Aeromicrobiology and Water Microbiology - CU B.Sc.
Microbiology Sem 4
Unit 1: Aeromicrobiology
1 Mark Questions
Q: Define bioaerosols.
A: Bioaerosols are airborne particles that contain or originate from living organisms, such as
bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen, or fragments of these.
Q: Name one airborne fungus.
A: Aspergillus.
Q: Give an example of airborne virus.
A: Influenza virus.
Q: Mention one allergen present in bioaerosols.
A: Pollen grains.
Q: What is the significance of bioaerosols in pharma industries?
A: They can cause contamination during sterile manufacturing processes.
2 Mark Questions
Q: What are the main sources of bioaerosols?
A: Bioaerosols originate from soil, water bodies, plant surfaces, human and animal activities.
Q: Mention two impacts of bioaerosols on human health.
A: They can cause respiratory infections and allergic reactions.
Q: How do airborne microorganisms affect the environment?
A: They contribute to disease spread, biodegradation, and may influence cloud formation.
Q: Define allergens with one example.
A: Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions, such as mold spores.
Q: Why are airborne microorganisms important in food industries?
A: They can lead to spoilage and contamination of food products.
3 Mark Questions
Q: Explain the classification of airborne microorganisms.
A: They can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, pollen and fragments. Based on viability, they are
viable (can grow/reproduce) or non-viable (fragments, toxins).
Q: List three airborne bacterial pathogens and the diseases they cause.
A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis TB, Bacillus anthracis Anthrax, Streptococcus pyogenes Sore
throat.
Q: How do allergens present in bioaerosols impact human health?
A: They cause asthma, hay fever, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and other allergic reactions.
Q: Explain the role of bioaerosols in operation theatres.
A: They can be sources of nosocomial infections; hence sterile air is required.
Q: Describe fungal components of bioaerosols.
A: Include spores and hyphal fragments of fungi like Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium.
4 Mark Questions
Q: Describe the composition of bioaerosols.
A: Bioaerosols may include viable organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses), non-viable particles (toxins,
allergens), and fragments of microbial cells.
Q: Explain how airborne microorganisms affect food and pharma industries.
A: They can spoil food, reduce shelf-life, cause product contamination, and lead to recalls. In
pharma, contamination can result in ineffective or harmful products.
Q: Mention any four common airborne pathogens with their health impacts.
A: 1. Influenza virus flu
2. Mycobacterium tuberculosis tuberculosis
3. Aspergillus allergic reactions
4. Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia
5 Mark Questions
Q: Describe the sources, types and impacts of bioaerosols.
A: Sources: Soil, plants, water, humans, animals.
Types: Viable (bacteria, fungi, viruses), Non-viable (toxins, allergens).
Impacts: Cause infections, allergies, food spoilage, and contamination in pharma setups.
Examples: Influenza virus, Aspergillus spores, pollen, etc.
