Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Bacillus anthracis Spore Deposition in Rabbit and Human Respiratory Airways [HS4.44.02]
Citation:
Kabilan, S., K. Recknagle, R. Jacob, D. Einstein, A. Kuprat, J. Carson, S. Colby, J. Saunders, S. Hines, J. Teeguarden, S. Taft, AND R. Corley. Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Bacillus anthracis Spore Deposition in Rabbit and Human Respiratory Airways [HS4.44.02]. JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, , 14, (2016).
Impact/Purpose:
Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics and Lagrangian particle deposition models were developed to compare the deposition of aerosolized Bacillus anthracis spores in the respiratory airways of a human with that of the rabbit, a species commonly used in the study of anthrax disease. The respiratory airway geometries for each species were derived from computed tomography (CT) or µCT images. Both models encompassed airways that extended from the external nose to the lung with a total of 272 outlets in the human model and 2878 outlets in the rabbit model. All simulations of spore deposition were conducted under transient, inhalation-exhalation breathing conditions using average species-specific minute volumes. Four different exposure scenarios were modeled in the rabbit based upon experimental inhalation studies. For comparison, human simulations were conducted at the highest exposure concentration used during the rabbit experimental exposures. Results demonstrated that regional spore deposition patterns were sensitive to airway geometry and ventilation profiles. Despite the complex airway geometries in the rabbit nose, higher spore deposition efficiency was predicted in the upper conducting airways of the human at the same air concentration of anthrax spores. This greater deposition of spores in the upper airways in the human resulted in lower penetration and deposition in the tracheobronchial airways and the deep lung than that predicted to occur in the rabbit. This information can be used to refine published and ongoing biokinetic models of inhalation anthrax, which currently estimate deposited spore concentrations based solely upon exposure concentrations and inhaled doses that do not factor in species-specific anatomy and physiology for deposition.
Description:
Journal Article
URLs/Downloads:
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS MODELING OF BACILLUS ANTHRACIS SPORE DEPOSITION IN RABBIT AND HUMAN RESPIRATORY AIRWAYS