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Myung H, Joung YS. Contribution of Particulates to Airborne Disease Transmission and Severity: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6846-6867. [PMID: 38568611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has catalyzed great interest in the spread of airborne pathogens. Airborne infectious diseases are classified into viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Environmental factors can elevate their transmission and lethality. Air pollution has been reported as the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death worldwide. Notably, ambient particulates of various components and sizes are harmful pollutants. There are two prominent health effects of particles in the atmosphere: (1) particulate matter (PM) penetrates the respiratory tract and adversely affects health, such as heart and respiratory diseases; and (2) bioaerosols of particles act as a medium for the spread of pathogens in the air. Particulates contribute to the occurrence of infectious diseases by increasing vulnerability to infection through inhalation and spreading disease through interactions with airborne pathogens. Here, we focus on the synergistic effects of airborne particulates on infectious disease. We outline the concepts and characteristics of bioaerosols, from their generation to transformation and circulation on Earth. Considering that microorganisms coexist with other particulates as bioaerosols, we investigate studies examining respiratory infections associated with airborne PM. Furthermore, we discuss four factors (meteorological, biological, physical, and chemical) that may impact the influence of PM on the survival of contagious pathogens in the atmosphere. Our review highlights the significant role of particulates in supporting the transmission of infectious aerosols and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunji Myung
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, 100, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Joung
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, 100, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
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Marchand G, Wingert L, Viegas C, Caetano L, Viegas S, Twaruzek M, Lacombe N, Lanoie D, Valois I, Gouin F, Soszczyńska E, Kosicki R, Dias M, Debia M. Assessment of waste workers occupational risk to microbial agents and cytotoxic effects of mixed contaminants present in the air of waste truck cabin and ventilation filters. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2024; 74:145-162. [PMID: 38166349 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2023.2299424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Workers in the waste-processing industry are potentially exposed to high concentrations of biological contaminants, leading to respiratory and digestive problems and skin irritations. However, few data on the exposure of waste collection truck (WCT) drivers are available. The goal was to document the microbial risk of the waste collection truck (WCT) workers while in the vehicle cab. Long-period sampling using the truck air filters (CAF) and short time ambient air sampling in the cab were used. The potential release of microbial particles from CAFs was also investigated since it could contribute to the microbial load of the cabin air. A combination of analytical methods also helped assess the complex mixture of the biological agents. Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Flavi, E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and Legionella spp. were detected in the CAF of trucks collecting three types of waste. The highest levels of bacteria and fungi were found in the CAF from organic WCT. The highest endotoxin concentrations in CAF were 300 EU/cm2. Most of the CAF showed cytotoxic effects on both lung cells and hepatocytes. Only one mycotoxin was detected in a CAF. The maximal concentrations in the ambient WCT air varied according to the type of waste collected. The highest proportion (84%) of the air samples without cytotoxic effects on the lungs cells was for the recyclable material WCTs. The results revealed the potential microbial risk to workers from a complex mixture of bio-contaminants in the cabs of vehicles collecting all types of waste. The sustained cytotoxic effect indicates the potential adverse health-related impact of mixed contaminants (biological and non-biological) for the workers. Overall, this study highlights the benefits of using complementary sampling strategy and combined analytical methods for a the assessment of the microbial risk in work environments and the need to implement protective measures for the workers.Implications: Exposure to microbial agents is a well-known occupational hazard in the waste management sector. No previous study had evaluated the cytotoxicity of ambient air and ventilation filters to document worker exposure to a combination of contaminants during waste collection. This research confirms the usefulness of ventilation filters for long-term characterization of exposure to infectious agents, azole-resistant fungi, coliform bacteria and mycotoxin. Overall, this study highlights the importance of using several sampling and analysis methods for a comprehensive assessment of microbial risk in work environments, as well as the need to implement appropriate protective measures for collection workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Marchand
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Loïc Wingert
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Carla Viegas
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Caetano
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twaruzek
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Nancy Lacombe
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Delphine Lanoie
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Valois
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francois Gouin
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ewelina Soszczyńska
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Robert Kosicki
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maximilien Debia
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Re A, Schiavon M, Torretta V, Polvara E, Invernizzi M, Sironi S, Caruson P. Application of different packing media for the biofiltration of gaseous effluents from waste composting. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 45:1622-1635. [PMID: 36404772 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2022.2148570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A pilot-scale experiment was implemented in a waste bioreactor with an inner capacity of 1 m3 in order to simulate a real-scale composting process. The waste underwent composting conditions that are typical of the initial bio-oxidation phase, characterised by a high production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and odorants. The waste bioreactor was fed with an intermittent airflow rate of 6 Nm3/h. The target of this study was to investigate the air treatment performance of three biofilters with the same size, but filled with different filtering media: (1) wood chips, (2) a two-layer combination of lava rock (50%) and peat (50%), and (3) peat only. The analyses on air samples taken upstream and downstream of the biofilters showed that the combination of lava rock and peat presents the best performance in terms of mean removal efficiency of odour (96%), total VOCs (95%) and H2S (77%) concentrations. Wood chips showed the worst abatement performance, with respective mean removal efficiencies of 90%, 88% and 62%. From the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that the combination of lava rock and peat can be considered as a promising choice for air pollution control in waste composting facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Re
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavon
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Torretta
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Elisa Polvara
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marzio Invernizzi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Selena Sironi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
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Ravenel K, Guegan H, Gastebois A, Bouchara JP, Gangneux JP, Giraud S. Fungal Colonization of the Airways of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: the Role of the Environmental Reservoirs. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:19. [PMID: 38407729 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00818-x] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi frequently colonize the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis and may cause severe diseases, such as the allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The most common filamentous fungi capable to chronically colonize the respiratory tract of the patients are Aspergillus fumigatus and Scedosporium species. Defining the treatment strategy may be challenging, the number of available drugs being limited and some of the causative agents being multiresistant microorganisms. The knowledge of the fungal niches in the outdoor and indoor environment is needed for understanding the origin of the contamination of the patients. In light of the abundance of some of the causative molds in compost, agricultural and flower fields, occupational activities related to such environments should be discouraged for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In addition, the microbiological monitoring of their indoor environment, including analysis of air and dust on surfaces, is essential to propose preventive measures aiming to reduce the exposure to environmental molds. Nevertheless, some specific niches were also identified in the indoor environment, in relation with humidity which favors the growth of thermotolerant molds. Potted plants were reported as indoor reservoirs for Scedosporium species. Likewise, Exophiala dermatitidis may be spread in the kitchen via dishwashers. However, genotype studies are still required to establish the link between dishwashers and colonization of the airways of CF patients by this black yeast. Moreover, as nothing is known regarding the other filamentous fungi associated with CF, further studies should be conducted to identify other potential specific niches in the habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Ravenel
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Hélène Guegan
- EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Amandine Gastebois
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France.
