A portable sampler (PARTRAP FA 52) for microbiological evaluation of airborne particles: comparison with standard sedimetric and volumetric methods in haemodialysis rooms

Experiments for microbiological evaluation of airborne particles were led in two haemodialysis rooms at the beginning and at the end of activity time (6 h). The efficiency of a new personal and portable aerobiological sampler in comparison with a fixed sampler and a traditional sedimetric method was evaluate. The personal and portable sampler allowed a good evaluation of concentration of bacteria and fungi per cubic metres of sampled air. Since its aspiration flow is equal to Minute Ventilation of an adult; this device provides a quantification of inhaled particles. We propose this device for evaluating the risk for patients and sanitary operators, for monitoring air quality and in implementing adequate environmental prophylaxis and for other applications, e.g. environmental applications.     

Minor pollinosis fromCryptomeria japonica in Varese,northern Italy. Aerobiological monitoring and main clinical features

In the last 2 years, we have conducted an aerobiological monitoring program ofCryptomeria japonica, a plant belonging to the family of Taxodiaceae that sometimes causes pollinosis in the period from February to April. Throughout 1994, we checked the incidence of its sensitization and the clinical effects in 85 subjects with correlated seasonal symptoms, who gave a positive skin prick test (SPT) for Betulaceae and/or Corylaceae. Twenty-five patients (29.4%; 19 M; 6 F; mean age, 38.8 years) all with oculorhinitis, were SPT positive to an allergenic extract ofCryptomeria. RAST confirmed this positivity in 44% of the cases. No patients showed monosensitization forCryptomeria to either SPT or RAST. Two subjects gave a positive result on specific nasal provocation. RAST inhibition showed no cross-reaction betweenCryptomeria and birch pollen. During the pollen season each patient made a list, scoring symptoms and specifying any drugs used, so we could correlate these elements with aerobiological observations. The pollen concentration probably exceeded the allergizing threshold forCryptomeria on 8 days during 3 months of recording. The intensity and duration of symptoms seemed to be mainly influenced by sensitization to Betulaceae and Corylaceae. It is thus possible that a combination of ‘minor’ pollinosis may produce seasonal symptoms in allergic patients.     

Use of personal sporetraps to complement continuous aerobiological monitoring

We analysed pollen and spore data obtained from one continuous and two personal Burkard sporetraps during the spring months of three years (2007–2009). For the statistical analysis, the data was normalised with a log transformation, and then subjected to an ANOVA and a Pearson correlation analysis. The best time to use the personal samplers was determined from 15 years of continuous aerobiological monitoring pollen data to be between 11:00–16:00, when highest concentration was found and in a steady way. Height of sampling was compared at floor level and at 1.1 m with personal samplers; both of them were on a terrace at 6 m above the ground, but no statistically significant differences were found. The results revealed that there were apparently no differences between continuous and personal Burkard samplers for total pollen and spores. Nevertheless, distinguishing the main pollen types (i.e., Poaceae, Quercus, Olea, Cupressaceae, Plantago, and Platanus) revealed that there are some differences for Poaceae pollen only. In conclusion, personal samplers could be used to anticipate continuous monitoring data because their sampling is shorter and the results may be obtained quicker than with a continuous sampler, although they must never be considered as a replacement.     

Minor pollinosis fromCryptomeria japonica in Varese,northern Italy. Aerobiological monitoring and main clinical features

In the last 2 years we have conducted an aerobiological monitoring program ofCryptomeria japonica, a plant belonging to the family of Taxodiaceae that sometimes causes pollinosis in the period from February to April. Throughout 1994, we checked the incidence of its sensitization and the clinical effects in 85 subjects with correlated seasonal symptoms, who gave a positive skin prick test (SPT) for Betulaceae and/or Corylaceae. Twenty-five patients (29.4%; 19 M; 6 F; mean age, 38.8 years) all with oculorhinitis, were SPT positive to an allergenic extract ofCryptomeria. RAST confirmed this positivity in 44% of the cases. No patients showed monosensitization forCryptomeria to either SPT or RAST. Two subjects gave a positive result on specific nasal provocation. RAST inhibition showed no cross-reaction betweenCryptomeria and birch pollen. During the pollen season each patient made a list, scoring symptoms and specifying any drugs used, so we could correlate these elements with aerobiological observations. The pollen concentration probably exceeded the allergizing threshold forCryptomeria on 8 days during 3 months of recording. The intensity and duration of symptoms seemed to be mainly influenced by sensitization to Betulaceae and Corylaceae. It is thus possible that a combination of minor pollinosis may produce seasonal symptoms in allergic patients.     

Enumeration of airborne molds in some indoor environments of Madras city (India) by cultural and non-cultural volumetric samplers

The air mycoflora of six indoor environments in Madras city (India) has been investigated by sampling air with an Andersen sampler and a Burkard personal sampler. Forty-eight species assignable to 24 genera were recorded by Andersen sampler. Spores belonging to 14 genera in addition toPenicillium andAspergillus were identified from Burkard trap slides. Species ofAspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor andRhizopus were most frequently isolated in considerable numbers. As a single genusAspergillus ranked first followed byPenicillium at some sites, andCladosporium at some other sites. The predominance ofPenicillium andAspergillus was also confirmed by Burkard trap data. Spores belonging toGanoderma, Nigrospora, Epicoccum, andTetraploa were recorded only by Burkard sampler, thereby suggesting the necessity of using two complimentary spore traps, cultural and non-cultural, in any aerobiological investigation.     

Airborne pollen concentration in Seville (Spain), 1993–1996. First results obtained with Hirst’s method

The data presented constitute the longest historical series of results obtained in Seville with a Hirst-type sampler, and are a further contribution to earlier aerobiological studies carried out in the city with a Cour trap. This work supplies an updated pollen calendar of the city, together with pollen counts and other aerobiological parameters for the 14 most important types in the 4-year period of sampling. These werePlatanus hispanica, Olea europaea, Quercus, Cupressaceae, Poaceae, Urticaceae, Moraceae, Chenopodiaceae/ Amaranthaceae,Plantago, Pinaceae,Rumex, Myrtaceae, Compositae, andCasuarina.     

Field Evaluation of Personal Sampling Methods for Multiple Bioaerosols

Ambient bioaerosols are ubiquitous in the daily environment and can affect health in various ways. However, few studies have been conducted to comprehensively evaluate personal bioaerosol exposure in occupational and indoor environments because of the complex composition of bioaerosols and the lack of standardized sampling/analysis methods. We conducted a study to determine the most efficient collection/analysis method for the personal exposure assessment of multiple bioaerosols. The sampling efficiencies of three filters and four samplers were compared. According to our results, polycarbonate (PC) filters had the highest relative efficiency, particularly for bacteria. Side-by-side sampling was conducted to evaluate the three filter samplers (with PC filters) and the NIOSH Personal Bioaerosol Cyclone Sampler. According to the results, the Button Aerosol Sampler and the IOM Inhalable Dust Sampler had the highest relative efficiencies for fungi and bacteria, followed by the NIOSH sampler. Personal sampling was performed in a pig farm to assess occupational bioaerosol exposure and to evaluate the sampling/analysis methods. The Button and IOM samplers yielded a similar performance for personal bioaerosol sampling at the pig farm. However, the Button sampler is more likely to be clogged at high airborne dust concentrations because of its higher flow rate (4 L/min). Therefore, the IOM sampler is a more appropriate choice for performing personal sampling in environments with high dust levels. In summary, the Button and IOM samplers with PC filters are efficient sampling/analysis methods for the personal exposure assessment of multiple bioaerosols.     

Determination of the collection efficiency of a microbial air sampler

The Biotest RCS Plus air sampler was compared with the well-established Casella slit sampler for the quantitative analysis of the microbiological content of air. The results of the tests reported here show that the RCS Plus sampling efficiency is similar to that of the Casella sampler over the range of particles likely to be encountered in the environment. For particles less than 4 μm down to the sub-micronic sizes the efficiency of sampling falls off only gradually so that the efficiency of sampling for 1·0 μm particles is only reduced to about 50%. The ability to pre-select 10 different volumes (from 1 to 1000 1) enables the samplers to be used for measuring a wide range of concentrations of airborne micro-organisms in a variety of locations.     

Application of diffusiophoresis and the Stefan flow effects for sampling microorganisms,pollen, spores etc

The possibility to apply diffusiophoresis and the Stefan flow effects in a new type of sampler was investigated. The advantages of the later are significant compared with other sampler desingns, since it gives representative samples that can subsequently analysed by the methods of optic and electron microscopy. The low particle deposition velocity keeps microorganisms intact, on the other hand, the small depence of the particles' deposition velocity upon their sizes makes the separation of the analyzed aerobiological objects impossible. As a result, the representativness of samples is secured. In this paper the sampler design is described and its working conditions (heat, hydrodynamic) are analyzed.     

The reliability of geostatistic interpolation in olive field floral phenology

Floral phenology, as most of natural phenomena, shows, as an inherent feature, a high degree of spatial continuity. Geostatistics are a family of statistics that describe correlations through space/time and they can be used for both quantifying spatial correlation and interpolating no monitored sampling points. The combined use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and geostatistics can be an essential tool for spatial analysis in phenological and aerobiological studies. In the present work, Kriging interpolation by using linear geostatistic analysis has allow us to estimate phenological data of a wide olive crop area of the province of Cordoba (Andalusia, Southern Spain), on the basis of a limited number of␣phenology sampling points. The main a priori hypothesis was that 7 traditionally observed sampling points (with 10 olive trees in each site) uniformly distributed through the main olive crop areas could be enough for interpolating phenological information of the whole Cordoba olive area. Geostatistical results reject this hypothesis. The optimum/minimum number and location of sampling points was determined in 13 sites (including the original 7 sites and 6 new sites). The obtained phenological maps will improve␣olive pollen aerobiological information and forecasting in the area. The application of such new combined space analysis tools on floral phenology allows optimising human and economic resources on field phenology campaigns. Moreover, an appropriate use of GIS and geostatistic software to create phenological maps will be an essential complement in pollen aerobiological studies, given the increased interest in obtaining automatic aerobiological forecasting maps.     

Measurement of resuspended aerosol in the Chernobyl area

Results of measurements of the resuspended radioactive aerosols in the Chernobyl area are presented which were obtained soon after the Chernobyl reactor accident and in a European project in 1992–1993. The measurements were carried out with the intention of obtaining a data base for dose assessment of resuspended radioactive particles. Potential significant dose contributions may result from inhalation and secondary contamination due to resuspended radionuclides. In this first article of a series of three papers, the instrumentation and the measurement uncertainties are discussed. An effort was made to sample quantitatively giant aerosol particles (particles larger than 10 μm aerodynamic diameter) as well. The comparison of the samplers shows, in general, an agreement of concentration measurements of ¹³⁷Cs and ⁷Be within a factor of two. One sampler was identified with larger discrepancies and needs additional investigation of its sampling characteristics; for another device, the recalibration of the analysing system is recommended. Ordinary integrating samplers have a loss of about 30% in ¹³⁷Cs activity compared to an isokinetic sampler collecting giant particles as well. The mean ratio of ¹³⁷Cs activity concentration between an instrument sampling only particles larger than 10 μm and an ordinary integrating sampler is 0.39 ± 0.15 during anthropogenic-enhanced resuspension. These findings demonstrate the significant contribution of giant particles to resuspended airborne radioactivity. The results of this study concerning integral measurements during wind-driven resuspension proved to be in good agreement with previously published data on resuspension. Received: 15 May 1997 / Accepted: 4 August 1997     

Airborne-pollen map for Olea europaea L. in eastern Andalusia (Spain) using GIS: Estimation models

Estimations based upon geostatistics and mapping have enabled the construction of a spatial model to predict the presence of biological particles in a particular region. This methodological proposal has been tested in a case study, at a regional scale, of airborne Olea pollen, using the data acquired from␣various sampling stations that are designed for the aerobiological monitoring of pollen levels. These sampling stations have been set up in cities throughout the region of Andalusia (southern Spain) at sites with very different characteristics in terms of biogeography, bioclimate, topography and vegetation. Pollen counts were made daily at all sites during 2003 using a volumetric spore-trap. Data were comparatively analysed in classical diagrams and by means of spatial-temporal maps. Space-time models were constructed using three coordinates, x, y (the UTM coordinates of each sampling station) and z, (the aerobiological data compiled for a specific period). The aerobiological data were interpolated by applying the traditional geostatistical method of Kriging. The introduction of the variable “space” into the model allowed us to predict pollen levels in different areas throughout the region. The interpolation method was used to make weekly estimations of Olea pollen values in areas where there was no aerobiological sampling station. In addition, the maps generated present a two-dimensional vision of the study area, showing that bioclimatic diversity of this region promotes a step-wise flowering of Olea.     

