Aerobiological pathogen detection by evanescent wave fibre optic sensor

An evanescent field fibre optic sensor was employed for detecting and monit oring aerobiological pathogen contamination in hospital environment. Measur ements of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococ cus pneumoniae colonies were detected in 6 and 13 h, respectively, faster t han those obtained by means of conventional techniques. All of the bacteria growth phases were clearly time resolved by means of the optical sensor. T he 0.33 cm(2) sensitive surface area fibre optic transducer also exhibited reproducibility, was of easy construction and low cost, which greatly enhan ces its potential and usefulness.