The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the necessity for a significant methodological shift in infection prevention measures, pivoting away from droplet-based precautions towards a framework that addresses transmission of infectious agents 'through the air', across varying particle sizes. Owing to the simultaneous circulation of pathogens such as measles, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza, a heightened focus on creating…
The advent of metagenomic profiling in analysing airborne microbial communities unveils new perspectives on pathogen risk in high-density environments such as hospitals and airplanes. Characterizing these microbial communities typically poses challenges because air samples are often limited in biological material. To build a comprehensive view of the airborne microbiome, researchers utilized shotgun metagenomics on samples…
In a recent Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) meeting organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the focus was set on providing clarifications sought by CMS, which will guide revised recommendations for controlling airborne pathogens in healthcare settings. The meeting, interspersed with votes and debates, was not devoid of surprises,…