Detection of Ebola Virus RNA Through Aerosol Sampling of Animal Biosafety Level 4 Rooms Housing Challenged Nonhuman Primates.

Harbourt, David E; Johnston, Sara C; Pettitt, James; Warren, Travis K; Dorman, William R · J Infect Dis · 2017

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Ebola virus disease is a serious illness of humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs). Direct contact has been shown to be the primary source of Ebola (EBOV) transmission. We used a high-volume air sampler to determine whether EBOV could be detected during 3 independent studies with EBOV-challenged NHPs. Viral RNA was recovered during days 9 and 10 of Study I and days 7 and 8 of Study III. Viral RNA levels were below limits of detection during all other collections. The results demonstrate that the biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) suit protects workers from aerosols in a BSL-4 environment using proper engineering and administrative controls.

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