Aerobiological monitoring of the 'Sistine Chapel': airborne bacteria and microfungi trends

The present paper reports the results of a bacteriological and mycological monitoring carried out on the airborne microflora of the Sistine Chapel. The general aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the flow of visitors, as well seasonal effects, on the qualitative and quantitative variations of microorganisms. Two sampling campaigns were carried out in May and November 1997. A Surface Air System (SAS) sampler (active system) and a sedimentation based sampler (passive system), supported by an original plinth, were used. Temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide were detected. VITEK SYSTEMS jr. for Staphylococcus spp. and microscopic observation for microfungi were the identification methods. In spite of the conditioning and filtration air system, initial results with both samplers, show a positive correlation between the airborne microorganisms and presence and number of visitors. The SAS samples showed higher microbial load, for both bacteria and fungi, than the passive ones, but the epidemiological meaning of the differently collected data varies. The increase during visiting hours of human Staphylococcus spp. is stronger than the airborne bacterial load increase. The microfungi most frequently isolated were Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. These preliminary data underline the significance of the survey for the protection of such a precious environment, and encourage the Authors to continue the ongoing monitoring. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.