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Yan C, Zhao XY, Luo X, An DZ, Zhu H, Li M, Ai XJ, Ali W. Quantitative microbial risk assessment with nasal/oral breathing pattern for S. aureus bioaerosol emission from aeration tanks and residual sludge storage yard in a wastewater treatment plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:21252-21262. [PMID: 36269474 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A large number of pathogenic bioaerosols are generated during the treatment process of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and they can pose potential risks to human health. Therefore, this study systematically analyzed the emission characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus bioaerosols released from an inverted umbrella aeration tank, a microporous aeration tank, and a residual sludge storage yard in a WWTP, and quantitatively evaluated the health risks of four kinds of exposed populations with nasal/oral breathing patterns under optimistic and conservative estimations. The results displayed that the bioaerosol concentration in inverted umbrella aeration tank was higher than that in microporous aeration tank and residual sludge storage yard. Aerosolization ratio in residual sludge storage yard was an order of magnitude lower than that in aeration tanks. Sludge workers were at higher health risks than the other three exposed populations. The health risks of nasal breathers (infection risk: 1.62 × 10-5-2.56 × 10-3 pppy; disease burden: 4.24 × 10-8-6.72 × 10-6 DALYs pppy) were 0.61-0.63 times higher than those of oral breathers (infection risk: 9.95 × 10-6-1.59 × 10-3 pppy; disease burden: 2.61 × 10-8-4.18 × 10-6 DALYs pppy). For female field engineers using oral breathing, laboratory technicians, and researchers without personal protective equipment (PPE), infection risk and disease burden had the opposite results, which indicated that satisfying one certain benchmark did not mean absolute safety. In addition, health risks of exposed populations were reduced by an order of magnitude after wearing PPE. This study can provide a reliable theoretical basis for the risk prevention of bioaerosols and supply data support for the strategies of health risk control perspectives for local sewage utilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yan
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental Water Science in the Yangtze River Basin, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhao
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Luo
- Yangtze Ecology and Environment Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430062, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Zi An
- China Construction Eco-Environmental Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhu
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430040, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430040, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jun Ai
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430040, People's Republic of China
| | - Wajid Ali
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
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Ren W, Li H, Guo C, Shang Y, Wang W, Zhang X, Li S, Pang Y. Serum Cytokine Biomarkers for Use in Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis versus Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:2217-2226. [PMID: 37081946 PMCID: PMC10112472 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s403401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus fumigatus-induced chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), the most common pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) sequela, tends to occur after pulmonary infection with the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Timely and accurate detection of A. fumigatus infection of pulmonary TB patients would undoubtedly greatly improve patient prognosis. Currently, the galactomannan (GM) antigen test is commonly used to detect A. fumigatus infection but has poor sensitivity that renders this assay inadequate for use in clinical practice. Design or Methods Given the fact CPA and TB induce different host immune responses, we evaluated serum cytokine level profiles of CPA, TB patients and patients with both diseases (CPA-TB) for multiple cytokines and cytokine combinations. Results The results revealed significantly higher serum levels of numerous proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF-α, in peripheral blood of CPA-TB patients versus that of TB patients. IL-8 levels alone provided the best discriminatory performance for distinguishing between TB and either CPA-TB patients (AUC = 0.949) or CPA patients (AUC = 0.964). Moreover, both IL-8 and TNF-α (AUC = 0.996) levels could be used to distinguish between TB and CPA-TB patients. Likewise, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-6 levels together could be used to distinguish between CPA-TB and TB patients. Conclusion In this study, multiple cytokines were identified that may serve as potential biomarkers for use in detecting TB patients with CPA. Furthermore, our results should enhance understanding of how immune system dysfunctions influence susceptibility to Mtb and/or A. fumigatus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicong Ren
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Can Guo
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Tuberculosis, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis & Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Shang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuxia Zhang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Pang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yu Pang; Shanshan Li, Email ;
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Xin H, Qiu T, Guo Y, Gao H, Zhang L, Gao M. Aerosolization behavior of antimicrobial resistance in animal farms: a field study from feces to fine particulate matter. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1175265. [PMID: 37152737 PMCID: PMC10157163 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1175265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in animal feces can be released into the atmosphere via aerosolization, posing a high health risk to farm workers. So far, little attention has been paid to the characterization of the aerosolization process. In this study, fecal and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected from 20 animal farms involving swine, cattle, layers, and broilers, and the ARGs, ARB, and human pathogenic bacteria (HPB) were loaded in these two media. The results showed that approximately 70% of ARGs, 60% of ARBs, and 43% of HPBs were found to be preferential aerosolization. The bioaerosolization index (BI) of target 30 ARGs varied from 0.04 to 460.07, and the highest value was detected from tetW. The highest BI values of erythromycin- and tetracycline-resistant bacteria were for Kocuria (13119) and Staphylococcus (24746), respectively, and the distribution of BI in the two types of dominant ARB was similar. Regarding the bioaerosolization behavior of HPB, Clostridium saccharolyticum WM1 was the most easily aerosolized pathogen in swine and broiler farms, and Brucella abortus strain CNM 20040339 had the highest value in cattle and layer farms. Notably, the highest BI values for ARGs, ARB, and HPB were universally detected on chicken farms. Most ARGs, ARB, and HPB positively correlated with animal age, stocking density, and breeding area. Temperature and relative humidity have significant effects on the aerosolization behavior of targets, and the effects of these two parameters on the same target are usually opposite. The results of this study provide a basis for a better understanding of the contribution of animal feces to airborne ARGs and HPBs in farms, as well as for controlling the transport of the fecal microbiome to the environment through the aerosolization pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibo Xin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianlei Qiu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yajie Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haoze Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liqiu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Liqiu Zhang
| | - Min Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
- Min Gao
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Wei X, Huang Z, Jiang L, Li Y, Zhang X, Leng Y, Jiang C. Charting the landscape of the environmental exposome. IMETA 2022; 1:e50. [PMID: 38867899 PMCID: PMC10989948 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The exposome depicts the total exposures in the lifetime of an organism. Human exposome comprises exposures from environmental and humanistic sources. Biological, chemical, and physical environmental exposures pose potential health threats, especially to susceptible populations. Although still in its nascent stage, we are beginning to recognize the vast and dynamic nature of the exposome. In this review, we systematically summarize the biological and chemical environmental exposomes in three broad environmental matrices-air, soil, and water; each contains several distinct subcategories, along with a brief introduction to the physical exposome. Disease-related environmental exposures are highlighted, and humans are also a major source of disease-related biological exposures. We further discuss the interactions between biological, chemical, and physical exposomes. Finally, we propose a list of outstanding challenges under the exposome research framework that need to be addressed to move the field forward. Taken together, we present a detailed landscape of environmental exposome to prime researchers to join this exciting new field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wei
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zinuo Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Liuyiqi Jiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yueer Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of GeneticsStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yuxin Leng
- Department of Intensive Care UnitPeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Chao Jiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
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Punia A, Choudhary P, Sharma N, Dahiya S, Gulia P, Chhillar AK. Therapeutic Approaches for Combating Aspergillus Associated Infection. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1465-1488. [PMID: 35748549 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220623164548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Now-a-days fungal infection emerges as a significant problem to healthcare management systems due to high frequency of associated morbidity, mortality toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and resistance of the antifungal agents. Aspergillus is the most common mold that cause infection in immunocompromised hosts. It's a hyaline mold that is cosmopolitan and ubiquitous in nature. Aspergillus infects around 10 million population each year with a mortality rate of 30-90%. Clinically available antifungal formulations are restricted to four classes (i.e., polyene, triazole, echinocandin, and allylamine), and each of them have their own limitations associated with the activity spectrum, the emergence of resistance, and toxicity. Consequently, novel antifungal agents with modified and altered chemical structures are required to combat these invasive fungal infections. To overcome these limitations, there is an urgent need for new antifungal agents that can act as potent drugs in near future. Currently, some compounds have shown effective antifungal activity. In this review article, we have discussed all potential antifungal therapies that contain old antifungal drugs, combination therapies, and recent novel antifungal formulations, with a focus on the Aspergillus associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Punia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Pooja Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Namita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Sweety Dahiya
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Prity Gulia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Anil K Chhillar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
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Aerosolization Behaviour of Fungi and Its Potential Health Effects during the Composting of Animal Manure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095644. [PMID: 35565041 PMCID: PMC9101844 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Compost is an important source of airborne fungi that can adversely affect occupational health. However, the aerosol behavior of fungi and their underlying factors in composting facilities are poorly understood. We collected samples from compost piles and the surrounding air during the composting of animal manure and analyzed the aerosolization behavior of fungi and its potential health effects based on the fungal composition and abundance in two media using high-throughput sequencing and ddPCR. There were differences in fungal diversity and richness between the air and composting piles. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the two primary fungal phyla in both media. The dominant fungal genera in composting piles were Aspergillus, Thermomyces, and Alternaria, while the dominant airborne fungal genes were Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Sporobolomyces. Although the communities of total fungal genera and pathogenic/allergenic genera were different in the two media, fungal abundance in composting piles was significantly correlated with abundance in air. According to the analysis on fungal composition, a total of 69.10% of the fungal genera and 91.30% of pathogenic/allergenic genera might escape from composting pile into the air. A total of 77 (26.64%) of the fungal genera and six (20%) of pathogenic/allergenic genera were likely to aerosolize. The influence of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals on the aerosol behavior of fungal genera, including pathogenic/allergenic genera, varied among the fungal genera. These results increase our understanding of fungal escape during composting and highlight the importance of aerosolization behavior for predicting the airborne fungal composition and corresponding human health risks in compost facilities.
