airborne pathogens database - sterybox

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AIRBORNE PATHOGENS DATABASE

STERYBOX UV-CHRIS PATENTED SYSTEM IS EFFECTIVE* AGAINST ALL THE LISTED VIRUSES AND BACTERIA

*AVAILABLE INDIPENDENT TESTS

VIRUS: Orthomyxoviridae - Influenza

The Influenza virus is a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family. Influenza periodically sweeps the world in pandemic fashion, sometimes leaving ten of thousands, and sometimes many millions, dead. Constant antigenic variations among the main types of Influenza, Type A and Type B, ensure little chance of immunity developing. Pneumonia can result from secondary bacterial infections, usually staphylococcus or streptococcus. Current theory suggests that the periodic antigenic shifts result from the cirus passing to and from humans, pigs, and birds, in areas of east Asia where their close association (on farms) is common.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom flu

Point of Infection Upper Respiratory Tract

Incubation Period 2-3 days

Duration of Illness 10-14 days

Peak Infectiousness Day 3-4

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Secondary Infection Rate 0.2-0.83

Annual Cases (US) 10-20,000,000

Annual Fatalities 5-50,000

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Type enveloped RNA, single-stranded

Size (microns) .09-.17 dia. (helix dia.)

Geometry helical

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low

UVGI Sensitivity High

VIRUS: Picornoviridae -- Rhinovirus

Rhinoviruses are one of the causes of the common cold. Man is the only host for the human strains, but related rhinoviruses exist in horses and cows. Rhinovirus colds are predominant in adults, while other cold viruses may predominantly afflict children. It is thought that brief hand contact is a primary mechanism of transmission, but clinical studies have failed to prove this mode as predominant. Fomites left on objects do not remain viable and have not been shown to cause secondary infections. Extended indoor exposure to airborne concentrations of virus is most likely the primary transmission mechanism in adults.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom colds




Peak Infectiousness 3-4 days

EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type RNA+

Size 0.018-0.028 microns dia.

Geometry Icosahedral

Optimum Growth Temperature 33-34 C

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Picornaviridae -- Echovirus

Echoviruses are one of the viruses that cause the common cold, but not a very common cause. They are related to viruses found in cattle, pigs, and monkeys. Infections are most common in children, but are often subclinical. The most serious disease that echoviruses can result in is meningitis.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable




Duration of Illness 8 days


EPIDEMIOLOGY

Secondary Infection Rate 0.34


Type RNA+

Size 0.025-0.03 microns

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are one of the causes of the common cold. They account for about 15% of cases of the common cold. Coronaviruses can infect other animals besides humans but strains are general specific to one host. Infections are common, with the age group 14-24 being most affected.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable






EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type single-stranded RNA+

Size 0.06-0.22 microns dia.

Geometry enveloped helical

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Paramyxovirus

Paramyxovirus, or Mumps virus, causes the common childhood disease. It only affects humans and is seldom life-threatening. Immunity runs at 60% in the adult population. It tends to occur in the spring and winter. Almost 70% of infections are asymptomatic.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom mumps


Incubation Period 21 days

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Annual Cases (US) 10,000

Annual Fatalities rare


Type RNA+

Size 0.12 microns dia.


CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Paramyxovirus -- Morbillivirus

Morbillivirus causes the well known children's disease measles, also called rubeola. Some 90% of adults carry immunity to this virus. It is contracted via the airborne route, and most often in schools, where recirculated air from ventilation systems has been directly implicated by epidemiology studies. It tends to occur in 2-3 year epidemic cycles. It is closely related to canine distemper virus.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom measles, rubeola





EPIDEMIOLOGY



Annual Fatalities rare


Type RNA+



CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Paramyxovirus -- Respiratory Syncytial Virus

<OL< OL>Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of pneumonia (40% of cases) and brochiolitis (90% of cases) in infants. About one-half of infants are affected but very few infections become life-threatening. This virus is unaffected by maternal antibody and infects infants in the first few months.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom pneumonia, brochiolitis

Point of Infection Lower Respiratory Tract




EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type RNA+



CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Togavirus

Togaviruses cause the common children's disease rubella, or German measles. It is a mild disease and up to 80% of adults have life-long immunity.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom rubella, German measles





