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. 2008 Jun 26:8:105.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2180-8-105.

A laminar flow model of aerosol survival of epidemic and non-epidemic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from people with cystic fibrosis

Ian J Clifton  1 , Louise A Fletcher, Clive B Beggs, Miles Denton, Daniel G Peckham
Affiliations

A laminar flow model of aerosol survival of epidemic and non-epidemic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from people with cystic fibrosis

Ian J Clifton et al. BMC Microbiol. .

Abstract

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited multi-system disorder characterised by chronic airway infection with pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Acquisition of P. aeruginosa by patients with CF is usually from the environment, but recent studies have demonstrated patient to patient transmission of certain epidemic strains, possibly via an airborne route. This study was designed to examine the survival of P. aeruginosa within artificially generated aerosols.

Results: Survival was effected by the solution used for aerosol generation. Within the aerosols it was adversely affected by an increase in air temperature. Both epidemic and non-epidemic strains of P. aeruginosa were able to survive within the aerosols, but strains expressing a mucoid phenotype had a survival advantage.

Conclusion: This would suggest that segregating individuals free of P. aeruginosa from those with chronic P. aeruginosa infection who are more likely to be infected with mucoid strains may help reduce the risk of cross-infection. Environmental factors also appear to influence bacterial survival. Warming and drying the air within clinical areas and avoidance of humidification devices may also be beneficial in reducing the risk of cross-infection.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Laminar flow model
Figure 2
Figure 2
Size distribution of particles sampled from aerosols containing P. aeruginosa (NCIMB 10848) generated using distilled water, different Ringer's solutions and 10% FBS. Error bars represent standard error of mean.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Concentration of viable P. aeruginosa (NCIMB 10848) at different aerosol ages generated using distilled water, different Ringer's solutions and 10% FBS. Error bars represent standard error of mean.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Size distribution of particles sampled from aerosols containing P. aeruginosa (NCIMB 10848) generated using Ringer's solutions into conditions of normal temperature and humidity (22°C 45% RH), high temperature (27°C 45% RH) or high humidity (22°C 67%RH). Error bars represent standard error of mean.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Concentration of viable P. aeruginosa (NCIMB 10848) at different aerosol ages generated using Ringer's solutions into conditions normal temperature and humidity (22°C 45% RH), high temperature (27°C 45% RH) or high humidity (22°C 67%RH). Error bars represent standard error of mean.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Size distribution of particles sampled from aerosols containing different strains of P. aeruginosa generated using Ringer's solutions. Error bars represent standard error of mean.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Concentration of different strains of viable P. aeruginosa at different aerosol ages generated using Ringer's solutions. Error bars represent standard error of mean.
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