Fibers as carriers of microbial particles

摘要

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the ability of natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic fibers to transport microbialparticles. Material and Methods: The simultaneously settled dust and aerosol sampling was carried out in 3 industrial facilitiesprocessing natural (cotton, silk, flax, hemp), synthetic (polyamide, polyester, polyacrylonitrile, polypropylene) and semi-synthetic(viscose) fibrous materials; 2 stables where horses and sheep were bred; 4 homes where dogs or cats were kept and 1 zoo lionpavilion. All samples were laboratory analyzed for their microbiological purity. The isolated strains were qualitatively identified.To identify the structure and arrangement of fibers that may support transport of microbial particles, a scanning electronmicroscopy analysis was performed. Results: Both settled and airborne fibers transported analogous microorganisms. All synthetic,semi-synthetic and silk fibers, present as separated threads with smooth surface, were free from microbial contamination.Natural fibers with loose packing and rough surface (e.g., wool, horse hair), sheaf packing and septated surface (e.g., flax, hemp)or present as twisted ribbons with corrugated surface (cotton) were able to carry up to 9×105 cfu/g aerobic bacteria, 3.4×104 cfu/ganaerobic bacteria and 6.3×104 cfu/g of fungi, including pathogenic strains classified by Directive 2000/54/EC in hazard group 2. Conclusions: As plant and animal fibers are contaminated with a significant number of microorganisms, including pathogens, allof them should be mechanically eliminated from the environment. In factories, if the manufacturing process allows, they shouldbe replaced by synthetic or semi-synthetic fibers. To avoid unwanted exposure to harmful microbial agents on fibers, the containmentmeasures that efficiently limit their presence and dissemination in both occupational and non-occupational environmentsshould be introduced. Med Pr 2015;66(4):511–523