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Survival and infectivity of Pneumocystis carinii outside the mammalian host
1Dept. Biol. Sci., Univ. Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA.
Abstract:
Air blower prefilters servicing HEPA-filtered Biobubble housing Pneumocystis carinii-infected rats were stored for up to five months at -80 degrees C to room temperature. After storage, 76% of immunosuppressed rats exposed to these prefilters developed P. carinii infections. In contrast, only 4% of control immunosuppressed rats exposed to autoclaved filters had P. carinii infections. These observations indicate that the organism has a dormant form that remains infective for at least several months outside the mammalian host.
Insights
Prefilters contaminated with Pneumocystis carinii (P. carinii) remained infectious for immunosuppressed rats for up to five months. This indicates P. carinii has a dormant, transmissible form outside the host.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Infectious disease research
- Mammalian cell culture
Background:
- Pneumocystis carinii is an opportunistic pathogen causing pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding the environmental persistence and transmission routes of P. carinii is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the viability and infectivity of P. carinii in air filter prefilters after prolonged storage.
- To assess the potential for environmental transmission of P. carinii.
Main Methods:
- Air blower prefilters from HEPA-filtered Biobubble housing containing P. carinii-infected rats were stored for up to five months at various temperatures (-80°C to room temperature).
- Immunosuppressed rats were exposed to stored prefilters.
- Control immunosuppressed rats were exposed to autoclaved (sterilized) filters.
- Infection rates of P. carinii were assessed in exposed rats.
Main Results:
- 76% of immunosuppressed rats exposed to stored prefilters developed P. carinii infections.
- Only 4% of control immunosuppressed rats exposed to autoclaved filters developed infections.
- These findings demonstrate significant infectivity of P. carinii after extended environmental storage.
Conclusions:
- Pneumocystis carinii can exist in a dormant, infectious form outside the mammalian host.
- Environmental surfaces, such as air filter prefilters, can serve as a reservoir for P. carinii transmission for at least several months.
- This highlights the importance of proper decontamination and handling procedures for potentially contaminated materials in healthcare and research settings.