Air samples were collected in the U.S. Virgin Islands while clouds of African desert dust were impacting the region and during normal clear atmospheric conditions. Sample filters were inoculated onto a broad-spectrum agar based media to determine if viable bacteria and fungi were present. Over 100 viable colonies of bacteria and fungi were collected from 5 samples taken during both “normal atmospheric conditions” and during “dust events” and identified using ribosomal DNA sequencing. Of the collected isolates a number of pathogenic fungi and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria have been identified. Results indicate that during conditions where atmospheric dust is detectable by satellite and/or visually, the number of viable microbes could be greater than 2 times that found during “normal conditions”. Direct count results obtained using a nucleic acid stain indicates that the number of bacteria and viral like particles present during “dust events” are approximately one log greater than those found during normal atmospheric conditions. Current research is focused on: (1) collection and analysis of additional samples at offshore sites in the Caribbean and (2) issues regarding the global impact of desert dusts on human and ecosystem health.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Emerging Health Issues
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.