Evaluation of the efficiency of the Coriolis air sampler for pollen detection in South Europe

The Coriolis δ air sampler is a new volumetric air sampler, dedicated to outdoor monitoring of airborne biological particles, including pollen and spores. In the present work, the performance of the Coriolis in the collection of pollen grains was evaluated in comparison with a Hirst spore trap, the most frequently used trap in aerobiological studies, in two cities of South Europe, Evora (Portugal) and Córdoba (Spain). Both concentration values are compared, and statistical analysis was carried out. The present study indicated that, in general, pollen counts for all taxa detected with the Hirst trap were higher than those detected with the Coriolis δ in both cities. In Córdoba, significant differences were detected for all taxa except for Cupressus, Olea and Pinus, while in Evora significant differences were noted for all except Pinus and Poaceae. Differences were particularly marked in species flowering during April and May. In spite of theses differences, Spearman correlation test results showed that the relationship between Hirst and Coriolis curves was always positive and significant (p > 0.01). Regards to the number of detected taxa, the results showed greater diversity for the Hirst sampler in both cities.     

Contamination of mural paintings by indoor airborne fungal spores

Summary The processes of biodeterioration on mural paintings have often been discussed, whereas the causes of contamination have seldom been examined.Many microorganisms responsible for the biodeterioration of paintings are of airborne origin. It follows that an investigation on the aerial microbial concentration and air movements in painted indoors is very useful.This paper reviews the literature of mural painting biodeterioration and the aerobiological studies of painted indoors. Hypogean environments, for their particular microclimatic conditions, are not considered.The fungal species most frequently found in the biodeterioration of wall-paintings are reported, as well as comparisons of surface contamination and aerobiological investigation.This review shows the necessity of finding the best sampling methodologies for cultural heritage studies. The control of airborne contamination and proper sampling methods are highly important in determining treatment strategies for the conservation and prevention of microbial attack on painted surfaces.     

Pollen grains of queen sago (Cycas circinalis L.), a source of aeroallergen from West Bengal, India: an immunochemical approach

Cycas circinalis L. or queen sago is a common ornamental gymnosperm in tropics and subtropics. The objectives of the study were (a) to observe the seasonal variation of queen sago pollen in the atmosphere of a rural and an industrial area of West Bengal, India, (b) to visualize its allergenic potential on local population, and (c) to identify and isolate the important IgE-binding protein component present in the pollen extract. A two-year aerobiological survey was performed with Burkard personal volumetric sampler, and Cycas pollen was found to be present in air during April–July. Among 172 respiratory allergic patients of study area, 25.58% showed skin reaction to Cycas pollen extract. The allergenicity of the pollen extract was confirmed by in vivo (skin reaction test) and in vitro (IgE-ELISA and dot blotting) analyses and immunoblotting. Two components of 39.6 and 20.7 kDa were found to be the important IgE-binding proteins in pollen extract. The 20.7 kDa component was purified by two-step gel electrophoresis and it was found to retain its IgE reactivity. This component can be used for further work in diagnostic and therapeutic purpose in susceptible individuals. The overall study demonstrated that the pollen grains of Cycas circinalis is one of the important aeroallergen source of West Bengal, India,     

Airborne Influenza A Is Detected in the Personal Breathing Zone of Swine Veterinarians

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic emphasized a need to evaluate zoonotic transmission of influenza A in swine production. Airborne influenza A virus has been detected in swine facilities during an outbreak. However, the personal exposure of veterinarians treating infected swine has not been characterized. Two personal bioaerosol samplers, the NIOSH bioaerosol sampler and the personal high-flow inhalable sampler head (PHISH), were placed in the breathing zone of veterinarians treating swine infected with either H1N1 or H3N2 influenza A. A greater number of viral particles were recovered from the NIOSH bioaerosol sampler (2094 RNA copies/m³) compared to the PHISH sampler (545 RNA copies/m³). In addition, the majority of viral particles were detected by the NIOSH bioaerosol sampler in the >4 μm size fraction. These results suggest that airborne influenza A virus is present in the breathing zone of veterinarians treating swine, and the aerosol route of zoonotic transmission of influenza virus should be further evaluated among agricultural workers.     

