| Autor: |
Ham YH; Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong., Cheng J; Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong., Nagl S; Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong., Yu JZ; Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong., Cai Z; Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong., Chan W; Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong. |
| Abstrakt: |
In this study, we assessed the feasibility of using a surgical face mask as a sampling device to collect airborne antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The method entails collection of ARG-bearing microbes on face masks, followed by their DNA extraction and quantification by qPCR analysis. Analysis of masks worn by volunteers showed an apparent mask wearing time-dependent accumulation of 16S rRNA gene and select ARGs trapped on masks, highlighting the applicability of the method in monitoring personal ARG exposure through inhalation. The sampling method was then validated for reproducibility and compared with a filter-based sampling method before application in different environmental settings to further assess personal exposure to ARGs. In comparison with the filter-based method, our new sampling method does not require a sampling pump and is more user-friendly. More importantly, it records ARG exposure down to the personalized level; thus, it may be used in routine monitoring of occupational exposure and surveillance of ARG concentrations in indoor environments. |
