An InnovaPrep AirPrep™ sampler was used to collect samples from various areas of a hospital, including patient rooms in a COVID-19 ward during the pandemic, allowing simultaneous monitoring of bacterial bioaerosols and the presence of SARS-CoV-2. The air samples underwent analysis using 16s gene metabarcoding.
The study, performed by scientists at the University of Salento, Lecce, Italy, investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital areas with and without infected patients. Due to logistics and bureaucracy, it is likely that the patients were not infectious for SARS-CoV-2 by the time sampling could be performed. Extensive sequencing revealed a vast number of aerosolized bacterial species such as Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum and pathogenic staphylococci, likely being the main pathogens infecting patients.
“This efficient sampling method improves understanding of hospital air quality, potential transmission routes, and infection control measures. Ultimately, it contributes to enhanced safety for both patients and staff in healthcare settings.”
Read the publication:
Simultaneous monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial profiles from the air of hospital environments with COVID-19-affected patients, Perrone et al.
