Detection of respiratory viruses on air filters from aircraft

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of identifying viruses from aircraft cabin air, we evaluated whether respiratory viruses trapped by commercial aircraft air filters can be extracted and detected using a multiplex PCR, bead‐based assay. Methods and Results: The ResPlex II assay was first tested for its ability to detect inactivated viruses applied to new filter material; all 18 applications of virus at a high concentration were detected. The ResPlex II assay was then used to test for 18 respiratory viruses on 48 used air filter samples from commercial aircraft. Three samples tested positive for viruses, and three viruses were detected: rhinovirus, influenza A and influenza B. For 33 of 48 samples, internal PCR controls performed suboptimally, suggesting sample matrix effect. Conclusion: In some cases, influenza and rhinovirus RNA can be detected on aircraft air filters, even more than 10 days after the filters were removed from aircraft. Significance and Impact of the Study: With protocol modifications to overcome PCR inhibition, air filter sampling and the ResPlex II assay could be used to characterize viruses in aircraft cabin air. Information about viruses in aircraft could support public health measures to reduce disease transmission within aircraft and between cities.

Rhinoviruses

“…HRV RNA can be detected from 32 % of ~47-hourold fi lters placed to sample air in offi ce buildings [ 296 ]. In aircraft, high effi ciency particulate air (HEPA) fi lters have been found to harbor HRV RNA more than 10 days after they were removed for servicing [ 297 ].…”

Bioterrorism and Surveillance for Infectious Diseases - Lessons from Poliovirus and Enteric Virus Surveillance

“…Included among such systems or surveillance programs that have already been tested and/or deployed are the Bio Watch (2003), Biohazard Detection (BDS), Biological Aerosol Sentry and Information System (BASIS; 2001-2), the Autonomous Pathogen Detection System (APDS; 2003) and Handheld Advanced Nucleic Acid Analyzer (HANAA) [http://www.globalseurity.org]. Monitoring using more common and widely dispersed items has included use of ventilation filters in public buildings [35] or airplanes [36]. Another area of active research is the development and testing of next generation sensor technology.…”

Comparisons of a Novel Air Sampling Filter Material, Wash Buffers and Extraction Methods in the Detection and Quantification of Influenza Virus

“…Filter based samplers have also been used in the collection of aerosolized viruses due to their efficiency in collecting sub-micrometer particles 10,16 , and ability to be used for longer periods in the field compared to impinger based methods. 17,18 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, and gelatin-containing filters have all been used to collect virus 10,19 , with PTFE and PVC being the most efficient among filter materials tested. 16,19 Nevertheless, the viral recovery from PTFE and PVC filter materials remains inefficient.…”