EPIDEMIOLOGY

Annual Cases (US) 3000

Annual Fatalities none


Type single-stranded RNA+


Geometry Enveloped Icosahedral

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Coxsackievirus

Coxsackievirus is one of the causes of the common cold. It can be found in feces and sewage, but is commonly isolated from the throat. This particular cold virus is prevalent in the summer and fall. Human infections, mostly in children, are common and can be subclinical.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable






EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type RNA+


Geometry spherical

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza occurs worldwide and infects children (at a rate of 75-80%) more than adults. This virus is very contagious and also causes croup. Immunity is temporary and adults can be reinfected. This virus can infect swine and rodents. Infections occur throughout the year.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom flu, colds, croup, pneumonia

Point of Infection Lower & Upper Respiratory Tract




EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type single-stranded RNA



CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Adenovirus

Adenovirus causes acute respiratory infections of the lungs and sometimes the eyes. Mild respiratory infections resemble the common cold. It can occur in epidemic form, and is ubiquitous in the human population. Some types of this virus occur primarily in infants.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom fever, pharyngitis, colds





EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type double-stranded RNA


Geometry Naked Icosahedral

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


VIRUS: Varicella-zoster

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the cause of chickenpox, a disease contracted by almost everyone by adulthood. Infections can recur for those who are immunodeficient, especially bone marrow transplant patients. VZV is a member of the Herpesviridae family.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom chickenpox




EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type double-stranded DNA


Geometry enveloped icosahedron

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low.


BACTERIA: Mycobacterium tuberculosis

This bacteria causes TB, once called consumption because of the way it seemed to deplete a person till death, and was an ancient disease even to the Egyptians. Estimated to be at least 15,000 years old, this parasite poses one of the greatest modern health hazards due to the recent emergence of drug-resistant strains. It is highly contagious and a single bacilli is capable of causing an infection in lab animals.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease / Symptom Tuberculosis (TB)



Duration of Illness permanent if untreated

Peak Infectiousness varies

EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type gram positive

Size (microns) 0.2-0.6 dia. x 1-5 L

Geometry rods

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella pneumoniae exist in the soil and in water as free-living microorganisms. They are also found in man's intestines as commensal flora. It is only when they occur in the upper respiratory tract that they become an infectious problem. Primarily a nosocomial infection, this bacteria causes a minority of the cases of pneumonia, but the fatality rate is a high 90% in untreated cases.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease / Symptom nosocomial pneumonia


Incubation Period days

Duration of Illness days


Type gram negative

Size 0.4 microns

Geometry ovoid rods

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low

UVGI Sensitivity Medium

BACTERIA: Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the primary cause of nosocomial pseudomonal infections. Its infectivity is limited mostly to immunosuppressed patients or those who have their health compromised by other illnesses. It can be considered communicable, but without secondary infections. It is considered to exist ubiquitously in the environment, but is amplified in hospitals. Infections sites include the lungs, burn wounds and open wounds. Once established, it can become fatal in 80% of cases. It produces some minor toxins.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease / Symptom pneumonia






Type gram negative

Size (microns) 1.5-3 L x 0.5 dia.

Geometry rods

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Haemophilus influenzae

In spite of the name, this microbe is the cause of meningitis, but not a major cause of the flu. It can occur as a secondary invader when Influenza virus is present. Can be highly fatal in infants under 2 years of age, who are the primary victims. Some species occur naturally as human oral flora.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom meningitis, sometimes flu or endocarditis

Point of Infection Nasopharyngeal

Incubation Period 3 days



EPIDEMIOLOGY

Secondary Infection Rate varies


Type gram negative

Size (microns) 1.5 L x 0.3 dia.

Geometry rods

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Bordetella pertussis

Bordetella pertussis is the cause of whooping cough. It produces microbial toxins, which are primarily responsible for the disease symptoms. Occurring worldwide, this infection almost exclusively affects children. Almost two-thirds of cases are under 1 year of age. Asymptomatic cases, however, are more frequent. It is highly contagious and transmits via airborne bioaerosols, and fomites (direct contact).

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease Symptom whooping cough

Point of Infection Upper Respiratory Tract, trachea




EPIDEMIOLOGY

Secondary Infection Rate varies


Annual Fatalities 10-20


Type gram negative

Size (microns) 0.5-1 L x 0.2-0.3 dia.

