Methods for Sampling of Airborne Viruses

Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 2008, Vol. 72, №3, P. 413–444Any microorganism, including viruses, can become airborne. Contaminated material can be aerosolized in many different ways, ranging from wind to human and animal activities such as sneezing, mechanical processes, etc. If the aerodynamic size of an infectious particle is appropriate, it can remain airborne, come into contact with humans or animals, and potentially cause an infection. The probability of an airborne microorganism-laden particle causing an infection depends on its infec-tious potential and its ability to resist the stress of aerosolization.
Airborne microorganisms can represent major health and economic risks to human and animal populations. Appropriate preventive actions can be taken if the threat posed by such microorganisms is better understood. Authorities need to be aware of the nature, concentration, and pathogenicity of airborne microorganisms to better control them. This information can be obtained by using various air sampling methods, each of which has its particular advantages and disadvantages. Many types of samplers and analytical methods have been used over the years (Fig. 1). The purpose of this review is to present the principles underlying viral aerosol sampling methods, with their advantages and pitfalls.