 spores/m3. Botrytis cinerea spores collected form six greenhouse in Shandong Province were quantified by PMA-qPCR, with a higher concentration (1182.89 spores/m3) in May and June and a lower concentration in July and August (6.30 spores/m3). This study suggested that spore dispersal in aerosol is an important route for the epidemiology of plant fungal disease, and these data will contribute to the development of new strategies for the effective alleviation and control of plant diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Yuan
- Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (L.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.H.); (Y.W.)
| | - Hang Jiang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Tinggang Li
- Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (L.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.H.); (Y.W.)
| | - Qibao Liu
- Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (L.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.H.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xilong Jiang
- Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (L.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.H.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xing Han
- Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (L.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.H.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yanfeng Wei
- Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (L.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.H.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xiangtian Yin
- Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (L.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.H.); (Y.W.)
| | - Suna Wang
- School of Landscape and Ecological Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ruiz-Llacsahuanga B, Sanchez-Tamayo M, Kumar GD, Critzer F. Comparison of Three Air Sampling Methods for the Quantification of Salmonella, Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), Coliforms, and Generic E. coli from Bioaerosols of Cattle and Poultry Farms. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100282. [PMID: 38663638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100282] [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] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent fresh produce outbreaks potentially associated with bioaerosol contamination from animal operations in adjacent land highlighted the need for further study to better understand the associated risk. The purpose of this research was to evaluate three sampling methods for quantifying target bacterial bioaerosols from animal operations. A dairy cattle and poultry farm located in Georgia, U.S. were visited six times each. Air was collected for 10 min using: 2-stage Andersen impactor with and without mineral oil overlay and impingement samplers. Sampling devices were run concurrently at 0.1, 1, and 2 m heights (n = 36). Andersen samplers were loaded with CHROMagar™ Salmonella, CHROMagar™ STEC, or Brilliance™ coliforms/E. coli. The impingement sampler contained buffered peptone water (20 mL) which was vacuum filtered through a 0.45 µm filter and placed onto the respective media. Plates were incubated at 37 ℃ for 48 h. PCR confirmation followed targeting ttr for Salmonella and stx1, stx2, and eae genes for STEC. No significant differences were found among methods to quantify coliforms and E. coli. Salmonella and STEC bioaerosols were not detected by any of the methods (Limit of detection: 0.55 log CFU/m3). E. coli bioaerosols were significantly greater in the poultry (2.76-5.00 log CFU/m3) than in the cattle farm (0.55-2.82 log CFU/m3) (p < 0.05), and similarly distributed at both stages in the Andersen sampler (stage 1:>7 μm; stage 2: 0.65-7 μm particle size). Sampling day did not have a significant effect on the recovery of coliforms/E. coli bioaerosols in the poultry farm when samples were taken at the broiler house exhaust fan (p > 0.05). A greater and constant emission of coliforms and E. coli bioaerosols from the poultry farm warrants further investigation. These data will help inform bioaerosol sampling techniques which can be used for the quantification of bacterial foodborne pathogens and indicator organisms for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Ruiz-Llacsahuanga
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 100 Cedar St., Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Martha Sanchez-Tamayo
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 100 Cedar St., Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Govindaraj Dev Kumar
- Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment St, Griffin, GA 30223, USA
| | - Faith Critzer
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 100 Cedar St., Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sajjad B, Hussain S, Rasool K, Hassan M, Almomani F. Comprehensive insights into advances in ambient bioaerosols sampling, analysis and factors influencing bioaerosols composition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122473. [PMID: 37659632 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
While the study of bioaerosols has a long history, it has garnered heightened interest in the past few years, focusing on both culture-dependent and independent sampling and analysis approaches. Observations have been made regarding the seasonal fluctuations in microbial communities and their connection to particular ambient atmospheric factors. The study of airborne microbial communities is important in public health and atmospheric processes. Nevertheless, the establishment of standardized protocols for evaluating airborne microbial communities and utilizing microbial taxonomy as a means to identify distinct bioaerosols sources and seasonal patterns remains relatively unexplored. This article discusses the challenges and limitations of ambient bioaerosols sampling and analysis, including the lack of standardized methods and the heterogeneity of sources. Future prospects in the field of bioaerosols, including the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies, omics studies, spectroscopy and fluorescence-based monitoring to provide comprehensive incite on metabolic capacity, and activity are also presented. Furthermore, the review highlights the factors that affect bioaerosols composition, including seasonality, atmospheric conditions, and pollution levels. Overall, this review provides a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in understanding and managing bioaerosols in various environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Sajjad
