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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
Airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, other bacteria, fungi, endotoxin, and dust in a pigeon
Anne Mette Madsen1, Fei Zhang2, Yonghui Zeng3
1National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
Pigeon breeding is associated with exposure to airborne microorganisms and endotoxin and with symptoms of the airways. Antibiotic resistance is a threat to human health. Some pigeons participate in national and international indoor exhibitions. This study aims to obtain knowledge about the potential human exposure to dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria including the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a pigeon exhibition in Denmark. In walking areas for visitors, airborne microorganisms in different size fractions able to enter the airways were sampled and following identified. The average concentrations were: 5000 cfu fungi/m3, 1.8 × 104 cfu bacteria/m3, 37 endotoxin units/m3, and 0.18 mg dust/m3 air with the highest concentrations in-between rows with pigeon cages. The fungal species Wallemia sp. and Aspergillus versicolor and the bacterial species S. equorum and S. aureus were found in high concentrations. MRSA spa type t034 described to be associated with livestock was found in the air. Most of the S. aureus was present in the size fraction of 1.1-2.1 μm, which are particles able to enter the human terminal bronchi. In conclusion, fungi, bacteria, and endotoxin, respectively, were found in concentrations 10, 2000, and 200 times higher than outdoor references. The airborne bacteria in the exhibition were mainly species found previously in pigeon coops showing that the pigeons are the sources of exposure. The presence of airborne MRSA in the pigeon exhibition highlights the importance of also considering this environment as a potential place of exchange of resistant bacteria between animals and between animals and humans.
Insights
Pigeon exhibitions expose visitors to high levels of airborne fungi, bacteria, and endotoxin. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected, posing a risk for animal-to-human transmission of resistant bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pigeon breeding is linked to airway issues due to airborne microorganisms and endotoxin exposure.
- Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health concern.
- Indoor pigeon exhibitions present a unique environment for potential human exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess human exposure to dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria, including MRSA, at a Danish pigeon exhibition.
- To identify airborne microbial contaminants and their concentrations in visitor areas.
Main Methods:
- Airborne microorganisms were sampled in visitor walking areas at a pigeon exhibition.
- Samples were analyzed for concentrations of fungi, bacteria, endotoxin, and dust.
- Microbial species, including Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA, were identified.
Main Results:
- Average concentrations: 5000 cfu fungi/m³, 1.8 × 10⁴ cfu bacteria/m³, 37 EU/m³ endotoxin, and 0.18 mg dust/m³.
- Fungal and bacterial species commonly found in pigeon environments were prevalent.
- Airborne MRSA (spa type t034) was detected, with S. aureus predominantly in respirable size fractions (1.1-2.1 μm).
Conclusions:
- Fungi, bacteria, and endotoxin levels were significantly higher (10-2000 times) than outdoor reference levels.
- Pigeons are the primary source of airborne bacteria in the exhibition environment.
- Pigeon exhibitions are potential sites for the exchange of resistant bacteria between animals and humans.
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