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Vassileva M, Mocali S, Canfora L, Malusá E, García del Moral LF, Martos V, Flor-Peregrin E, Vassilev N. Safety Level of Microorganism-Bearing Products Applied in Soil-Plant Systems. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:862875. [PMID: 35574066 PMCID: PMC9096872 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.862875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers adversely affects ecological health and soil microbiota provoking loss of soil fertility and greater pathogen and pest presence in soil-plant systems, which further reduce the quality of food and human health. Therefore, the sustainability, circular economy, environmental safety of agricultural production, and health concerns made possible the practical realization of eco-friendly biotechnological approaches like organic matter amendments, biofertilizers, biopesticides, and reuse of agro-industrial wastes by applying novel and traditional methods and processes. However, the advancement in the field of Biotechnology/Agriculture is related to the safety of these microorganism-bearing products. While the existing regulations in this field are well-known and are applied in the preparation and application of waste organic matter and microbial inoculants, more attention should be paid to gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, contamination of the workers and environment in farms and biotech-plants, and microbiome changes. These risks should be carefully assessed, and new analytical tools and regulations should be applied to ensure safe and high-quality food and a healthy environment for people working in the field of bio-based soil amendments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vassileva
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Stefano Mocali
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Canfora
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Rome, Italy
| | - Eligio Malusá
- Research Institute of Horticulture, Skierniewice, Poland
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Center for Viticulture and Enology, Conegliano, Italy
| | | | - Vanessa Martos
- Department of Plant Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Elena Flor-Peregrin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Nikolay Vassilev
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Sakhuja A, Shrestha DB, Adhikari A, Mir WAY, Khoury M, Ying SC, Kassem M. Aspergillosis: An Unwanted Tenant of Lung Cavity in an Immunocompromised Host. Cureus 2022; 14:e23708. [PMID: 35510010 PMCID: PMC9060729 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocompromised status predisposes an individual to infection from bacteria, fungi, and viruses that are otherwise uncommon. The presence of carcinoma and the use of chemotherapy weakens one’s immune system and leads to opportunistic infections of many kinds. Aspergilloma is a fungal ball that grows inside a primary cavitary lesion within the pulmonary parenchyma. Generally, immunocompromised individuals have severe and invasive infections from Aspergillus. Here, we present a case report of a female with breast carcinoma undergoing chemotherapy who previously had a lung abscess with Klebsiella. During her subsequent presentation, she was detected to have aspergilloma along with multi-drug-resistant organisms in the lung abscess along with metastasis of breast carcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma encapsulating the fungal ball.
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Yousefzadeh A, Maleki A, Athar SD, Darvishi E, Ahmadi M, Mohammadi E, Tang VT, Kalmarzi RN, Kashefi H. Evaluation of bio-aerosols type, density, and modeling of dispersion in inside and outside of different wards of educational hospital. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:14143-14157. [PMID: 34601681 PMCID: PMC8487404 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16733-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to bioaerosols in the air of hospitals is associated with a wide range of adverse health effects due to the presence of airborne microorganisms. Intensity and type of health effects depend on many factors such as the type, density, and diversity of bioaerosols in hospital environments. Therefore, identifying and determining their distribution in hospital environment contribute to reduce their adverse effects and maintain the physical health of patients and staff, as well as find the source of infections and possible allergies due to the presence of bioaerosols. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the type and concentration of the bacterial and fungal bioaerosols, and their distribution in the indoor and outdoor air of a teaching hospital to establish a reference for future studies or measures. The air samples were collected with a one-stage Anderson sampler and particle mass counter for a period of four months in the fall and winter of 2019. In total, 262 bacterial and fungal samples were collected from the air of the wards of Tohid Hospital, Sanandaj, Iran. Antibiotic resistance test, bacterial identification by PCR method, and modeling the dispersion of concentrations of bio-aerosols were also conducted. In order to identify bacteria and fungi, some biochemical and molecular tests and microscopic and macroscopic characteristic methods were applied, respectively. The results showed that the highest and lowest densities of the bioaerosols were observed in lung and operating wards (336.67 and 15.25 CFU/m3). Moreover, the highest and least concentrations of particles were seen in the emergency and operating wards, respectively. The most common fungi isolated from the hospital air were Penicillium (24.7%), Cladosporium (23. 4%), Aspergillus niger (13.3%), and Aspergillus Flavus (11.4%). Furthermore, the highest concentration of the isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus hemolyticus (31.84%). Most bacteria showed the highest resistance to gentamicin. The overall average hospital air pollution to bioaerosols was slightly higher than the standards proposed by international organizations. Due to the high concentration of bioaerosols and particles in the studied hospital, providing suitable conditions such as temperature, humidity, proper ventilation, and intelligent air conditioning system using efficient ventilation systems, and restricting the entrance of wards can reduce airborne particles in hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Yousefzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Afshin Maleki
- Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Saeed Dehestani Athar
- Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Darvishi
- Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Manochehr Ahmadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Mohammadi
- Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Van Tai Tang
- Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Rasoul Nassiri Kalmarzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Hajar Kashefi
- Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Citizen-science surveillance of triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in UK residential garden soils. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0206121. [PMID: 34986003 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02061-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Compost is an ecological niche for Aspergillus fumigatus due to its role as a decomposer of organic matter and its ability to survive the high temperatures associated with the composting process. Subsequently, composting facilities are associated with high levels of A. fumigatus spores that are aerosolised from compost and cause respiratory illness in workers. In the UK, gardening is an activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages and it is likely that they are being exposed to A. fumigatus spores when handling commercial compost or compost they have produced themselves. In this study, 246 citizen scientists collected 509 soil samples from locations in their garden in the UK, from which were cultured 5,174 A. fumigatus isolates. Of these isolates, 736 (14%) were resistant to tebuconazole: the third most-sprayed triazole fungicide in the UK, which confers cross-resistance to the medical triazoles used to treat A. fumigatus lung infections in humans. These isolates were found to contain the common resistance mechanisms in the A. fumigatus cyp51A gene TR34/L98H or TR46/Y121F/T289A, and less common resistance mechanisms TR34, TR53, TR46/Y121F/T289A/S363P/I364V/G448S and (TR46)2/Y121F/M172I/T289A/G448S. Regression analyses found that soil samples containing compost were significantly more likely to grow susceptible and tebuconazole-resistant A. fumigatus than those that did not, and that compost samples grew significantly higher numbers of A. fumigatus than other samples. Importance These findings highlight compost as a potential health hazard to individuals with pre-disposing factors to A. fumigatus lung infections, and a potential health hazard to immunocompetent individuals who could be exposed to sufficiently high numbers of spores to develop infection. Furthermore, this study found that 14% of A. fumigatus isolates in garden soils were resistant to an agricultural triazole, which confers cross-resistance to medical triazoles used to treat A. fumigatus lung infections. This raises the question of whether compost bags should carry additional health warnings regarding inhalation of A. fumigatus spores, whether individuals should be advised to wear facemasks whilst handling compost or whether commercial producers should be responsible for sterilising compost before shipping. The findings support increasing public awareness of the hazard posed by compost and investigating measures that can be taken to reduce the exposure risk.
