Collection of airborne micro-organisms on Nuclepore filters, estimation and analysis--CAMNEA method

The total number of airborne micro-organisms collected on Nuclepore filters was determined by acridine orange staining and epifluorescence microscopy. The viable fraction of the total numbers varied significantly when actinomycete and fungal spores from different environments were stored on the filter surface for 1 week, although the microflora composition was not altered. A high correlation between viable and total counts was noted in environments where the airborne flora was dominated by fungal spores, while a low correlation was found for airborne bacteria. Peak values of the total counts registered in some work environments varied between 10(7) and 10(11) micro-organisms/m3. Size analysis showed a dominating fraction of respirable micro-organisms (aerodynamical diameter less than 5 micron). The investigation shows that it is of the utmost importance to combine viable counts with total count enumeration in the study of exposure to micro-organisms in work-related situations.