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar; Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabir Hussain
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Rasool
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Mujtaba Hassan
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fares Almomani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chai A, Yuan L, Li X, Li L, Shi Y, Xie X, Li B. Effect of temperature and humidity on dynamics and transmission of Pseudomonas amygdali pv. lachrymans aerosols. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1087496. [PMID: 36818834 PMCID: PMC9936812 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1087496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cucumber angular leaf spot (ALS) disease, caused by Pseudomonas amygdali pv. lachrymans (Pal), is an emerging disease with a high incidence that causes severe damage to cucumber worldwide. Bacterial aerosols play a crucial role in the epidemiology of greenhouse ALS disease. However, little is known about the influence of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the dynamics of Pal in aerosols. A study was conducted to investigate the relationships between the concentration of Pal aerosols and their dependence on temperature and RH in aerosol chambers and greenhouses. The results demonstrated that temperature and RH are both significant factors influencing the release amount, survival time and infectivity of Pal in aerosols, while RH has a greater influence on particle size than temperature across the range of conditions tested. The release amount and survival time of Pal in aerosols under high RH (95%) and low temperature (≤ 25°C) conditions were significantly higher than those under low RH (35%) and high temperature (35°C) conditions. The highest release amount of Pal aerosol (96 CFU/m3) and highest survival rate (98.41%) were found at 18°C and 95% RH, while the highest disease index (DI = 60.9) caused by Pal aerosol was found at 25°C and 95% RH. In addition, Pal aerosols presented a larger diameter (4.7->7.0 μm) under high RH (95% RH) than under dry conditions (≤ 65% RH). These findings will play a crucial role in elucidating the influence of environmental parameters on the dynamics and transmission of Pal in aerosols. Based on our findings, preliminary recommendations for controlling airborne Pal spread involve controlling air temperature and RH, which will contribute to the effective alleviation and control of cucumber ALS disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Chai
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lifang Yuan
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Academy of Grape, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxia Shi
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuewen Xie
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoju Li
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang W, Dang G, Khan I, Ye X, Liu L, Zhong R, Chen L, Ma T, Zhang H. Bacterial Community Characteristics Shaped by Artificial Environmental PM2.5 Control in Intensive Broiler Houses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:723. [PMID: 36613044 PMCID: PMC9819255 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Multilayer cage-houses for broiler rearing have been widely used in intensive Chinese farming in the last decade. This study investigated the characteristics and influencing factors of bacterial communities in the PM2.5 of broiler cage-houses. The PM2.5 samples and environmental variables were collected inside and outside of three parallel broiler houses at the early, middle, and late rearing stages; broiler manure was also gathered simultaneously. The bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that indoor bacterial communities were different from the outdoor atmosphere and manure. Furthermore, the variations in airborne bacterial composition and structure were highly influenced by the environmental control variables at different growth stages. The db-RDA results showed that temperature and wind speed, which were artificially modified according to managing the needs for broiler growth, were the main factors affecting the diversity of dominant taxa. Indoor airborne and manurial samples shared numerous common genera, which contained high abundances of manure-origin bacteria. Additionally, the airborne bacterial community tended to stabilize in the middle and late stages, but the population of potentially pathogenic bacteria grew gradually. Overall, this study enhances the understanding of airborne bacteria variations and highlighted the potential role of environmental control measures in intensive farming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guoqi Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Imran Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaobin Ye
- Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Luanping County, Chengde 068250, China
| | - Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ruqing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Teng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Comparison of Bacterial Community Structure in PM2.5 within Broiler Houses under Different Rearing Systems in China. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14031357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: In intensive poultry farming, high concentrations of indoor particulate matter (PM) impact production performance and welfare. In this study, PM2.5 level and bacterial community diversity were investigated in a multilayer cage house rearing system (CH) and a net flooring house rearing system (FH) during different growth stages to clarify the effects of the rearing systems on the diversity of airborne bacteria and help improve health management. Methods: The IC and high-throughput sequencing were used for ion composition and bacterial diversity analysis of PM2.5 collected from CH and FH. Results: The concentrations of NH3, CO2 and PM2.5 in CH were significantly lower than FH (p < 0.001) in both middle and late rearing stages. PM concentrations gradually increased with broiler growth only in FH. The water-soluble ions of PM2.5 samples had no significant difference between the two systems (p > 0.05). Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla in both the atmosphere and the broiler houses, but the composition was significantly different. The bacterial community in the broiler houses had strong correlations with temperature, humidity and PM of extremely high concentrations. Ions had stronger correlations with microbial community structure. Conclusions: The superiority of CH in environmental control over FH indicates that improved techniques in environmental control and breeding management can greatly reduce farming air pollution and improve the health management of broiler houses.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kutter JS, de Meulder D, Bestebroer TM, Mulders A, Fouchier RA, Herfst S. Comparison of three air samplers for the collection of four nebulized respiratory viruses - Collection of respiratory viruses from air. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1874-1885. [PMID: 34124803 PMCID: PMC8530848 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Viral respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, the transmission routes and shedding kinetics of respiratory viruses remain poorly understood. Air sampling techniques to quantify infectious viruses in the air are indispensable to improve intervention strategies to control and prevent spreading of respiratory viruses. Here, the collection of infectious virus with the six-stage Andersen cascade impactor was optimized with semi-solid gelatin as collection surface. Subsequently, the collection efficiency of the cascade impactor, the SKC BioSampler, and an in-house developed electrostatic precipitator was compared. In an in vitro set-up, influenza A virus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus type 3, and respiratory syncytial virus were nebulized and the amount of collected infectious virus and viral RNA was quantified with each air sampler. Whereas only low amounts of virus were collected using the electrostatic precipitator, high amounts were collected with the BioSampler and cascade impactor. The BioSampler allowed straight-forward sampling in liquid medium, whereas the more laborious cascade impactor allowed size fractionation of virus-containing particles. Depending on the research question, either the BioSampler or the cascade impactor can be applied in laboratory and field settings, such as hospitals to gain more insight into the transmission routes of respiratory viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin S. Kutter
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Dennis de Meulder
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Theo M. Bestebroer
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Ard Mulders
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Ron A.M. Fouchier
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao Q, Shi Y, Wang Y, Xie X, Li L, Guo L, Chai A, Li B. Quantifying Airborne Dispersal Route of Corynespora cassiicola in Greenhouses. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:716758. [PMID: 34594313 PMCID: PMC8478286 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.716758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Target leaf spot (TLS), caused by Corynespora cassiicola, is an emerging and high-incidence disease that has spread rapidly on the global scale. Aerospores released by infected plants play a significant role in the epidemiology of cucumber TLS disease; however, no data exist concerning the infectiousness and particle size of C. cassiicola aerospores, and the experimental evidence for the aerospores transmission was lacking. In the present study, highly effective approaches to collect and quantify aerospores were developed for exposure chamber and greenhouse studies. Quantifiable levels of C. cassiicola aerospores were detected in 27 air samples from nine naturally infested greenhouses, ranging from 198 to 5,969 spores/m3. The C. cassiicola strains isolated from air samples were infective to healthy cucumber plants. Exposure chambers were constructed to study the characteristics of C. cassiicola aerospores released by artificially infested cucumber plants. The particle size of C. cassiicola ranged predominately from 2.1 to 4.7 μm, accounting for 71.97% of the total amount. In addition, the transmission dynamics of C. cassiicola aerospores from donor cucumber plants to recipient cucumber plants were confirmed in exposure chambers and greenhouses. The concentration of C. cassiicola aerospores was positively associated with cucumber TLS disease severity. This study suggested that aerospore dispersal is an important route for the epidemiology of plant fungal disease, and these data will contribute to the development of new strategies for the effective alleviation and control of plant diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China.,Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxia Shi
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Wang
- Ningbo Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Xuewen Xie
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Liyun Guo
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ali Chai
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Baoju Li
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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: 2.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rocha-Melogno L, Ginn O, Bailey ES, Soria F, Andrade M, Bergin MH, Brown J, Gray GC, Deshusses MA. Bioaerosol sampling optimization for community exposure assessment in cities with poor sanitation: A one health cross-sectional study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:139495. [PMID: 32425257 PMCID: PMC7233250 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of exposure to enteric pathogens through the air and associated risk of infection is scarce in the literature outside of animal- or human-waste handling settings. Cities with poor sanitation are important locations to investigate this aerial exposure pathway as their rapid growth will pose unprecedented challenges in waste management. To address this issue, simple surveillance methods are needed. