Airborne transmission represents one of the most rapidly spreading and dangerous dissemination mechanisms for pathogens. Public health strategies to prevent and control the often explosive outbreaks associated with such pathogens are: 1) vaccination and treatment, if available, 2) isolation and barrier precautions such as face masks, and 3) decontamination of the exposed areas and surfaces. A lack of understanding how these pathogens are transmitted hampers the ability to develop effective prevention measures. This study will be used to collect preliminary data of the emission patterns of respiratory pathogens.
Airborne transmission represents one of the most rapidly spreading and dangerous dissemination mechanisms for pathogens. The study team have been investigating bacterial and viral transmission routes and barrier precautions. In a recent clinical study, it was observed that Measles virus RNA was detected from a patient for at least up to 10 feet. In addition, the group has been studying barrier precautions (facemasks) for their ability to prevent the spread of aerosolized viruses. Finally, in a controlled lab setting the investigators have assessed the impact of environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) on pathogen transmission and the effect of UV-C light to prevent the spread of influenza. The purpose of this observational study is to describe the human aerosolization patterns of respiratory pathogens. The study team hypothesizes that the emission patterns of specific airborne pathogens varies between individual patients.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
particle size distribution patterns: ICU
This outcome measure will determine the particle size distribution patterns of the pathogen in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Time frame: throughout study completion, up to 7 days
particle size distribution patterns: non-ICU setting
This outcome measure will determine the particle size distribution patterns of the pathogen in the non-intensive care unit (ICU).
Time frame: throughout study completion, up to 7 days
quantities of the pathogen: ICU
This outcome measure will determine the quantities of the pathogen in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Time frame: throughout study completion, up to 7 days
quantities of the pathogen: non-ICU setting
This outcome measure will determine the quantities of the pathogen in the non-intensive care unit (ICU).
Time frame: throughout study completion, up to 7 days
spatial model: ICU
This outcome measure will establish a spatial model (1 foot vs. 3- feet vs. 8-10 feet) of airborne pathogen dispersal in the ICU.
Time frame: throughout study completion, up to 7 days
spatial model: non-ICU setting
This outcome measure will establish a spatial model (1 foot vs. 3- feet vs. 8-10 feet) of airborne pathogen dispersal in a non-ICU setting.
Time frame: throughout study completion, up to 7 days
correlation between the human aerosolization patterns and the severity of illness
This outcome measure is to determine the correlation between the human aerosolization patterns and the severity of illness (fever, respiratory symptoms, malaise) in individual participants.
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Time frame: throughout study completion, up to 7 days