Table 1. Quantification of Legionella by qPCR (expressed as percentages of genomic units) reaching each stage of the DLPI.
| Range of aerodynamic diameter | Legionella in % of the initial bacterial suspension | Legionella in % of the total airborne bacteria |
|---|---|---|
| 28–55 nm | 0.01 ± 0.02 | 0.10 ± 0.80 |
| 55–93 nm | 0.04 ± 0.05 | 0.25 ± 1.30 |
| 93–155 nm | 0.11 ± 0.05 | 0.65 ± 0.70 |
| 155-262 nm | 0.02 ± 0.05 | 0.10 ± 1.50 |
| 262–382 nm | 0.07 ± 0.05* | 0.45 ± 1.60* |
| 382–613 nm | 0.11 ± 0.15* | 0.70 ± 2.70* |
| 613–949 nm | 0.09 ± 0.10* | 0.55 ± 2.20* |
| 949–1600 nm | 0.60 ± 0.20* | 3.80 ± 5.40* |
| 1.6–2.39 μm | 5.85 ± 2.20* | 37.15 ± 8.20* |
| 2.39–4 μm | 1.20 ± 0.40* | 7.80 ± 1.85* |
| 4–6.8 μm | 0.85 ± 0.70* | 5.40 ± 7.55* |
| 6.8–9.92 μm | 2.40 ± 0.90* | 15.15 ± 5.40* |
| >9.92 μm | 4.40 ± 1.70* | 27.90 ± 9.15* |
Total (VC, VBNC and DC) Lp1 008 Legionella was quantified by qPCR. The results from three independent experiments are expressed as percentages of genomic units (GU) compared to the quantity of total Legionella in bacterial suspension initially introduced into the nebulizer to generate the bioaerosol or compared to the total aerosolized Legionella (i.e., the sum of the bacteria deposited in the 13 stages of the DLPI). Sizes of aerosols that may reach the pulmonary region are highlighted in bold.
*Culturable cells.