Bacterial diversity characterization of bioaerosols from cage-housed and floor-housed poultry operations

Although bioaerosols from both cage-housed (CH) and floor-housed (FH) poultry operations are highly concentrated, workers from CH operations have reported a greater prevalence of respiratory symptoms. The objective of this study was to directly compare bacteria, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in bioaerosols from CH and FH poultry facilities. Bioaerosols were collected from fifteen CH and fifteen FH poultry operations, using stationary area samplers as well as personal sampling devices. Dust, endotoxin and bacteria were quantified and bacterial diversity was investigated using PCR followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Dust ( p