MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF AIR PARTICLES AS AN INNOVATIVE STRATEGY FOR SANITARY SURVEILLANCE OF SPF COLONIES IN IVC SYSTEMS

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66104/rer3nr70

Keywords:

pcr, Rodentibacter pneumotropicus, exhaust air particle, ventilated racks, sanitary monitoring.

Abstract

Laboratory animals maintained under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions are essential to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of biomedical research. Individually ventilated cage (IVC) rack systems contribute to preserving the sanitary status of animal colonies; however, contamination events may still occur. Conventional monitoring strategies, such as random animal screening or soiled bedding sentinel (SBS) programs, exhibit limited sensitivity, particularly for pathogens transmitted via aerosols or direct contact. In this context, exhaust air particle sampling combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular detection has emerged as a promising alternative. This study evaluated the detection of pathogens in aerosolized particles collected from ventilated racks at Laboratory Animal Breeding Centers in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Lactobacillus sp. was used as a positive control, and Rodentibacter pneumotropicus served as a model respiratory pathogen. A total of 74 samples were collected from three sampling sites: exhaust filters (n = 16), resident animal cages/top filters (n = 46), and mini-isolators containing soiled bedding (n = 12). Molecular analysis demonstrated higher and more consistent DNA recovery from exhaust filters, whereas mini-isolators yielded low detectable DNA concentrations. The absence of R. pneumotropicus detection, together with consistent recovery of the positive control, supports the feasibility and reliability of the proposed protocol for environmental health surveillance. This methodology shows potential for further optimization and may contribute to reducing or replacing sentinel animals, in accordance with the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal experimentation.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Camilla Ribeiro Nery, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG

    Mestre em Ciência de Aninais de Laboratório, Licenciada em Ciências Biológicas. Servidora Federal - Técnica de Laboratório/bióloga do Laboratório de Patologia Clinica do Hospital Veterinário - UFMG

  • Maria Inês Doria Rossi, ICTB - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ

    Pós-Doutora e doutora em Biologia Celular e Molecular, mestre em Medicina Veterinária - Patologia Clínica, Graduada em Medicina Veterinária. Servidora federal, coordenadora de ensino do ICTB/Fiocruz, coordenadora do Mestrado Profissional em Ciências em Animais de Laboratório do ICTB/Fiocruz. Membro titular, fundadora e patrona da cadeira 16 da Academia Brasileira de Ciências em Animais de Laboratório.

  • Lília de Cássia Espírito Santo, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG

    Mestre em Microbiologia, Bacharel em Ciências Biológicas. Servidora Federal - Técnica de laboratório/bioterismo do Biotério Central da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

  • Cladinara Roberts Sarturi, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS

    Especialista em Nutrigenômica e Nutrigenética, Gestão da Qualidade para o Meio Ambiente e em Biologia e Genética Forense. Graduada em Nutrição e Ciências Biológicas. Atua profissionalmente como membro da Comissão Interna de Biossegurança do Centro de Modelos Biológicos da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS - Brasil

  • Joseli Maria da Rocha Nogueira, ENSP - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ

    Doutora em Ciências, Mestre em Microbiologia Veterinária, Especialista em Microbiologia, Bacharel e Licenciada em Ciências Biológicas. Servidora Federal - Chefe do Laboratório de Microbiologia do Departamento de Ciências Biológicas da Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública - FIOCRUZ

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Published

2026-03-06

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 01 (2026): REMUNOM - ISSN 2178-6925

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Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Camilla Ribeiro Nery, Maria Inês Doria Rossi, Lília de Cássia Espírito Santo, Cladinara Roberts Sarturi, Joseli Maria da Rocha Nogueira

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How to Cite

MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF AIR PARTICLES AS AN INNOVATIVE STRATEGY FOR SANITARY SURVEILLANCE OF SPF COLONIES IN IVC SYSTEMS. (2026). REMUNOM, 13(01), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.66104/rer3nr70