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León-Buitimea A, Garza-Cervantes JA, Gallegos-Alvarado DY, Osorio-Concepción M, Morones-Ramírez JR. Nanomaterial-Based Antifungal Therapies to Combat Fungal Diseases Aspergillosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Mucormycosis, and Candidiasis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101303. [PMID: 34684252 PMCID: PMC8539376 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last years, invasive infections caused by filamentous fungi have constituted a serious threat to public health worldwide. Aspergillus, Coccidioides, Mucorales (the most common filamentous fungi), and Candida auris (non-filamentous fungus) can cause infections in humans. They are able to cause critical life-threatening illnesses in immunosuppressed individuals, patients with HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, hematological diseases, transplantation, and chemotherapy. In this review, we describe the available nanoformulations (both metallic and polymers-based nanoparticles) developed to increase efficacy and reduce the number of adverse effects after the administration of conventional antifungals. To treat aspergillosis and infections caused by Candida, multiple strategies have been used to develop new therapeutic alternatives, such as incorporating coating materials, complexes synthesized by green chemistry, or coupled with polymers. However, the therapeutic options for coccidioidomycosis and mucormycosis are limited; most of them are in the early stages of development. Therefore, more research needs to be performed to develop new therapeutic alternatives that contribute to the progress of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel León-Buitimea
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca C.P. 66628, Mexico
| | - Javier A. Garza-Cervantes
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca C.P. 66628, Mexico
| | - Diana Y. Gallegos-Alvarado
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
| | - Macario Osorio-Concepción
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca C.P. 66628, Mexico
| | - José Ruben Morones-Ramírez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca C.P. 66628, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Dillon CF, Dillon MB. Multi-Scale Airborne Infectious Disease Transmission. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02314-20. [PMID: 33277266 PMCID: PMC7851691 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02314-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne disease transmission is central to many scientific disciplines including agriculture, veterinary biosafety, medicine, and public health. Legal and regulatory standards are in place to prevent agricultural, nosocomial, and community airborne disease transmission. However, the overall importance of the airborne pathway is underappreciated, e.g.,, US National Library of Medicine's Medical Subjects Headings (MESH) thesaurus lacks an airborne disease transmission indexing term. This has practical consequences as airborne precautions to control epidemic disease spread may not be taken when airborne transmission is important, but unrecognized. Publishing clearer practical methodological guidelines for surveillance studies and disease outbreak evaluations could help address this situation.To inform future work, this paper highlights selected, well-established airborne transmission events - largely cases replicated in multiple, independently conducted scientific studies. Methodologies include field experiments, modeling, epidemiology studies, disease outbreak investigations and mitigation studies. Collectively, this literature demonstrates that airborne viruses, bacteria, and fungal pathogens have the capability to cause disease in plants, animals, and humans over multiple distances - from near range (< 5 m) to continental (> 500 km) in scale. The plausibility and implications of undetected airborne disease transmission are discussed, including the notable underreporting of disease burden for several airborne transmitted diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael B Dillon
- Atmospheric, Earth, and Energy Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore, California, USA 94551
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Degois J, Simon X, Clerc F, Bontemps C, Leblond P, Duquenne P. One-year follow-up of microbial diversity in bioaerosols emitted in a waste sorting plant in France. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 120:257-268. [PMID: 33310602 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols emitted in waste sorting plants (WSP) can induce some adverse health effects on the workers such as rhinitis, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The composition of these bioaerosols is scarcely known and most of the time assessed using culture-dependent methods. Due to the well-known limitations of cultural methods, these biodiversity measurements underestimate the actual microbial taxon richness. The aim of the study was to assess the airborne microbial biodiversity by using a sequencing method in a French waste sorting plant (WSP) for one year and to investigate the main factors of variability of this biodiversity. Static sampling was performed in five areas in the plant and compared to an indoor reference (IR), using closed-face cassettes (10 L.min-1) with polycarbonate membranes, every month for one year. Environmental data was measured (temperature, relative humidity). After DNA extraction, microbial biodiversity was assessed by means of sequencing. Bacterial genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas and fungal genera Wallemia, Cladosporium, Debaryomyces, Penicillium, Alternaria were the most predominant airborne microorganisms. Microbial biodiversity was different in the plant compared to the IR and seemed to be influenced by the season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodelle Degois
- Department of pollutant metrology, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54500, France
| | - Xavier Simon
- Department of pollutant metrology, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54500, France
| | - Frédéric Clerc
- Department of pollutant metrology, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54500, France
| | - Cyril Bontemps
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, DynAMic, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Pierre Leblond
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, DynAMic, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Philippe Duquenne
- Department of process engineering, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54500, France.
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Microbiological Air Quality and Drug Resistance in Airborne Bacteria Isolated from a Waste Sorting Plant Located in Poland-A Case Study. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020202. [PMID: 32023994 PMCID: PMC7074821 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
International interests in biological air pollutants have increased rapidly to broaden the pool of knowledge on their identification and health impacts (e.g., infectious, respiratory diseases and allergies). Antibiotic resistance and its wider implications present us with a growing healthcare crisis, and an increased understanding of antibiotic-resistant bacteria populations should enable better interpretation of bioaerosol exposure found in the air. Waste sorting plant (WSP) activities are a source of occupational bacterial exposures that are associated with many health disorders. The objectives of this study were (a) to assess bacterial air quality (BAQ) in two cabins of a WSP: preliminary manual sorting cabin (PSP) and purification manual sorting cabin (quality control) (QCSP), (b) determine the particle size distribution (PSD) of bacterial aerosol (BA) in PSP, QCSP, and in the outdoor air (OUT), and (c) determine the antibiotic resistance of isolated strains of bacteria. Bacterial strains were identified on a Biolog GEN III (Biolog, Hayward, CA, USA), and disc diffusion method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to the Kirby–Bauer Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Test Protocol. A large share of fecal bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis and Alcaligenes faecalis spp. feacalis, was found in the tested indoor air, which is a potential health hazard to the workers of the monitored WSP. Our results demonstrate the necessity to take into account fecal air pollution levels to avoid making erroneous assumptions regarding the environmental selection of antibiotic resistance. Total elimination of many anthropogenic sources is not possible, but important findings of this study can be used to develop realistic management policies methods to improve BAQ.
