Abstract

<p class="first" id="d2547867e53">The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about which bacterial species are present in indoor air in homes, and whether physical factors affect the concentration and species composition of bacteria in indoor air. Measurements have been performed for one whole year inside five homes and once in 54 homes. The most species rich genera were <i>Bacillus, Paenibacillus</i>, and <i>Kocuria</i>. Among the gram-negative bacteria <i>Paracoccus yeei</i> was found frequently, and the concentration of this bacterium was associated significantly with season. The concentrations of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and species compositions were significantly associated with season. The concentrations of <i>Kocuria palustris, Kocuria rhizophila, </i>and <i>Bacillus pumilus</i> were associated positively or negatively with either absolute or relative humidity.

Highlights

  • Airborne bacteria in indoor environments are causative agents to various infectious diseases and may be involved in either an increase or decrease in the risk of developing asthma and atopy

  • The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about which non-Staphylococcus bacterial species are present in indoor air in in Danish homes, and whether factors as season, air change rate (ACR), relative humidity (RH), and absolute humidity (AH) affect the concentration as well as species composition of indoor air bacteria

  • The gram-negative bacterium Paracoccus yeei was observed repeatedly, and it constituted a large part of the airborne gram-negative bacteria

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Summary

Introduction

Airborne bacteria in indoor environments are causative agents to various infectious diseases and may be involved in either an increase or decrease in the risk of developing asthma and atopy. Potential health risks of bacteria is usually evaluated at species level, and Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF MS) has been revealed as a reliable and useful method for identification of bacteria from the indoor environment. Using that method for identification, it has been shown that the concentration of indoor Staphylococcus is associated with the indoor air change rate (ACR) and area per occupant indicating that it might be possible to affect the presence of Staphylococcus in indoor air [1]. In contrast relative humidity (RH) of indoor air was not associated significantly with concentration of viable bacteria in general [2] and with three common genera [1]

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