Laetitia Bonifait1, Rémi Charlebois1, Allison Vimont2, Nathalie Turgeon1, Marc Veillette1, Yves Longtin3, Julie Jean4, Caroline Duchaine5. 1. Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec. 2. Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Laval University, Quebec. 3. Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research at the Jewish General Hospital and McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal. 4. Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Laval University, Quebec Département des sciences des aliments et de nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation. 5. Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Noroviruses are responsible for at least 50% of all gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Noroviruses GII can infect humans via multiple routes including direct contact with an infected person, fecal matter, or vomitus, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Although norovirus is an intestinal pathogen, aerosols could, if inhaled, settle in the pharynx and later be swallowed. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of norovirus GII bioaerosols during gastroenteritis outbreaks in healthcare facilities and to study the in vitro effects of aerosolization and air sampling on the noroviruses using murine norovirus as a surrogate. METHODS: A total of 48 air samples were collected during norovirus outbreaks in 8 healthcare facilities. Samples were taken 1 m away from each patient, in front of the patient's room and at the nurses' station. The resistance to aerosolization stress of murine norovirus type 1 (MNV-1) bioaerosols was also tested in vitro using an aerosol chamber. RESULTS: Norovirus genomes were detected in 6 of 8 healthcare centers. The concentrations ranged from 1.35 × 10(1) to 2.35 × 10(3) genomes/m(3) in 47% of air samples. MNV-1 preserved its infectivity and integrity during in vitro aerosol studies. CONCLUSIONS: Norovirus genomes are frequently detected in the air of healthcare facilities during outbreaks, even outside patients' rooms. In addition, in vitro models suggest that this virus may withstand aerosolization.
BACKGROUND: Noroviruses are responsible for at least 50% of all gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Noroviruses GII can infect humans via multiple routes including direct contact with an infected person, fecal matter, or vomitus, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Although norovirus is an intestinal pathogen, aerosols could, if inhaled, settle in the pharynx and later be swallowed. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of norovirus GII bioaerosols during gastroenteritis outbreaks in healthcare facilities and to study the in vitro effects of aerosolization and air sampling on the noroviruses using murine norovirus as a surrogate. METHODS: A total of 48 air samples were collected during norovirus outbreaks in 8 healthcare facilities. Samples were taken 1 m away from each patient, in front of the patient's room and at the nurses' station. The resistance to aerosolization stress of murine norovirus type 1 (MNV-1) bioaerosols was also tested in vitro using an aerosol chamber. RESULTS:Norovirus genomes were detected in 6 of 8 healthcare centers. The concentrations ranged from 1.35 × 10(1) to 2.35 × 10(3) genomes/m(3) in 47% of air samples. MNV-1 preserved its infectivity and integrity during in vitro aerosol studies. CONCLUSIONS:Norovirus genomes are frequently detected in the air of healthcare facilities during outbreaks, even outside patients' rooms. In addition, in vitro models suggest that this virus may withstand aerosolization.
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