Impact of microbial air quality in preschools on paediatric respiratory health

Abstract

Microbial air quality (MAQ) is unambiguously linked with one's health particularly in pulmonology. Children remain more vulnerable in acquiring airborne infections than adults. MAQ studies and management are being implemented in developed countries, yet such information and actions are scarce in developing countries. Herein, we aimed to determine the indoor and outdoor airborne microbial concentrations in a rural versus urban perspective and their association with paediatric respiratory health. Preschools, one representing an urbanized and the other, a rural area, from Kandy, Sri Lanka, were considered. Respiratory health of 146 children (age; 3-6 years) was examined, and questionnaire-based information was obtained from their parents. Air samples were taken using natural sedimentation, single-stage viable sampler and fine particulate sampler to calculate the total microbial and culturable counts. Inhalation dose rates were calculated as per standard reference values. Microorganisms were identified using 16SrRNA sequencing. Accordingly, 57.97% (n = 40) urban and 31.17% (n = 24) rural subjects suffered from at least one respiratory disease, upper respiratory tract infections, rhinitis, wheeze, etc. High total microbial counts (cells/m 3) were seen in urban preschool (indoor: 4.66 × 10 5 vs. 2.45 × 10 5 , outdoor: 4.29 × 10 4 vs. 2.74 × 10 4). Inhalation dose rates were high in urban preschool, both indoor and outdoor (2.00 × 10 4 and 1.05 × 10 4 cells/kg day). Irrespective of the site, indoor microbial counts were high and majority were opportunistic pathogens: Pseudomonas stutzeri, P. fluorescens, P. putida, Brevundimonas diminuta, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus pumilus, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, B. cereus, Pseudoescherichia vulneris and Morganella morganii. Accordingly, observed dynamics can be a risk factor for the higher respiratory disease prevalence seen among urban preschoolers.

Seasonal variation and size distribution in the airborne indoor microbial concentration of residential houses in Delhi and its impact on health

“…Various studies have been conducted throughout the World to assess microbial concentration in other indoor sites such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and public libraries or; but less attention was paid to residential houses (Madhwal et al, 2020 ; Frankel et al, 2012 ; Kumari et al, 2016 ; Park et al, 2016 ; Madamarandawala et al, 2019 ; Karmakar et al, 2020 ). Few studies have been conducted in Delhi to assess the bioaerosols concentrations in indoor environments (Gupta et al, 1993 ; Sharma, 2011 ).…”

Impact of haze events on airborne bacterial consortia–a case study

“…Bioaerosols are also capable of long range transport and hence, the microbial consortia observed in this event could be associated with the bioaerosols generated from the haze origin, but, the reality and to which percentage is yet unknown. As per literature, O. intermedium [11], B. megaterium, B. cereus and Exiguobacterium acetylicum [18] have been previously identified in the Kandy atmosphere; perhaps, the haze condition might have favored their survival. Certain bacteria are capable of tolerating harsh environmental conditions through mutations in their genetic makeup.…”

“…These pieces were suspended in sterile Milli-Q water and were shaken in an orbital shaker (ORBITEK, Scigenics Biotech, India) for 2 h. Following extraction of bacteria into Milli-Q water, extracts were centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 5 min. The supernatants were discarded having 1 mL of sedimented bacteria remaining for further applications [18].…”

Spatial variation and comprehensive health risk assessment of microbial indoor air quality in microenvironments of North Delhi

“…High indoor bacterial load and other physical features are responsible for the health problems in the students and staff in residential buildings (Andualem et al, 2019). A similar study conducted by (Madamarandawala et al, 2019) suggested that 58% of urban and 31% preschool students were suffering from at least one health effect related to the microbial air quality. Bezerra and co-workers evaluated the serum concentration in the children suffering from the allergic reactions, and levels were found to increased (Bezerra et al, 2016).…”

“…Seasonal variation can be shown in the composition and abundance of AM indoor air furthermore, can be associated with the factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rate (Frankel et al, 2012; Kumari et al, 2016;Park et al, 2016). The presence of AM in prenursery schools may also affect the respiratory and pediatric health and well-being of the children (Madamarandawala et al, 2019). Aspergillus, Curvularia, Penicillium, and Rhizopus were the main fungal genera record from the different indoor areas in Kolkata, India (Karmakar et al, 2020).…”