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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence
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Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 9383

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Daisuke Tanaka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
Interests: microbial ecology; bioaerosol; atmospheric environment; aquatic environment; bacteria
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Fumito Maruyama

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for the Planetary Health and Innovation Science (PHIS), The IDEC Institute, Hiroshima University, 1-3-2 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-8511, Hiroshima, Japan
Interests: microbial ecology; microbial genomics; metagenomics; holobiome; microbiome of the built environment; bioaerosol; culture methods; biotic and abiotic interaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Airborne microbes are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, being present at a density of 103 to 107 cells per cubic meter. These microbes are emitted from both natural and anthropogenic sources such as terrestrial, soil, forest, desert, composting, and agricultural activities, as well as city, wetland, and marine environments. These organisms are exposed to hostile conditions, including scarcity of nutrients, UV radiation, desiccation, temperature and pH shifts, and the presence of reactive oxygen species. Airborne microbes are known to play an important role in agriculture, public health, cloud formation, global climate, pollutant degradation, and atmospheric dynamics. Moreover, these microbes provide a medium for the spread of diseases.

Although the importance of airborne microbes is better known now, the lack of in-depth knowledge about them prevents a full appreciation of their role. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an adequate multidisciplinary platform for the interchange of valuable information (both basic and applied research) relating to the characteristics of microbial community composition, diversity, and abundance in air and their potential influence on human health.

As the Guest Editor of the Special Issue, it is my pleasure to invite you to submit research articles, reviews, and short communications related to the biology of airborne microbes and their role in human health and climate, with the hope that this issue represents a suitable good platform to support the improvement of research related to airborne microbes.

Prof. Dr. Daisuke Tanaka
Prof. Dr. Fumito Maruyama
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microbial community
  • diversity
  • air
  • atmosphere
  • bacteria
  • fungi
  • archaea
  • algae
  • microorganisms
  • bioaerosols

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 167 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for Special Issue: “Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence”
by Daisuke Tanaka and Fumito Maruyama
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020361 - 09 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 702
Abstract
Airborne microbes, comprising a diverse range of bacteria and fungi, are a pervasive component of the atmosphere, with concentrations typically ranging from 102 to 107 cells per cubic meter [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence)

