Airborne-person transmission of drug-resistant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus, is a concern for those with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aims to examine the aerosolisation of these bacteria generated under controlled conditions from different suspensions, including artificial mucus with comparable properties to that of mucus from people with CF.

The survival of several strains of P.  aeruginosa and M.  abscessus, together with droplet size distributions were measured at distances of 0.5-4 m from the nebuliser. Results demonstrate that bacteria were able to survive over 4 m of travel, with the spray at this point having droplet sizes similar to that of the individual bacterium.