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Airborne microbial contents in two types of swine confinement buildings in Quebec
Y Cormier1, G Tremblay, A Meriaux
1Centre de pneumologie, Hôpital Laval, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada.
Abstract:
Airborne microorganisms were isolated with a sampler in two types of swine confinement buildings (farrowing units and fattening units). Respirable (particles less than 5 microns) and total dust fractions were obtained. Samplings were repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 6 samplings per unit between January and April. The predominant microorganisms isolated were bacteria (up to 1.25 x 10(6) CFU/m3) with an important fraction in the respirable size range (up to 0.5 x 10(6) CFU/m3). Only small quantities of gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds were found. Identification of the colonies isolated revealed a great diversity of microorganisms present in the air of the different buildings. Enterobacter agglomerans, Moraxella, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Pseudomonas were the most frequently identified bacteria. Scopulariopsis, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida were the most numerous fungi. Faenia rectivirgula, the causative agent of farmer's lung, was not a major contaminant. The results show some differences in airborne microbial contamination between farrowing and fattening units; the distinction, however, is not clear-cut and was observed only for the total bacteria. The level of airborne microbial contamination in swine units does not significantly vary as a function of the outside temperature. Some species of bacteria and fungi isolated in this study are known to induce extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Other fungi are known to be potentially pathogenic for man. The air of swine confinement buildings is highly contaminated with bacteria, yeasts, and molds at a level up to 1200 time higher than so-called "normal air."
Insights
Airborne microorganisms in swine confinement buildings are highly concentrated, posing potential health risks. Bacteria dominate the respirable dust, with diverse species identified, some linked to allergic alveolitis and human pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Occupational Health
- Animal Science
Background:
- Swine confinement buildings harbor diverse airborne microorganisms.
- Understanding microbial contamination is crucial for animal and human health.
- Previous studies indicate potential respiratory health risks for workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and identify airborne microorganisms in farrowing and fattening units.
- To assess the microbial load in respirable and total dust fractions.
- To investigate potential health implications of airborne microbes in swine confinement.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling using specialized samplers in swine confinement buildings.
- Isolation and quantification of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
- Microorganism identification using culture and colony analysis.
- Sampling conducted bi-weekly from January to April.
Main Results:
- Predominant isolation of bacteria (up to 1.25 x 10^6 CFU/m3), with significant presence in respirable fraction.
- High diversity of identified bacteria (e.g., Enterobacter agglomerans, Pseudomonas) and fungi (e.g., Aspergillus, Candida).
- Airborne microbial levels up to 1200 times higher than 'normal air', with some species linked to extrinsic allergic alveolitis and pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Swine confinement air shows substantial bacterial and fungal contamination.
- Identified microorganisms include species known to cause respiratory issues and infections.
- Differences in microbial profiles between farrowing and fattening units were minor, primarily in total bacteria.