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to optimize a community exposure bioaerosol surveillance strategy for urban outdoor locations with poor sanitation, and to determine which bioaerosols could contribute to exposure. Passive and active bioaerosol sampling methods were used to characterize the fate and transport of sanitation-related bioaerosols during the rainy and dry seasons in La Paz, Bolivia. Median coliform bacteria fluxes were 71 CFU/(m2 × h) during the rainy season and 64 CFU/(m2 × h) during the dry season, with 38% of the dry season samples testing positive for E. coli. Wind speed, relative humidity and UVB irradiance were identified as significant covariates to consider in bioaerosol transport models in La Paz. Active sampling yielded one positive sample (10%) for human adenovirus (HadV) and one sample (10%) for influenza A virus during the rainy season. HadV was detected at the site with the highest bacterial flux. Four samples (8%) were positive for influenza A virus in the dry season. These findings suggest that aerosols can contribute to community exposure to potentially pathogenic microorganisms in cities with poor sanitation. The use of passive sampling, despite its limitations, can provide quantitative data on microorganisms' viability within realistic timeframes of personal exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Rocha-Melogno
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Olivia Ginn
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Emily S Bailey
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Freddy Soria
- Centro de Investigación en Agua, Energía y Sostenibilidad, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Marcos Andrade
- Laboratory for Atmospheric Physics, Institute for Physics Research, Universidad Mayor de San Andres, La Paz, Bolivia
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Michael H Bergin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Joe Brown
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Gregory C Gray
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States
- Global Health Research Center, Duke-Kunshan University, Kunshan, China
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marc A Deshusses
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li X, Chen H, Yao M. Microbial emission levels and diversities from different land use types. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:105988. [PMID: 32717647 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosol particles, originated from many different earth ground sources, have unique health impacts, including respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and toxic effects. Here, we applied a portable high-flow sampler HighBioTrap to collect and investigate bioaerosol emissions from 13 different land types (forest, wetland, lake, bare soil, cropland, wastewater treatment facility, street, livestock farm, smeltery and garden) that are heavily or less affected by humans. Plate cultivation, real-time quantitative PCR analysis (q-PCR) and high-throughput gene sequencing analysis were used to characterize bacterial and fungal levels as well as their community structures emitted from different land use types. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in biological emission levels (up to 100-fold difference) and diversity among different land use types. Cropland, sewage plant street and smeltery heavily affected by human activities were found to exhibit higher bioaerosol emission levels, with Massilia genus detected as the dominant species. In contrast, some land types (lakes, forests, gardens, and wetland) less affected by humans were found to emit lower bioaerosol levels but with higher culturability, e.g., up to 16% for wetland. In addition, the microbiological structures of these land-use types usually had higher species richness and diversity, yet different dominant species. For some land types such as streets in Beijing, the microbial community appeared to be skewed with an over 80% relative abundance of a specific dominant species such as Massilia. Other detected dominant species also included Acinetobacter and Brevundimonas for street, and Sphingomonas for wetland. For fungal community, Naganishia, Alternaria, Penicillium, and Aureobasidium were detected to be most abundant. RDA analysis showed metals and ions could to some extent affect the microbial community structures. This work highlights that the human activities could substantially affect the airborne microbiota, which in turn could affect local human health and ecosystems. On the other hand, the results here provide important references for quantitatively estimating the microbial emissions from the earth into the atmosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haoxuan Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maosheng Yao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao Y, Chen Z, Hou J, Mao D, Lin H, Xue Y, Luo Y. Monitoring antibiotic resistomes and bacterial microbiomes in the aerosols from fine, hazy, and dusty weather in Tianjin, China using a developed high-volume tandem liquid impinging sampler. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 731:139242. [PMID: 32438084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Accurate quantification of the airborne antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is critically important to assess their health risks. However, the currently widely used high-volume filter sampler (HVFS) often causes the desiccation of the sample, interfering with subsequent bacterial culture. To overcome this limitation, a high-volume tandem liquid impinging sampler (HVTLIS) was developed and optimized to investigate the airborne bacterial microbiomes and antibiotic resistomes under different weathers in Tianjin, China. Results revealed that HVTLIS can capture significantly more diverse culturable bacteria, ARB, and ARGs than HVFS. Compared with fine and hazy weathers, dusty weather had significantly more diverse and abundant airborne bacteria, ARGs, and human opportunistic pathogens with the resistance to last-resort antibiotics of carbapenems and polymyxin B, implicating a potential human health threat of dusty bioaerosols. Intriguingly, we represented the first report of Saccharibacteria predominance in the bioaerosol, demonstrating that the potential advantage of HVTLIS in collecting airborne microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zeyou Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jie Hou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Daqing Mao
