Bioaerosols and Transmission of Human and Animal Pathogens

摘要

The transmission of infectious microbes via bioaerosols is of great concern to both human and animal health. Gaps in data and methodological heterogeneity also plague many related studies which hinder our understanding of respiratory pathogen transmission as well as the application of mitigation techniques. In recent years, new developments have enabled progress in this domain, and one of the major turning points has been the recognition that cross-disciplinary collaborations across spheres of human and animal health, microbiology, biophysics, engineering, aerobiology, infection control, public health, occupational health and industrial hygiene are essential. The Canadian Infectious Bioaerosol Network (CANIBAN) initiative was launched to focus on critical questions about infectious diseases dispersed by bioaerosolization of microorganisms. This collaborative initiative allows for significant advances in topics such as bioaerosol behavior, dispersion models, risk assessment, risk/exposure effects and mitigation strategies. The purpose of this panel session is two-fold: 1. Introduce CANIBAN to the broader air quality community in North America and to catalyze further collaborations; 2. Exchange technical and scientific knowledge in respective areas of expertise regarding bioaerosols, disease transmission and mitigation. Caroline Duchaine will first introduce CANIBAN and set the stage regarding the field of bioaerosols. Matthieu Girard will then provide an overview of the available mitigation techniques. Examples of the risks, challenges and solutions in human and animal health will be provided respectively by Samira Mubareka and Christian Klopfenstein. The final panelist, Manuela Villion, will then discuss a specific airborne disease, legionellosis.