Geometry ovoid rod

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Legionella pneumophila

The well known cause of Legionnaire's Disease, Legionella pneumophila exists in warm outdoor ponds naturally. It only becomes a problem when amplified by air conditioning equipment and aerosolized in ventilation systems.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Non-Communicable

Disease Symptom Legionnaire's Disease, Pontiac fever




Peak Infectiousness None

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Infection Rate 0.1-0.5 % in outbreaks


Annual Fatalities 10 (25% of outbreak cases)


Type gram negative

Size (microns) 0.5-0.7 dia. x 2 L

Geometry rods

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Staphylococcus aureus

Generally a commensal microorganism, Staphylococcus aureus can be an opportunistic pathogen. They can cause disease when host resistance is compromised, especially when a primary infection such as influenza is present. Since it exists ubiquitously and commensally it can be considered Communicable, but without a secondary infection rate. The case mortality rate is high.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease / Symptom stahphylococcal pneumonia


Incubation Period days


EPIDEMIOLOGY

Secondary Infection Rate None


Type gram positive


Geometry spherical

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Streptococcus pyogenes

Streptococcus pyogenes belong to the normal flora of the human body and only result in disease when host immunity is compromised. Often a nosocomial infection in wounds, lung infections can also result. Streptococcal sore throat, pharyngitis, the familiar scarlet fever, as well as several related types of infections can occur. Epidemics once occured periodically in Europe and the US. This bacteria produces toxins. Infections are most common in the 5-15 age group, and during the months from December to May. Airborne spread is predominant, but evidence of direct contact spread exists.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease / Symptom Scarlet fever






Type gram positive

Size 0.8-1 micron dia.

Geometry spherical

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Streptococcus pneumoniae

This microorganism is commonly known as pneumonococcus, is is the prime agent of lobar pneumonia, which predominantly affects children. They from toxins. It is commonly carried asymptomatically in healthy individuals, but is the leading cause of death throughout the world. Carriage rates among children are high -- about 30% for children and 10% for adolescents.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease / Symptom pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media





EPIDEMIOLOGY



Annual Fatalities 50,000


Type gram positive

Size 0.8-1 micron dia.

Geometry coccoid/spherical

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Corynebacteria diptheria

Corynebacteria diptheria is the causative agent of diptheria, which was historically a disease of children. In modern times this disease is less prevalent, but increasingly afflicts those in older age groups. This bacteria produces toxins. Healthy carriers may harbor the bacteria in their throats asymptomatically.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Communicable

Disease / Symptom Diptheria




Peak Infectiousness Day

EPIDEMIOLOGY



Type gram positive

Size (microns) 1-6 L x 0.3-0.8 W

Geometry rods

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Low


BACTERIA: Micromonospora faeni

Micromonospora faeni is one of the thermophilic actinomycetes, the fungi-like bacteria that grow mycelia and produce spores. Inhalation of the spores can produce pulmonary fibrosis, which can have sudden symptoms and progress rapidly to death. It is also known as Farmer's Lung, especially when it results from exposure to moldy hay. In urban areas, mold growth on air conditioners has been tied to the disease.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Non-communicable

Disease / Symptom Pulmonary fibrosis, Respiratory irritation, allergic reactions



Geometry NA

Spores Yes

Spore Size 0.5 - 1.2 microns

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Moderate


BACTERIA: Thermoactinomyces vulgaris

Thermoactinomyces vulgaris is one of the thermophilic actinomycetes, the fungi-like bacteria that grow mycelia and produce spores. Inhalation of the spores can produce pulmonary fibrosis, which can have sudden symptoms and progress rapidly to death. It is also known as Farmer's Lung, especially when it results from exposure to moldy hay. In urban areas, mold growth on air conditioners has been tied to the disease.

PATHOGENICITY

Type Non-communicable

Disease / Symptom Pulmonary fibrosis, Respiratory irritation, allergic reactions


EPIDEMIOLOGY

Secondary Infection Rate NA


Geometry NA

Spores Yes

Spore Size 0.5 - 1.2 microns

CONTROL MEASURES

Filterability Moderate


airborne pathogens database - sterybox

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