- Medical College, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huai Lin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yingang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection of Water Environment Biological Monitoring of Jiangsu Province, Changzhou Environmental Monitoring Center, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Yi Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Potential Respiratory Deposition and Species Composition of Airborne Culturable, Viable, and Non-Viable Fungi during Occupancy in a Pig Farm. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11060639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fungal species composition and site of deposition within the airways affects whether diseases develop and where they may arise. The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge regarding the potential deposition of airborne culturable, viable, and non-viable fungi in the airways of pig farm workers, and how this composition changes over multiple sampling days. Airborne fungi were sampled using impactors and subsequently analyzed using amplicon sequencing and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) fingerprinting. The geometric mean aerodynamic diameter (Dg) of airborne particles with culturable airborne fungi were not affected by sampling days and ranged in size between 3.7 and 4.6 µm. Amplicon sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene operon, in combination with DNA interchelating agents, revealed a large presence of non-viable fungi, but several pathogenic and toxic fungal species were detected in the viable portion. The diversity was found to be significantly associated with the sampling day but did not change significantly over multiple sampling rounds during the same day. The non-viable fraction contained genera typically associated with the pig gastrointestinal tract, such as Kazachstania and Vishniacozyma. In conclusion, the Dg of culturable fungi was between 3.7 and 4.6 µm, and the Dg of the viable and total fungi was 1.5 and 2.1 µm, respectively. The species composition changed over the multiple sampling days.
Collapse
|
16
|
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: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gediminas Mainelis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kim KH, Kabir E, Jahan SA. Airborne bioaerosols and their impact on human health. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 67:23-35. [PMID: 29778157 PMCID: PMC7128579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols consist of aerosols originated biologically such as metabolites, toxins, or fragments of microorganisms that are present ubiquitously in the environment. International interests in bioaerosols have increased rapidly to broaden the pool of knowledge on their identification, quantification, distribution, and health impacts (e.g., infectious and respiratory diseases, allergies, and cancer). However, risk assessment of bioaerosols based on conventional culture methods has been hampered further by several factors such as: (1) the complexity of microorganisms or derivatives to be investigated; (2) the purpose, techniques, and locations of sampling; and (3) the lack of valid quantitative criteria (e.g., exposure standards and dose/effect relationships). Although exposure to some microbes is considered to be beneficial for health, more research is needed to properly assess their potential health hazards including inter-individual susceptibility, interactions with non-biological agents, and many proven/unproven health effects (e.g., atopy and atopic diseases).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ehsanul Kabir
- Department of Farm, Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Haddrell AE, Thomas RJ. Aerobiology: Experimental Considerations, Observations, and Future Tools. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:e00809-17. [PMID: 28667111 PMCID: PMC5561278 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00809-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding airborne survival and decay of microorganisms is important for a range of public health and biodefense applications, including epidemiological and risk analysis modeling. Techniques for experimental aerosol generation, retention in the aerosol phase, and sampling require careful consideration and understanding so that they are representative of the conditions the bioaerosol would experience in the environment. This review explores the current understanding of atmospheric transport in relation to advances and limitations of aerosol generation, maintenance in the aerosol phase, and sampling techniques. Potential tools for the future are examined at the interface between atmospheric chemistry, aerosol physics, and molecular microbiology where the heterogeneity and variability of aerosols can be explored at the single-droplet and single-microorganism levels within a bioaerosol. The review highlights the importance of method comparison and validation in bioaerosol research and the benefits that the application of novel techniques could bring to increasing the understanding of aerobiological phenomena in diverse research fields, particularly during the progression of atmospheric transport, where complex interdependent physicochemical and biological processes occur within bioaerosol particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allen E Haddrell
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Thomas
