Characterization and mitigation of experimental and natural viral bioaerosols

在过去的十年里，我们对呼吸道病毒的分子性质有了非常详细的了解，然而

We have gained extraordinarily detailed knowledge in the past decade about the molecular nature of respiratory viruses, yet we know relatively little about how they spread. Resolution of this issue is essential for developing evidence-based strategies to prevent transmission of these viruses. The emergence of novel respiratory viruses such as the H7N9 avian influenza virus and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) highlights the importance of identifying means by which to control infectious bioaerosols in order to reduce risk to the Canadian public. A decade ago SARS-CoV caused death and significant disruption; panic and alarm stemmed from the lack of knowledge of the mode(s) of transmission of this novel virus. Unfortunately, this question remains unresolved today. We have identified important knowledge gaps and we propose to develop sampling tools and evaluate methods to mitigate the dispersion of natural and experimental aerosols. We have partnered with two Canadian companies and the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure efficient knowledge transfer about respiratory virus transmission into the applications sector. We will utilize our established in vitro and in vivo (ferret) transmission models for influenza virus, as well as state-of-the-art aerosol characterization systems to evaluate a new viral aerosol detection instrument developed with Airmax. We will also use these systems to evaluate a novel application of a traditional germicidal approach that utilizes pulsed ultraviolet developed by Topnotch. These findings will have a significant impact on how we apply infection prevention and control measures for seasonal and emerging/re-emerging respiratory viruses, whilst informing public health policy for the control of these agents.