Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Airborne Aerosolized Mouse Cytomegalovirus From Common Otolaryngology Procedures: Implications for COVID-19 Infection
Tofigh Sayahi1, Christopher Nielson2, Yuan Yu2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Objectives:
To determine whether common otolaryngology procedures generate viable aerosolized virus through a murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) model for infection.
Study Design:
mCMV model of infection.
Setting:
University of Utah laboratory.
Methods:
Three-day-old BALB/c mice were inoculated with mCMV or saline. Five days later, each mouse underwent drilling, microdebrider, coblation, and electrocautery procedures. Particle size distribution and PM2.5 (particulate matter <2.5 µm) concentration were determined with a scanning mobility particle sizer and an aerosol particle sizer in the range of 15 nm to 32 µm. Aerosolized samples from these procedures were collected with an Aerosol Devices BioSpot sampler for viral titer based on polymerase chain reaction and for viable virus through viral culture.
Results:
As compared with the background aerosol concentrations, coblation and electrocautery showed statistically significant increases in airborne aerosols (Tukey-adjusted P value <.040), while microdebrider and drilling at 30,000 rpm did not (.870 < Tukey-adjusted P value < .930). We identified viral DNA in samples from coblation and drilling procedures, although we did not identify viable viruses in aerosol samples from any of the 4 procedures.
Conclusion:
Coblation and electrocautery procedures generate >100-fold increases in aerosol concentrations over background; only coblation and drilling produce aerosolized viral DNA. The high concentration of aerosols from coblation and electrocautery suggests the need for appropriate safeguards against particle exposure to health care workers. The presence of viral DNA from drilling and coblation procedures warrants the need for appropriate protection against droplet and aerosol exposure.
Insights
Common otolaryngology procedures like coblation and electrocautery significantly increase airborne aerosols. While viral DNA was detected, no viable viruses were found in aerosols from these procedures, indicating a need for protective measures.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Disease Research
- Aerosol Science
Background:
- Otolaryngology procedures may generate infectious aerosols.
- Understanding aerosol generation is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess aerosol generation from common otolaryngology procedures.
- To determine if viable aerosolized virus is produced using a murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) model.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were infected with mCMV and underwent drilling, microdebrider, coblation, and electrocautery.
- Aerosol particle size, concentration, viral DNA, and viable virus were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Coblation and electrocautery significantly increased airborne aerosols (>100-fold).
- Viral DNA was detected in aerosols from coblation and drilling.
- No viable viruses were identified in aerosols from any procedure.
Conclusions:
- Coblation and electrocautery generate high aerosol concentrations, necessitating safeguards for healthcare workers.
- The presence of viral DNA in aerosols from coblation and drilling warrants protective measures against droplet and aerosol exposure.
More Related Videos
04:32Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
09:02Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
