Air Cleaners and Respiratory Infections in Schools: A Modeling Study Based on Epidemiologic, Environmental, and Molecular Data.
Open Forum Infect Dis
; 11(4): ofae169, 2024 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38665173
ABSTRACT
Background:
Using a multiple-measurement approach, we examined the real-world effectiveness of portable HEPA air filtration devices (air cleaners) in a school setting.Methods:
We collected data over 7 weeks during winter 2022/2023 in 2 Swiss secondary school classes environmental (CO2, particle concentrations), epidemiologic (absences related to respiratory infections), audio (coughing), and molecular (bioaerosol and saliva samples). Using a crossover design, we compared particle concentrations, coughing, and risk of infection with and without air cleaners.Results:
All 38 students participated (age, 13-15 years). With air cleaners, mean particle concentration decreased by 77% (95% credible interval, 63%-86%). There were no differences in CO2 levels. Absences related to respiratory infections were 22 without air cleaners vs 13 with them. Bayesian modeling suggested a reduced risk of infection, with a posterior probability of 91% and a relative risk of 0.73 (95% credible interval, 0.44-1.18). Coughing also tended to be less frequent (posterior probability, 93%), indicating that fewer symptomatic students were in class. Molecular analysis detected mainly non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses in saliva (50/448 positive) but not in bioaerosols (2/105) or on the HEPA filters of the air cleaners (4/160). The molecular detection rate in saliva was similar with and without air cleaners. Spatiotemporal analysis of positive saliva samples identified several likely transmissions.Conclusions:
Air cleaners improved air quality and showed potential benefits in reducing respiratory infections. Airborne detection of non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses was rare, suggesting that these viruses may be more difficult to detect in the air. Future studies should examine the importance of close contact and long-range transmission and the cost-effectiveness of using air cleaners.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Open Forum Infect Dis
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Suiza
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos