title: Detection and enumeration of airborne biocontaminants.
abstract: The sampling and analysis of airborne microorganisms has received attention in recent years owing to concerns with mold contamination in indoor environments and the threat of bioterrorism. Traditionally, the detection and enumeration of airborne microorganisms has been conducted using light microscopy and/or culture-based methods; however, these analyses are time-consuming, laborious, subjective and lack sensitivity and specificity. The use of molecular methods, such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction amplification, can enhance monitoring strategies by increasing sensitivity and specificity, while decreasing the time required for analysis.
authors.affiliation: Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-4009, USA. stetzenl@unlv.nevada.edu
authors.forename: Linda D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Stetzenbach
authors.forename: Mark P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Buttner
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cruz
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D000388:Air; D000391:Air Microbiology; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D005374:Filtration; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal