Airborne transmission of hospital pathogens
https://doi.org/10.23946/2500-0764-2020-5-4-97-103
Abstract
For decades, there have been a number of controversial issues regarding the airborne transmission of hospital pathogens. Here we decided to perform a critical review on this topic in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. We summarise the existing knowledge on biological aerosols including techniques of their generation, propagation of bioaerosol particles in a hospital environment, particle size-, shape- and composition-dependent airborne transmission, and microorganisms inhabitating such particles. It is still unclear which of the particles transfer the pathogens, which of the pathogens are capable of adhering to the particulate matter, and whether such adhesion affects pathogen virulence. Intriguingly, viruses, bacteria and fungi seemingly have distinct patterns of interactions with the bioaerosols. Moreover, particle formation and their colonization may be separated in time, further complicating the puzzle. Apparently, pathogen interactions with the particulate matter are of paramount importance to better understand the role of bioaerosol particles as a potential pathogen reservoir in the hospital environment and to properly assess the influence of environmental pollutants, novel biomedical materials and treatment technologies on airborne transmission of hospital pathogens.
About the Authors
Е. В. Brusina
Kemerovo State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena B. Brusina, MD, DSc, Professor, Head of the Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Dermatology and Venereology
22a, Voroshilova Street, Kemerovo, 650056
E. A. Chezganova
Kemerovo State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Evgenia A. Chezganova, MD, PhD Student, Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Dermatology and Venereology
22a, Voroshilova Street, Kemerovo, 650056
О. M. Drozdova
Kemerovo State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olga M. Drozdova, MD, DSc, Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Dermatology and Venereology
22a, Voroshilova Street, Kemerovo, 650056
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Review
For citations:
Brusina Е.В., Chezganova E.A., Drozdova О.M. Airborne transmission of hospital pathogens. Fundamental and Clinical Medicine. 2020;5(4):97-103. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.23946/2500-0764-2020-5-4-97-103
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