Aerobiological, clinical and immunobiochemical studies on Lantana camara pollen and cross-reactivity with other Verbenaceae pollen species

Airborne pollen is an important and potent source of aeroallergens. The aim of the study was to conduct a 2-year aerobiological survey in Calcutta, India, for knowing the concentration and seasonal periodicity of Lantana camara (LC) pollen. The sensitization due to this pollen among seasonal respiratory allergic patients and its chemical composition was studied. An aerobiological survey was conducted with a volumetric Burkard sampler from 2004 to 2006. Protein components of LC pollen were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and IgE immunoblotting. Allergenic activities were determined by in vivo (skin prick test) and in vitro (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro inhibition tests were performed to evaluate cross-reactivity. LC pollen was present from March to May and from September to December contributing up to 10.5% to the total aeropollen load during peak month. Horizontal profile showed highest concentration for nearest (0.5 m) rotorod and it was decreased by half in a distance within 4.5–6.5 m from plot edge. LC pollen contained 7.5% carbohydrate, 19.3% lipid with proline and valine as dominant amino acid. Among 1,500 adult respiratory allergic patients tested, 7.93% showed higher level of positive reaction. IgE binding proteins of 22, 42, 45 and 95 kD were revealed. LC pollen showed remarkable cross-reactivity with other local Verbenaceae pollen taxa (Clerodendron viscosum, Tectona grandis and Vitex negundo). This is the first study on LC pollen regarding its aerobiological, clinical and immuno-biochemical aspects; it should be helpful for the diagnosis and therapy of patients susceptible to LC pollen.     

Contribution of upwind pollen sources to the characterization of Juniperus ashei phenology

Local and long-range components of Juniperus ashei pollen deposition were isolated to provide a more accurate record of local pollination activity in the Arbuckle Mountains of south central Oklahoma. An aerobiological sampler recorded airborne pollen concentrations and deposition at the sample site from mid-December 1998 to the end of January 1999. Grid-based weather data was used to model the movement, position, and elevation (air mass trajectories) across the region. While a normal concentration distribution is expected for a pollination event at a single site, "very high" concentrations (>1500 pollen grains per cubic meter) creating "peaks" in the deposition record were identified using bi-hourly sample analysis of the pollen registrations in the sampler. These occurrences happened over a 2 1/2 week period beginning January 11 and are coincident with the occurrence of southerly winds throughout the region. Modeled trajectories indicate that the air masses associated with those occurrences traveled at ground level through the J. ashei population on the Edwards Plateau, some 200 kilometers to the south in Texas, then gained altitude prior to crossing the sample site, thus introducing a long-range pollen component at the sample site. Peaks with "high" concentrations (90 to 1500 pollen grains per cubic meter) were evaluated using the same methodology. Those peaks associated with trajectories having the potential of introducing a long-range component to the pollen deposition record were removed from the aerobiological record. The resulting adjusted aerobiological record shows a more normal pollen concentration distribution, reduced hourly variability, and a marked shift in the pollination initiation date. Based on the comparison of non-adjusted and adjusted aerobiological records, contributions from upwind pollen sources account for 55% of the total pollen record.     

Gramineae hay fever,and aerobiological and clinical investigation in Palermo; Sicily

Summary Epidemiological and aerobiological observations (1987;1989) have been carried out for three years in order to search the existing relationship between the Gramineae's daily pollen concentration in Palermo's atmosphere and the number of hay fever cases due to such pollen.The aerobiological data were obtained with a 2000 VPPS volumetric sampler. Clinical research was performed on 555 hay fever patients treated in our ambulatory over a three-year period (1987–1989).These data, elaborated by a seven day running mean method and correlated with epidemiological data, evidenced that three of the pollen families in our territory are clinically important: Urticaceae,Parietaria prevailing among them, Gramineae and Oleaceae,Olea europaea prevailing among them.The Gramineae are the second most important allergenic pollen (32,08% of all the pollinosis) whereas, as far as its concentration in the atmosphere is concerned; it ranks third followingParietaria and Oleaceae.     

Skin testing for allergy in children.

In diagnostic testing for IgE-mediated allergy in children the skin-prick test is preferred because it is safer, less painful and more specific than the intracutaneous test, and cheaper and more sensitive than the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). The intracutaneous test and RAST are useful in certain circumstances, however. While a positive result from any of these tests indicates hypersensitivity, it does not necessarily mean that the allergen giving the positive result is responsible for the patient''s symptoms. That can only be decided by interpreting the result in light of the allergy history. This paper outlines the indications for the prick test, the allergens that may be employed, the method of doing the test, and its place among the other tests that are used in a modern pediatric allergy practice.