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The Dose of Fungal Aerosol Inhaled by Workers in a Waste-Sorting Plant in Poland: A Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010177. [PMID: 31881797 PMCID: PMC6982232 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosol monitoring is a rapidly emerging area in the context of work environments because microbial pollution is a key element of indoor air pollution and plays an important role in certain infectious diseases and allergies. However, as yet, relatively little is known about inhaled doses of microorganisms in workplaces. Today, the important issue of social concern is due to waste management, transport, sorting, and processing of wastes and their environmental impact and effects on public health. In fact, waste management activities can have numerous adverse effects on human wellbeing. Health effects are generally linked to exposure (EX), defined as the concentration of a contaminant and the length of time a person is exposed to this concentration. Dose is an effective tool for evaluating the quantity of a contaminant that actually crosses the body’s boundaries and influences the goal tissue. This document presents an analysis of the fungal waste-sorting plant EX dose (FWSPED) inhaled by workers in a waste-sorting plant (WSP) in Poland in March 2019. The main purpose of this research was to assess FWSPED inhaled by workers in two cabins at the WSP: the preliminary manual sorting cabin (PSP) and the purification manual sorting cabin (quality control; QSP). It was found that the FWSPED inhaled by workers was 193 CFU/kg in the PSP and 185 CFU/kg in the QSP. Fungal particles were quantitatively evaluated and qualitatively identified by the GEN III Biolog system. During the research, it was found that isolates belonging to the Aspergilus flavus and Penicillum chrysogenum strains were detected most frequently in the WSP. The total elimination of many anthropogenic sources is not possible, but the important findings of this research can be used to develop realistic management policies and methods to improve the biological air quality of WSPs for effective protection of WSP workers.
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Latgé
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Genomewide and Enzymatic Analysis Reveals Efficient d-Galacturonic Acid Metabolism in the Basidiomycete Yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides. mSystems 2019; 4:4/6/e00389-19. [PMID: 31848309 PMCID: PMC6918025 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00389-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biorefining of renewable feedstocks is one of the most promising routes to replace fossil-based products. Since many common fermentation hosts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are naturally unable to convert many component plant cell wall polysaccharides, the identification of organisms with broad catabolism capabilities represents an opportunity to expand the range of substrates used in fermentation biorefinery approaches. The red basidiomycete yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides is a promising and robust host for lipid- and terpene-derived chemicals. Previous studies demonstrated assimilation of a range of substrates, from C5/C6 sugars to aromatic molecules similar to lignin monomers. In the current study, we analyzed the potential of R. toruloides to assimilate d-galacturonic acid, a major sugar in many pectin-rich agricultural waste streams, including sugar beet pulp and citrus peels. d-Galacturonic acid is not a preferred substrate for many fungi, but its metabolism was found to be on par with those of d-glucose and d-xylose in R. toruloides A genomewide analysis by combined transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and RB-TDNA-seq revealed those genes with high relevance for fitness on d-galacturonic acid. While R. toruloides was found to utilize the nonphosphorylative catabolic pathway known from ascomycetes, the maximal velocities of several enzymes exceeded those previously reported. In addition, an efficient downstream glycerol catabolism and a novel transcription factor were found to be important for d-galacturonic acid utilization. These results set the basis for use of R. toruloides as a potential host for pectin-rich waste conversions and demonstrate its suitability as a model for metabolic studies with basidiomycetes.IMPORTANCE The switch from the traditional fossil-based industry to a green and sustainable bioeconomy demands the complete utilization of renewable feedstocks. Many currently used bioconversion hosts are unable to utilize major components of plant biomass, warranting the identification of microorganisms with broader catabolic capacity and characterization of their unique biochemical pathways. d-Galacturonic acid is a plant component of bioconversion interest and is the major backbone sugar of pectin, a plant cell wall polysaccharide abundant in soft and young plant tissues. The red basidiomycete and oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides has been previously shown to utilize a range of sugars and aromatic molecules. Using state-of-the-art functional genomic methods and physiological and biochemical assays, we elucidated the molecular basis underlying the efficient metabolism of d-galacturonic acid. This study identified an efficient pathway for uronic acid conversion to guide future engineering efforts and represents the first detailed metabolic analysis of pectin metabolism in a basidiomycete fungus.
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Occupational Exposure to Endotoxin along a Municipal Scale Fecal Sludge Collection and Resource Recovery Process in Kigali, Rwanda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234740. [PMID: 31783533 PMCID: PMC6926866 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: Little is known about occupational exposures that occur along fecal sludge collection and resource recovery processes. This study characterizes inhaled endotoxin exposure to workers of a municipal scale fecal sludge-to-fuel processes in Kigali, Rwanda. Methods: Forty-two task-based air samples were collected from workers in five tasks along the fecal sludge collection and resource recovery process. Samples were processed for endotoxin using the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test. To account for exposure variability and compare measured concentrations to established exposure limits, we used Monte Carlo modeling methods to construct distributions representing full eight-hour (8-h) exposures to endotoxin across eight exposure scenarios. Results: Geometric mean (GM) endotoxin concentrations in task-based samples ranged from 11–3700 EU/m3 with exposure concentrations increasing as the dryness of the fecal sludge increased through processing. The thermal dryer task had the highest endotoxin concentrations (GM = 3700 EU/m3) and the inlet task had the lowest (GM = 11 EU/m3). The geometric means (GM) of modeled 8-h exposure concentrations were between 6.7–960 EU/m3 and highest for scenarios which included the thermal dryer task in the exposure scenario. Conclusions: Our data suggest the importance of including worker exposure considerations in the design of nascent fecal sludge management processes. The methods used in this study combine workplace sampling with stochastic modeling and are useful for exposure assessment in resource constrained contexts.
