Studying the Indoor Air Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
4-2025
Abstract
When humans exhale, they release microbes into the air and many factors support the airborne transmission of microbes. We’re using Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) to model this phenomenon, as it is found in 30% of healthy humans. We’re investigating the relationship between temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels and the prevalence of S. aureus in air samples, along with other variables such as room size, occupancy, movement, and masking. We’re using a Trio.Bas air sampler with mannitol salt agar (MSA) plates to select for S. aureus in various rooms with differing occupancy levels at 30-minute and 60-minute intervals, and an additional sample was taken when the room was unoccupied. Samples were incubated for 24-48 hours, and S. aureus colonies were counted. Preliminary data suggests that CO2 levels and occupancy correlated with the amount of Staphylococcus found. We’re conducting further analysis to determine if significant differences exist between our variables.
Recommended Citation
Esp, Lauren, "Studying the Indoor Air Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus" (2025). Student Research Symposium 2025. 59.
https://digitalcommons.tamusa.edu/srs_2025/59
