Characterization of Experimental Influenza Virus-Laden Bioaerosols and Aerosols of Respiratory Origin During Aerosol-Generating Medical Procedures

The characterization of infectious bioaerosols is required to identify related determinants of transmission by the respiratory route. The detection and quantification of influenza virus-laden bioaerosols remains a significant challenge in clinical and field settings. Additionally, medical procedures with the potential to generate aerosols may increase the risk of infection for healthcare workers. However, the characteristics and determinants of aerosol production, during potential aerosol generating procedures including intubation and bronchoscopy, remain poorly characterized. Here we assess performance characteristics of four commonly-used bioaerosol samplers for the collection of influenza A virus strains. We also quantify aerosol generation during experimental pig intubations and elective patient bronchoscopies. We show that low-volume filter and cyclone bioaerosol samplers perform best for both the collection of RNA and viable virus under varying environmental conditions. We also detect a non-significant increase in submicron aerosol particles during bronchoscopy and recover oral bacteria from the air during pig intubations.M.Sc