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Mbareche H, Morawska L, Duchaine C. On the interpretation of bioaerosol exposure measurements and impacts on health. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2019; 69:789-804. [PMID: 30821643 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2019.1587552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols are recognized as one of the main transmission routes for infectious diseases and are responsible for other various types of health effects through inhalation and potential ingestion. Associating exposure with bioaerosol and health problems is challenging, and adequate exposure monitoring is a top priority for aerosol scientists. The multiple factors affecting bioaerosol content, the variability in the focus of each bioaerosol exposure study, and the variations in experimental design and the standardization of methods make bioaerosol exposure studies very difficult. Therefore, the health impacts of bioaerosol exposure are still poorly understood. This paper presents a brief description of a state-of-the-art development in bioaerosol exposure studies supported by studies on several related subjects. The main objective of this paper is to propose new considerations for bioaerosol exposure guidelines and the development of tools and study designs to better interpret bioaerosol data. The principal observations and findings are the discrepancy of the applicable methods in bioaerosol studies that makes result comparison impossible. Furthermore, the silo mentality helps in creating a bigger gap in the knowledge accumulated about bioaerosol exposure. Innovative and original ideas are presented for aerosol scientists and health scientists to consider and discuss. Although many examples cited herein are from occupational exposure, the discussion has relevance to any human environment. This work gives concrete suggestions for how to design a full bioaerosol study that includes all of the key elements necessary to help understand the real impacts of bioaerosol exposure in the short term. The creation of the proposed bioaerosol public database could give crucial information to control the public health. Implications: How can we move toward a bioaerosol exposure guidelines? The creation of the bioaerosol public database will help accumulate information for long-term association studies and help determine specific exposure biomarkers to bioaerosols. The implementation of such work will lead to a deeper understanding and more efficient utilization of bioaerosol studies to prevent public health hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Mbareche
- a Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
- b Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique , Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
| | - Lidia Morawska
- c School of Chemistry, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering, Department of Environmental Technologies , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- a Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
- b Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique , Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
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Ferguson RMW, Garcia‐Alcega S, Coulon F, Dumbrell AJ, Whitby C, Colbeck I. Bioaerosol biomonitoring: Sampling optimization for molecular microbial ecology. Mol Ecol Resour 2019; 19:672-690. [PMID: 30735594 PMCID: PMC6850074 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosols (or biogenic aerosols) have largely been overlooked by molecular ecologists. However, this is rapidly changing as bioaerosols play key roles in public health, environmental chemistry and the dispersal ecology of microbes. Due to the low environmental concentrations of bioaerosols, collecting sufficient biomass for molecular methods is challenging. Currently, no standardized methods for bioaerosol collection for molecular ecology research exist. Each study requires a process of optimization, which greatly slows the advance of bioaerosol science. Here, we evaluated air filtration and liquid impingement for bioaerosol sampling across a range of environmental conditions. We also investigated the effect of sampling matrices, sample concentration strategies and sampling duration on DNA yield. Air filtration using polycarbonate filters gave the highest recovery, but due to the faster sampling rates possible with impingement, we recommend this method for fine -scale temporal/spatial ecological studies. To prevent bias for the recovery of Gram-positive bacteria, we found that the matrix for impingement should be phosphate-buffered saline. The optimal method for bioaerosol concentration from the liquid matrix was centrifugation. However, we also present a method using syringe filters for rapid in-field recovery of bioaerosols from impingement samples, without compromising microbial diversity for high -throughput sequencing approaches. Finally, we provide a resource that enables molecular ecologists to select the most appropriate sampling strategy for their specific research question.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and EnvironmentCranfield UniversityCranfieldUK
| | | | - Corinne Whitby
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
| | - Ian Colbeck
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
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Mbareche H, Veillette M, Pilote J, Létourneau V, Duchaine C. Bioaerosols Play a Major Role in the Nasopharyngeal Microbiota Content in Agricultural Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16081375. [PMID: 30995814 PMCID: PMC6518280 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Bioaerosols are a major concern for public health and sampling for exposure assessment purposes is challenging. The nasopharyngeal region could be a potent carrier of long-term bioaerosol exposure agents. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between nasopharyngeal bacterial flora of swine workers and the swine barns bioaerosol biodiversity. Methods: Air samples from eight swine barns as well as nasopharyngeal swabs from pig workers (n = 25) and from a non-exposed control group (n = 29) were sequenced using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Wastewater treatment plants were used as the industrial, low-dust, non-agricultural environment control to validate the microbial link between the bioaerosol content (air) and the nasopharynxes of workers. Results: A multivariate analysis showed air samples and nasopharyngeal flora of pig workers cluster together, compared to the non-exposed control group. The significance was confirmed with the PERMANOVA statistical test (p-value of 0.0001). Unlike the farm environment, nasopharynx samples from wastewater workers did not cluster with air samples from wastewater treatment plants. The difference in the microbial community of nasopharynx of swine workers and a control group suggest that swine workers are carriers of germs found in bioaerosols. Conclusion: Nasopharynx sampling and microbiota could be used as a proxy of air sampling for exposure assessment studies or for the determination of exposure markers in highly contaminated agricultural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Mbareche
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Marc Veillette
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
| | - Jonathan Pilote
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Valérie Létourneau
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Mbareche H, Veillette M, Dubuis MÈ, Bakhiyi B, Marchand G, Zayed J, Lavoie J, Bilodeau GJ, Duchaine C. Fungal bioaerosols in biomethanization facilities. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2018; 68:1198-1210. [PMID: 29939829 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2018.1492472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Biomethanization is a new technology used for green-waste valorization where organic waste is biodegraded by microbial communities under anaerobic conditions. The main product of this type of anaerobic digestion is a biogas used as an energy source. Moving and handling organic waste may lead to the emission of high concentrations of bioaerosols. High exposure levels are associated with adverse health effects amongst green environment workers. Fungal spores are suspected to play a role in many respiratory illnesses. There is a paucity of information related to the detailed fungal diversity in biomethanization facilities. The aim of this study was to provide an in-depth description of fungal bioaerosols in biomethanization work environments using a next-generation sequencing approach combined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two biomethanization facilities treating different wastes were visited during the sampling campaign (n = 16). Quantification of Penicillium/Aspergillus and Aspergillus fumigatus revealed a greater exposure risk during summer for both facilities visited. Concentrations of Penicillium and Aspergillus were similar in all work areas in both biomethanization facilities. Taxonomy analyses showed that the type of waste treated affects the fungal diversity of aerosols emitted. Although eight classes were evenly distributed in all samples, Eurotiomycetes were more dominant in the first facility and Agaricomycetes were dominant in the second one. A large diversity profile was observed in bioaerosols from both facilities showing the presence of pathogenic fungi. The following fungi detected are known allergens and/or are opportunistic pathogens: Aspergillus, Malassezia, Emericella, Fusarium, Acremonium, and Candida. Daily exposure to these fungi may put workers at risk. The information from this study can be used as a reference for minimizing occupational exposure in future biomethanization facilities. Implications: Biomethanization is a new technology used for green-waste valorization where organic waste is biodegraded by microbial communities. Effective waste management is increasingly recognized as a strategic approach for achieving newly created regulations concerning the disposal of organic residues; therefore, an expansion of facilities is expected. Workers' exposure to diverse fungal communities is certain, as fungi are ubiquitous and necessary in organic matter decomposition. Monitoring this occupational exposure is important in order to prevent workers' health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Mbareche
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ) , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
- c Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie , Laval University , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
| | - Marc Veillette
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ) , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Dubuis
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ) , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
- c Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie , Laval University , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
| | - Bouchra Bakhiyi
- b Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST) , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
- d Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , School of Public Health, University of Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Geneviève Marchand
- b Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST) , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
- d Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , School of Public Health, University of Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Joseph Zayed
- b Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST) , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
- d Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , School of Public Health, University of Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Jacques Lavoie
- b Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST) , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
- d Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , School of Public Health, University of Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Guillaume J Bilodeau
- e Pathogen Identification Research Laboratory , Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ) , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
- c Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie , Laval University , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada
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Michałkiewicz M. Comparison of wastewater treatment plants based on the emissions of microbiological contaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:640. [PMID: 30338402 PMCID: PMC6208977 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7035-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This article presents the current and important results of bioaerosol studies which allow for the comparison of microbial contamination of air in 11 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which differed in terms of capacity from 350 to 200,000 m3/day. The abundance of mesophilic bacteria, M+ and M- Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Actinobacteria, coliform and psychrophilic bacteria, and microscopic fungi was determined. Additionally, the air temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity, and direction were also analyzed at each research station. The obtained very numerous results of bioaerosol and climate parameter studies were subjected to statistical analysis. The results regarding the minimum, maximum, and median abundance of the studied bacteria and microscopic fungi at 11 WWTPs and in background studies at control stations were presented in tables. Additionally, basic descriptive statistics for all studied microorganisms at specific seasons were presented. It was established that at the areas of WWTPs, the microscopic fungi were present that the highest concentrations (ranging from 0 to 1,148,530 CFU m-3), followed by psychrophilic bacteria (ranging from 40 to 225,000 CFU m-3) and mesophilic bacteria (ranging from 0 to 195,000 CFU m-3). The novel elaboration of bioaerosol study results based on cluster analysis and determination of a dendrogram allowed to compare the studied WWTPs. The similarity was decided based on the type of studied microorganisms and their dominance and abundance, while no similarities were observed in terms of capacity. In order to investigate the relation between the abundance of bacterial groups as well as microscopic fungi and microclimatic parameters (air temperature and humidity), a calculation of Spearman's range correlation coefficients was conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Michałkiewicz
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 61-138, Poznan, Poland.
