LARGE-VOLUME AIR SAMPLING FOR MENINGOCOCCI AND ADENOVIRUSES1

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Abstract
Artenstein, Malcolm S., William S. Miller, Thomas H. Lamson and Brenda L Brandt (Walter Reed Army Inst. of Rsch., Washington, D. C. 20012). Large-volume air sampling for meningococi and adenoviruses. Amer. J. Epid., 1968, 87: 567–577.—Dissemination of meningococci and adenovirus type 4 into the environment by coughing was determined by large-volume air sampling and measurement of particle size by means of a preimpactor which collected particles ≤15 microns in diameter. Ten recruits with acute respiratory disease were tested daily for three days. Individuals varied in the numbers of meningococci expelled, but generally successive coughs and successive days were similar for each person. Viable meningococd recovered from coughs varied in number from 0 to over 2, 000 and were found in large and small particles. Room samples taken after 10 to 30 coughs yielded smaller numbers of organisms and only rarely were particles of a size greater than 15 microns found. High physical decay rates of large particles are believed to be responsible for the differences between individual coughs and room samples. Adenovirus type 4 was isolated from cough and room air samples of three of the four patients who had the virus in throat secretions. Throat concentrations of virus were not correlated with air-sampling results. Simultaneous infection with both agents did not result in increased dispersal of meningococci, nor did the severity of the clinical illness correlate with pattern of excretion of either organism.

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