Developing an optimised protocol for the isolation and identification of commensal streptococci from the respiratory tract and expired respiratory aerosols

The aim of this project was to develop an optimised protocol for the isolation and identification of commensal S. mitis and pneumococcus from nasal and oral swab samples, and expired aerosols from direct cough and facemask device samples. This involved the collection of samples from healthy consenting adult volunteers over the age of 18 years using techniques commonly used in surveillance and clinical practice without adverse effects