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Croston TL, Lemons AR, Beezhold DH, Green BJ. MicroRNA Regulation of Host Immune Responses following Fungal Exposure. Front Immunol 2018; 9:170. [PMID: 29467760 PMCID: PMC5808297 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal bioaerosols are ubiquitous in the environment and human exposure can result in a variety of health effects ranging from systemic, subcutaneous, and cutaneous infections to respiratory morbidity including allergy, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Recent research has focused on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) following fungal exposure and is overlooked, yet important, group of regulators capable of influencing fungal immune responses through a variety of cellular mechanisms. These small non-coding ribose nucleic acids function to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and have been shown to participate in multiple disease pathways including cancer, heart disease, apoptosis, as well as immune responses to microbial hazards and occupational allergens. Recent animal model studies have characterized miRNAs following the exposure to inflammatory stimuli. Studies focused on microbial exposure, including bacterial infections, as well as exposure to different allergens have shown miRNAs, such as miR-21, miR-146, miR-132, miR-155, and the let-7 family members, to be involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Interestingly, the few studies have assessed that the miRNA profiles following fungal exposure have identified the same critical miRNAs that have been characterized in other inflammatory-mediated and allergy-induced experimental models. Review of available in vitro, animal and human studies of exposures to Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and Stachybotrys chartarum identified several miRNAs that were shared between responses to these species including miR-125 a/b (macrophage polarization/activation), miR-132 [toll-like receptor (TLR)2-mediated signaling], miR-146a (TLR mediated signaling, alternative macrophage activation), and miR-29a/b (natural killer cell function, C-leptin signaling, inhibition of Th1 immune response). Although these datasets provide preliminary insight into the role of miRNAs in fungal exposed models, interpretation of miRNA datasets can be challenging for researchers. To assist in navigating this rapidly evolving field, the aim of this review is to describe miRNAs in the framework of host recognition mechanisms and provide initial insight into the regulatory pathways in response to fungal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara L Croston
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Angela R Lemons
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Donald H Beezhold
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Brett J Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, United States
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Dubuis ME, M'Bareche H, Veillette M, Bakhiyi B, Zayed J, Lavoie J, Duchaine C. Bioaerosols concentrations in working areas in biomethanization facilities. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2017; 67:1258-1271. [PMID: 28718709 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2017.1356762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study sought to fill the gap in information about the type and the concentration of bioaerosols present in the air of biomethanization facilities (BF). Evaluation of bioaerosol composition and concentration was achieved in two biomethanization facilities located in Eastern Canada, during summer and winter. In order to have a thorough understanding of the studied environment, the methodology combined culture of bacteria and molds, qualitiative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for specific microorganisms, endotoxin quantification, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for bacterial diversity. Results revealed that workers in biomethanization facilities are exposed to bioaerosols and pathogenic microorganisms similar to those found in composting plants. However, human exposure levels to bioaerosols are lower in BF than in composting plants. Despite these differences, use of personal protective equipment is recommended to lower the risks of health problems. IMPLICATIONS Biomethanization is a new technology used in eastern Canada for waste management. In the next few years, it is expected that there will be an expansion of facilities in response of tight governmental regulations. Workers in biomethanization facilities are exposed to various amounts of bioaerosols composed of some harmful microorganisms. Therefore, monitoring this occupational exposure could be an interesting tool for improving worker's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Dubuis
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
- b Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie , Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
| | - Hamza M'Bareche
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
| | - Marc Veillette
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
| | - Bouchra Bakhiyi
- c Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , School of Public Health, University of Montreal , Montreal , Canada
| | - Joseph Zayed
- c Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , School of Public Health, University of Montreal , Montreal , Canada
- d Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du travail (IRSST) , Montreal (Qc) , Canada
| | - Jacques Lavoie
- d Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du travail (IRSST) , Montreal (Qc) , Canada
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
- b Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie , Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
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Rashidi S, Shahmoradi B, Maleki A, Sharafi K, Darvishi E. Density assessment and mapping of microorganisms around a biocomposting plant in Sanandaj, Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:233. [PMID: 28444609 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-5914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to microorganisms can cause various diseases or exacerbate the excitatory responses, inflammation, dry cough and shortness of breath, reduced lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and allergic response or allergic immune. The aim of the present study was to investigate the density of microorganisms around the air of processing facilities of a biocomposting plant. Each experiment was carried out according to ASTM E884-82 (2001) method. The samples were collected from inhaled air in four locations of the plant, which had a high traffic of workers and employees, including screen, conveyor belt, aerated compost pile, and static compost pile. The sampling was repeated five times for each location selected. The wind speed and its direction were measured using an anemometer. Temperature and humidity were also recorded at the time of sampling. The multistage impactor used for sampling was equipped with a solidified medium (agar) and a pump (with a flow rate of 28.3 l/m) for passing air through the media. It was found that the mean density of total bacteria was >1.7 × 103 cfu/m3 in the study area. Moreover, the mean densities of fungi, intestinal bacteria (Klebsiella), and Staphylococcus aureus were 5.9 × 103, 3.3 × 103, and 4.1 × 103 cfu/m3, respectively. In conclusion, according to the findings, the density of bacteria and fungi per cubic meter of air in the samples collected around the processing facilities of the biocomposting plant in Sanandaj City was higher than the microbial standard for inhaled air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Rashidi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - B Shahmoradi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Afshin Maleki
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Kiomars Sharafi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Darvishi
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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van Leuken JPG, Swart AN, Droogers P, van Pul A, Heederik D, Havelaar AH. Climate change effects on airborne pathogenic bioaerosol concentrations: a scenario analysis. AEROBIOLOGIA 2016; 32:607-617. [PMID: 27890966 PMCID: PMC5106502 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-016-9435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The most recent IPCC report presented further scientific evidence for global climate change in the twenty-first century. Important secondary effects of climate change include those on water resource availability, agricultural yields, urban healthy living, biodiversity, ecosystems, food security, and public health. The aim of this explorative study was to determine the range of expected airborne pathogen concentrations during a single outbreak or release in a future climate compared to a historical climatic period (1981-2010). We used five climate scenarios for the periods 2016-2045 and 2036-2065 defined by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute and two conversion tools to create hourly future meteorological data sets. We modelled season-averaged airborne pathogen concentrations by means of an atmospheric dispersion model and compared these data to historical (1981-2010) modelled concentrations. Our results showed that modelled concentrations were modified several percentage points on average as a result of climate change. On average, concentrations were reduced in four out of five scenarios. Wind speed and global radiation were of critical importance, which determine horizontal and vertical dilution. Modelled concentrations decreased on average, but large positive and negative hourly averaged effects were calculated (from -67 to +639 %). This explorative study shows that further research should include pathogen inactivation and more detailed probability functions on precipitation, snow, and large-scale circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. P. G. van Leuken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A. N. Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - A. van Pul
