ABSTRACT
Typically, in indoor air quality investigations, pathogenic microbes are disease-causing fungi and bacteria to which building occupants are most likely exposed. Other pathogenic microbes not normally an indoor air concern are pathogenic protozoa and viruses.
Although a proactive approach to pathogen identification is desirable, pathogenic microbes are rarely found in indoor environments. An increase in the number of reported disease cases is generally what sparks an investigation. Thus, an informed investigator must respond immediately!
Pathogenic microbe air samples require lengthy culture times, complicated by the presence of other environmental, nonpathogenic microbes that may mask and prevent identification of the pathogen by overgrowing the culture medium.
