Taxonomic characterization of airborne bacteria of the Staphylococcaceae family in emissions from broiler houses - relevance for health risk assessment

Bacteria of the family Staphylococcaceae from broiler house emissions have been analysed by means of DNA sequences with regard to potential health risks for employees and bystanders. These bacteria are a major component of bioaerosol in intensified livestock farming and have been included in VDI 4250 as a key parameter for air quality assessment. The major percentage of sequences had highest similarity to sequences of the uninfectious species Staphylococcus arlettae, S. cohnii and S. lentus. Minor sequence fractions displayed highest similarities to 21 further Staphylococcaceae species, including also opportunistic pathogens. MRSA could be isolated from one sample. Bioaerosols from intensified livestock farming may lead to diseases in exposed persons. At present, increased prevalences for health problems caused by Staphylococcaceae from livestock farming are poorly characterized. However, they cannot be excluded, particularly due to increased colonization of exposed persons. Because of their potential for detailed characterization, sequence-based analyses are advantageous and may complement cultivation-based analyses of indicator organisms.