- Environment and Safety (M&V), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - D. Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A. H. Havelaar
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
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Evaluation of the Survivability of Microorganisms Deposited on Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices under Varying Conditions of Humidity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13010098. [PMID: 26742049 PMCID: PMC4730489 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosols are common biological factors in work environments, which require routine use of filtering respiratory protective devices (FRPDs). Currently, no studies link humidity changes in the filter materials of such devices, during use, with microorganism survivability. Our aim was to determine the microclimate inside FRPDs, by simulating breathing, and to evaluate microorganism survivability under varying humidity conditions. Breathing was simulated using commercial filtering facepiece respirators in a model system. Polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabrics with moisture contents of 40%, 80%, and 200%, were used for assessment of microorganisms survivability. A modified AATCC 100-2004 method was used to measure the survivability of ATCC and NCAIM microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. During simulation relative humidity under the facepiece increased after 7 min of usage to 84%-92% and temperature increased to 29-30 °C. S. aureus survived the best on filter materials with 40%-200% moisture content. A decrease in survivability was observed for E. coli and C. albicans when mass humidity decreased. We found that B. subtilis and A. niger proliferated for 48-72 h of incubation and then died regardless of the moisture content. In conclusion, our tests showed that the survivability of microorganisms on filter materials depends on the amount of accumulated moisture and microorganism type.
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Van Leuken J, Swart A, Havelaar A, Van Pul A, Van der Hoek W, Heederik D. Atmospheric dispersion modelling of bioaerosols that are pathogenic to humans and livestock - A review to inform risk assessment studies. MICROBIAL RISK ANALYSIS 2016; 1:19-39. [PMID: 32289056 PMCID: PMC7104230 DOI: 10.1016/j.mran.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this review we discuss studies that applied atmospheric dispersion models (ADM) to bioaerosols that are pathogenic to humans and livestock in the context of risk assessment studies. Traditionally, ADMs have been developed to describe the atmospheric transport of chemical pollutants, radioactive matter, dust, and particulate matter. However, they have also enabled researchers to simulate bioaerosol dispersion. To inform risk assessment, the aims of this review were fourfold, namely (1) to describe the most important physical processes related to ADMs and pathogen transport, (2) to discuss studies that focused on the application of ADMs to pathogenic bioaerosols, (3) to discuss emission and inactivation rate parameterisations, and (4) to discuss methods for conversion of concentrations to infection probabilities (concerning quantitative microbial risk assessment). The studies included human, livestock, and industrial sources. Important factors for dispersion included wind speed, atmospheric stability, topographic effects, and deposition. Inactivation was mainly governed by humidity, temperature, and ultraviolet radiation. A majority of the reviewed studies, however, lacked quantitative analyses and application of full quantitative microbial risk assessments (QMRA). Qualitative conclusions based on geographical dispersion maps and threshold doses were encountered frequently. Thus, to improve risk assessment for future outbreaks and releases, we recommended determining well-quantified emission and inactivation rates and applying dosimetry and dose-response models to estimate infection probabilities in the population at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.P.G. Van Leuken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Corresponding author: Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 30 274 2003.
| | - A.N. Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - A.H. Havelaar
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and Animal Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - A. Van Pul
- Environment & Safety (M&V), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - W. Van der Hoek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - D. Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Be NA, Thissen JB, Fofanov VY, Allen JE, Rojas M, Golovko G, Fofanov Y, Koshinsky H, Jaing CJ. Metagenomic analysis of the airborne environment in urban spaces. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2015; 69:346-55. [PMID: 25351142 PMCID: PMC4312561 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-014-0517-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The organisms in aerosol microenvironments, especially densely populated urban areas, are relevant to maintenance of public health and detection of potential epidemic or biothreat agents. To examine aerosolized microorganisms in this environment, we performed sequencing on the material from an urban aerosol surveillance program. Whole metagenome sequencing was applied to DNA extracted from air filters obtained during periods from each of the four seasons. The composition of bacteria, plants, fungi, invertebrates, and viruses demonstrated distinct temporal shifts. Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki was detected in samples known to be exposed to aerosolized spores, illustrating the potential utility of this approach for identification of intentionally introduced microbial agents. Together, these data demonstrate the temporally dependent metagenomic complexity of urban aerosols and the potential of genomic analytical techniques for biosurveillance and monitoring of threats to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Be
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551 USA
| | - James B. Thissen
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551 USA
| | | | - Jonathan E. Allen
- Computation/Global Security Directorates, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA USA
| | - Mark Rojas
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - George Golovko
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Yuriy Fofanov
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | | | - Crystal J. Jaing
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551 USA
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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: 5.4] [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.
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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
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Pearson C, Littlewood E, Douglas P, Robertson S, Gant TW, Hansell AL. Exposures and health outcomes in relation to bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities: a systematic review of occupational and community studies. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2015; 18:43-69. [PMID: 25825807 PMCID: PMC4409048 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2015.1009961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The number of composting sites in Europe is rapidly increasing, due to efforts to reduce the fraction of waste destined for landfill, but evidence on possible health impacts is limited. This article systematically reviews studies related to bioaerosol exposures within and near composting facilities and associated health effects in both community and occupational health settings. Six electronic databases and bibliographies from January 1960 to July 2014 were searched for studies reporting on health outcomes and/or bioaerosol emissions related to composting sites. Risk of bias was assessed using a customized score. Five hundred and thirty-six papers were identified and reviewed, and 66 articles met the inclusion criteria (48 exposure studies, 9 health studies, 9 health and exposure studies). Exposure information was limited, with most measurements taken in occupational settings and for limited time periods. Bioaerosol concentrations were highest on-site during agitation activities (turning, shredding, and screening). Six studies detected concentrations of either Aspergillus fumigatus or total bacteria above the English Environment Agency's recommended threshold levels beyond 250 m from the site. Occupational studies of compost workers suggested elevated risks of respiratory illnesses with higher bioaerosol exposures. Elevated airway irritation was reported in residents near composting sites, but this may have been affected by reporting bias. The evidence base on health effects of bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities is still limited, although there is sufficient evidence to support a precautionary approach for regulatory purposes. While data to date are suggestive of possible respiratory effects, further study is needed to confirm this and to explore other health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Pearson
- Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health & NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Littlewood
- Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health & NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa Douglas
- Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health & NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Robertson
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy W. Gant
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L. Hansell
- Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health & NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Public Health and Primary Care, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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