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Haig CW, Mackay WG, Walker JT, Williams C. Bioaerosol sampling: sampling mechanisms, bioefficiency and field studies. J Hosp Infect 2016; 93:242-55. [PMID: 27112048 PMCID: PMC7124364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Investigations into the suspected airborne transmission of pathogens in healthcare environments have posed a challenge to researchers for more than a century. With each pathogen demonstrating a unique response to environmental conditions and the mechanical stresses it experiences, the choice of sampling device is not obvious. Our aim was to review bioaerosol sampling, sampling equipment, and methodology. A comprehensive literature search was performed, using electronic databases to retrieve English language papers on bioaerosol sampling. The review describes the mechanisms of popular bioaerosol sampling devices such as impingers, cyclones, impactors, and filters, explaining both their strengths and weaknesses, and the consequences for microbial bioefficiency. Numerous successful studies are described that point to best practice in bioaerosol sampling, from the use of small personal samplers to monitor workers' pathogen exposure through to large static samplers collecting airborne microbes in various healthcare settings. Of primary importance is the requirement that studies should commence by determining the bioefficiency of the chosen sampler and the pathogen under investigation within laboratory conditions. From such foundations, sampling for bioaerosol material in the complexity of the field holds greater certainty of successful capture of low-concentration airborne pathogens. From the laboratory to use in the field, this review enables the investigator to make informed decisions about the choice of bioaerosol sampler and its application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C W Haig
- Institute of Healthcare Associated Infection, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK.
| | - W G Mackay
- Institute of Healthcare Associated Infection, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - J T Walker
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, Biosafety Unit, Porton Down, UK
| | - C Williams
- Institute of Healthcare Associated Infection, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Luhung I, Wu Y, Ng CK, Miller D, Cao B, Chang VWC. Protocol Improvements for Low Concentration DNA-Based Bioaerosol Sampling and Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141158. [PMID: 26619279 PMCID: PMC4664469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As bioaerosol research attracts increasing attention, there is a need for additional efforts that focus on method development to deal with different environmental samples. Bioaerosol environmental samples typically have very low biomass concentrations in the air, which often leaves researchers with limited options in choosing the downstream analysis steps, especially when culture-independent methods are intended. OBJECTIVES This study investigates the impacts of three important factors that can influence the performance of culture-independent DNA-based analysis in dealing with bioaerosol environmental samples engaged in this study. The factors are: 1) enhanced high temperature sonication during DNA extraction; 2) effect of sampling duration on DNA recoverability; and 3) an alternative method for concentrating composite samples. In this study, DNA extracted from samples was analysed using the Qubit fluorometer (for direct total DNA measurement) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS AND FINDINGS The findings suggest that additional lysis from high temperature sonication is crucial: DNA yields from both high and low biomass samples increased up to 600% when the protocol included 30-min sonication at 65°C. Long air sampling duration on a filter media was shown to have a negative impact on DNA recoverability with up to 98% of DNA lost over a 20-h sampling period. Pooling DNA from separate samples during extraction was proven to be feasible with margins of error below 30%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irvan Luhung
- SinBerBEST Program, Berkeley Education Alliance for Research in Singapore, Singapore
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Wu
- SinBerBEST Program, Berkeley Education Alliance for Research in Singapore, Singapore
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chun Kiat Ng
- Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dana Miller
- Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bin Cao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Victor Wei-Chung Chang
- SinBerBEST Program, Berkeley Education Alliance for Research in Singapore, Singapore
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Crawford JA, Rosenbaum PF, Anagnost SE, Hunt A, Abraham JL. Indicators of airborne fungal concentrations in urban homes: understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 517:113-24. [PMID: 25725196 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Indoor fungal exposure can compromise respiratory health. Low-income urban areas are of concern because of high asthma and allergy rates and housing disrepair. Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures is important for assessing health risks and for developing mitigation strategies. We examined the types and concentrations of airborne fungi inside and outside of homes in low-income areas of Syracuse, NY as well as the effect of snow cover on fungal levels. At 103 homes, air samples for viable fungi were collected, occupants were interviewed and homes were inspected for visible mold, musty odors, water problems and other factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to relate high fungal levels to home conditions. Predominant indoor fungi included Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and hyaline unknowns. Basidiomycetes and an uncommon genus Acrodontium were also found frequently due to analysis methods developed for this project. With snow cover, outdoor total fungal levels were depressed and indoor concentrations were three times higher than outdoor on average with a maximum of 29 times higher. Visible mold was related to elevated levels of Penicillium (OR 4.11 95% CI 1.37-14.0) and bacteria (OR 3.79 95% CI 1.41-11.2). Musty, moldy odors were associated with elevated concentrations of total fungi (OR 3.48 95% CI 1.13-11.6) and basidiomycetes. Cockroaches, an indicator of moisture, were associated with elevated levels of Penicillium (OR 3.66 95% CI 1.16-13.1) and Aspergillus (OR 4.36 95% CI 1.60-13.4). Increasing relative humidity was associated with higher concentrations of Penicillium, yeasts and basidiomycetes. Visible mold, musty odors, indoor humidity and cockroaches are modifiable factors that were important determinants of indoor fungal exposures. Indoor air investigators should interpret indoor:outdoor fungal ratios cautiously when snow cover is present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Crawford
- Graduate Program in Environmental Science, State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Baker Laboratory, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States.
