This recent article published in Nature Scientific reports by the Torremorell lab describes the size of particles shedding by pigs experimentally infected by H1N1 influenza A virus, as well as their associated viral load.
Continue reading “Size distribution and viral RNA load of influenza virus-laden airborne particles emitted from pigs over the course of an H1N1 infection”Tag: Air sample
Detection of PRRSV-2 in air emissions from grow-finish barns
A recently published study conducted by Mark Schwartz and collaborators evaluated the feasibility of using air sampled from right outside the exhaust fans on finishing barns to detect PRRSV. The full article is available in open access on the journal’s website.
Continue reading “Detection of PRRSV-2 in air emissions from grow-finish barns”Relationships among Microbial Communities in Pigs
Today, we are sharing a recent article published in the journal Microorganisms by Dr. Valeris-Chacin and the MycoLab. The publication, available in open access, focuses on the relationships among fecal, air, oral, and tracheal microbial communities in pigs.
Continue reading “Relationships among Microbial Communities in Pigs”Comparison of samplers collecting airborne influenza viruses: 1. Primarily impingers and cyclones
Researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and College of Veterinary Medicine are publishing a series of articles in PLOS ONE comparing the various air samplers used to detect airborne viruses such as influenza. This first publication, available in open access, focuses on impingers and cyclones.
Highlights
- Higher quantities of virus were recovered by high flow rate samplers
- Lower flow rate samplers performed better when virus concentrations were high
- Based on the question of interest, a different air sampler might be more efficient.
Air samples successful in detecting on-farm PRRSV, PEDV, and high-path avian influenza virus
Summary:
- From Dr. Torremorell’s lab at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV), Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDV), and High-Path Avian Influenza virus (HPAIV) are transmitted via aerosols.
- Air samples taken out of positive farms were successful in isolating HPAIV and PEDV 61% and 69% of the time respectively whereas PRRSV was found 8% of the time.
- For all three viruses, higher quantity of genetic material was found when the size of the particle was larger.
More articles on air samples as a method to study respiratory pathogens
Abstract:
Swine and poultry viruses, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), are economically important pathogens that can spread via aerosols. The reliability of methods for quantifying particle-associated viruses as well as the size distribution of aerosolized particles bearing these viruses under field conditions are not well documented. We compared the performance of 2 size-differentiating air samplers in disease outbreaks that occurred in swine and poultry facilities. Both air samplers allowed quantification of particles by size, and measured concentrations of PRRSV, PEDV, and HPAIV stratified by particle size both within and outside swine and poultry facilities. All 3 viruses were detectable in association with aerosolized particles. Proportions of positive sampling events were 69% for PEDV, 61% for HPAIV, and 8% for PRRSV. The highest virus concentrations were found with PEDV, followed by HPAIV and PRRSV. Both air collectors performed equally for the detection of total virus concentration. For all 3 viruses, higher numbers of RNA copies were associated with larger particles; however, a bimodal distribution of particles was observed in the case of PEDV and HPAIV.