| | - Paula F Rosenbaum
- Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States.
| | - Susan E Anagnost
- Department of Sustainable Construction Management & Engineering, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States.
| | - Andrew Hunt
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas at Arlington, 500 Yates Street, Box 19049, Arlington, TX 76019-0049, United States.
| | - Jerrold L Abraham
- Department of Pathology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Berry ED, Wells JE, Bono JL, Woodbury BL, Kalchayanand N, Norman KN, Suslow TV, López-Velasco G, Millner PD. Effect of proximity to a cattle feedlot on Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of leafy greens and evaluation of the potential for airborne transmission. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:1101-10. [PMID: 25452286 PMCID: PMC4292503 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02998-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of proximity to a beef cattle feedlot on Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of leafy greens was examined. In each of 2 years, leafy greens were planted in nine plots located 60, 120, and 180 m from a cattle feedlot (3 plots at each distance). Leafy greens (270) and feedlot manure samples (100) were collected six different times from June to September in each year. Both E. coli O157:H7 and total E. coli bacteria were recovered from leafy greens at all plot distances. E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from 3.5% of leafy green samples per plot at 60 m, which was higher (P < 0.05) than the 1.8% of positive samples per plot at 180 m, indicating a decrease in contamination as distance from the feedlot was increased. Although E. coli O157:H7 was not recovered from air samples at any distance, total E. coli was recovered from air samples at the feedlot edge and all plot distances, indicating that airborne transport of the pathogen can occur. Results suggest that risk for airborne transport of E. coli O157:H7 from cattle production is increased when cattle pen surfaces are very dry and when this situation is combined with cattle management or cattle behaviors that generate airborne dust. Current leafy green field distance guidelines of 120 m (400 feet) may not be adequate to limit the transmission of E. coli O157:H7 to produce crops planted near concentrated animal feeding operations. Additional research is needed to determine safe set-back distances between cattle feedlots and crop production that will reduce fresh produce contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine D Berry
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - James E Wells
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - James L Bono
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Bryan L Woodbury
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Norasak Kalchayanand
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Keri N Norman
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Trevor V Suslow
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Patricia D Millner
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rhodes G, Richardson H, Hermon-Taylor J, Weightman A, Higham A, Pickup R. Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis: Human Exposure through Environmental and Domestic Aerosols. Pathogens 2014; 3:577-95. [PMID: 25438013 PMCID: PMC4243430 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens3030577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) causes Johne's disease in animals and is significantly associated with Crohn's disease (CD) in humans. Our previous studies have shown Map to be present in U.K. rivers due to land deposition from chronic livestock infection and runoff driven by rainfall. The epidemiology of CD in Cardiff showed a significant association with the River Taff, in which Map can be detected on a regular basis. We have previously hypothesized that aerosols from the river might influence the epidemiology of CD. In this preliminary study, we detected Map by quantitative PCR in one of five aerosol samples collected above the River Taff. In addition, we examined domestic showers from different regions in the U.K. and detected Map in three out of 30 independent samples. In detecting Map in river aerosols and those from domestic showers, this is the first study to provide evidence that aerosols are an exposure route for Map to humans and may play a role in the epidemiology of CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Rhodes
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lake Ecosystems Group, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Hollian Richardson
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - John Hermon-Taylor
- Division of Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, Franklin-Wilkins Building, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK.
| | - Andrew Weightman
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Main Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.
| | - Andrew Higham
- Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Ashton Road, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 4RP, UK.
| | - Roger Pickup
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|