Research

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17 pages, 2753 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Airborne Fungal Communities on Pedestrian Bridges in Urban Environments
by Amran A. Q. A. Al-Shaarani, Ziwei M. Quach, Xiao Wang, Mohammed H. M. Muafa, Md M. H. Nafis and Lorenzo Pecoraro
Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082097 - 16 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1120
Abstract
Airborne fungal spores constitute an important type of bioaerosol and are responsible for a number of negative effects on human health, including respiratory diseases and allergies. We investigated the diversity and concentration of culturable airborne fungi on pedestrian bridges in Tianjin, China, using [...] Read more.
Airborne fungal spores constitute an important type of bioaerosol and are responsible for a number of negative effects on human health, including respiratory diseases and allergies. We investigated the diversity and concentration of culturable airborne fungi on pedestrian bridges in Tianjin, China, using an HAS-100B air sampler. We compared the airborne fungal communities at the top central area of the selected pedestrian bridges and along the corresponding sidewalk, at ground level. A total of 228 fungal strains belonging to 96 species and 58 genera of Ascomycota (68.86%), Basidiomycota (30.26%), and Mucoromycota (0.88%) were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. Alternaria was the dominant genus (20.61%), followed by Cladosporium (11.48%), Schizophyllum (6.14%), Sporobolomyces (5.70%), and Sporidiobolus (4.82%). Alternaria alternata was the most frequently occurring fungal species (6.58%), followed by Schizophyllum commune (5.26%), Alternaria sp. (4.82%), Sporobolomyces carnicolor (4.39%), and Cladosporium cladosporioides (3.95%). The recorded fungal concentration ranged from 10 to 180 CFU/m3. Although there was no significant difference in the distribution and abundance of the dominant airborne fungal taxa between the two investigated bridges’ sites, numerous species detected with a low percentage of abundance belonging to well-known pathogenic fungal genera, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Trichoderma, were exclusively present in one of the two sites. The relative humidity showed a stronger influence compared to the temperature on the diversity and concentration of airborne fungi in the investigated sites. Our results may provide valuable information for air quality monitoring and for assessing human health risks associated with microbial pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence)
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12 pages, 1871 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Flora on Mist Outlet Surfaces in 4D Theaters and Suspended Particle Concentration Characteristics during 4D Movie Screenings
by U Yanagi, Noriko Kaihara, Dai Simazaki, Kanae Bekki, Yoshinori Homma, Chiemi Iba, Atsuto Asai and Motoya Hayashi
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071856 - 22 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1528
Abstract
In this study, we measured suspended particle concentrations during the screening of 4D movies (3 screens and 15 movies) and 2D movies (9 screens and 9 movies) in 3 movie theaters to obtain a more detailed understanding of the situation of suspended particle [...] Read more.
In this study, we measured suspended particle concentrations during the screening of 4D movies (3 screens and 15 movies) and 2D movies (9 screens and 9 movies) in 3 movie theaters to obtain a more detailed understanding of the situation of suspended particle concentrations and adherent bacterial flora in 4D movie theaters, which have been introduced in increasing numbers in recent years. The adherent bacterial flora on the floor and mist outlet surfaces in the 4D movie theaters were collected and analyzed. During the movie showings, the concentrations of suspended particles in 4D movie theaters were significantly higher than those in 2D movie theaters (p < 0.001). A significant increase in suspended particle concentrations due to 4D movie effects was also observed. The results of the α-diversity and β-diversity analyses indicate that the bacterial flora on the surfaces of mist outlets in 4D movie theaters are similar. Moreover, there are many closely related species, and the bacterial flora are rich and contain rare bacterial species. Many of the bacterial genera that are dominant in 4D theaters are suited to aqueous environments, and bacteria in the water supply system may have an impact on the indoor environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence)
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17 pages, 3964 KiB  
Article
Low to Zero Concentrations of Airborne Bacterial Pathogens and Indicator E. coli in Proximity to Beef Cattle Feedlots in Imperial Valley, California
by Xiaohong Wei, Amlan Aggrawal, Ronald F. Bond and Edward R. Atwill
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020411 - 06 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1178
Abstract
This study characterized the effect of distance from beef cattle feedlots, environmental factors, and climate on the occurrence of airborne bacterial indicators and pathogens. Three hundred air samples were collected over 6 months from five feedlots, with each air sample comprising 6000 L [...] Read more.
This study characterized the effect of distance from beef cattle feedlots, environmental factors, and climate on the occurrence of airborne bacterial indicators and pathogens. Three hundred air samples were collected over 6 months from five feedlots, with each air sample comprising 6000 L of air. Air samples were processed onto TSB-enriched air filters, qPCR-screened, and then qPCR-confirmed for suspect positive colonies of E. coli O157, non-O157-Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella, and E. coli. Direct enumeration of E. coli was also collected. Although no bacterial pathogens were qPCR-confirmed for the 300 samples, E. coli was detected in 16.7% (50/300) of samples, with an overall mean concentration of 0.17 CFU/6000 L air. Logistic regression analyses revealed a higher odds of E. coli for samples in close proximity compared to >610 m (2000 ft) distance from feedlots, along with significant associations with meteorological factors, sampling hour of day, and the presence of a dust-generating activity such as plowing a field or nearby vehicular traffic. The lack of bacterial pathogen detection suggests airborne deposition from nearby feedlots may not be a significant mechanism of leafy green bacterial pathogen contamination; the result of our study provides data to inform future revisions of produce-safety guidance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence)
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15 pages, 10203 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Indoor Air Quality of Four Primary Health Care Centers in Qatar
by Hana Abdelrahman, Lubna Abu-Rub, Hassan Al Mana, Yousef Alhorr, Asmaa Al Thani, Hamda Qotba, Hadi M. Yassine and Nahla O. Eltai
Microorganisms 2022, 10(10), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102055 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2043
Abstract
Airborne bacteria pose a potential risk to human health upon inhalation in the indoor environments of health care facilities. Airborne bacteria may originate from various sources, including patients, workers, and daily visitors. Hence, this study investigates the quantity, size, and identification of airborne [...] Read more.
Airborne bacteria pose a potential risk to human health upon inhalation in the indoor environments of health care facilities. Airborne bacteria may originate from various sources, including patients, workers, and daily visitors. Hence, this study investigates the quantity, size, and identification of airborne bacteria indoors and outdoors of four Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) in Doha, Qatar. Air samples were collected from the lobby, triage room, and outside environment of the centers, including, Qatar University (QU-HC), Al-Rayyan (AR-HC), Umm-Ghuwailina (UG-HC), and Old Airport (OA-HC) between August 2020 and March 2021, throughout both the hot and the cold seasons. Samples were collected using an Anderson six-stage cascade impactor. The mean of the total colony-forming units was calculated per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3). QU-HC had the lowest mean of total bacterial count compared with other centers in the indoor and outdoor areas with 100.4 and 99.6 CFU/m3, respectively. In contrast, AR-HC had the highest level, with 459 CFU/m3 indoors, while OA-HC recorded the highest bacterial concentration of the outdoor areas with a total mean 377 CFU/m3. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed for genera identification. Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas were the four most frequently identified bacterial genera in this study. The abundance of airborne bacteria in the four health centers was higher in the cold season. About 46% of the total airborne bacterial count for three PHCC centers exceeded 300 CFU/m3, making them uncompliant with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation for indoor settings. Consequently, an IAQ standards should be shaped to establish a baseline for measuring air pollution in Qatar. Additionally, it is crucial to understand seasonal fluctuations better so that hospitals can avoid rising and spreading infection peaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence)
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Review

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16 pages, 2280 KiB  
Review
The Changes in Bacterial Microbiome Associated with Immune Disorder in Allergic Respiratory Disease
by Juanjuan Lyu, Fangfang Kou, Xiangyu Men, Yinhui Liu, Li Tang and Shu Wen
Microorganisms 2022, 10(10), 2066; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102066 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1852
Abstract
Allergic respiratory disease is a worldwide and increasingly prevalent health problem. Many researchers have identified complex changes in the microbiota of the respiratory and intestinal tracts in patients with allergic respiratory diseases. These affect immune response and influence the progression of disease. However, [...] Read more.
Allergic respiratory disease is a worldwide and increasingly prevalent health problem. Many researchers have identified complex changes in the microbiota of the respiratory and intestinal tracts in patients with allergic respiratory diseases. These affect immune response and influence the progression of disease. However, the diversity of bacterial changes in such cases make it difficult to identify a specific microorganism to target for adjustment. Recent research evidence suggests that common bacterial variations present in allergic respiratory disease are associated with immune disorders. This finding could lead to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets in cases of allergic respiratory disease. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of bacteria changes in cases of allergic respiratory disease, to identify changes commonly associated with immune disorders, and thus provide a theoretical basis for targeting therapies of allergic respiratory disease through effective modulation of key bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airborne Microbes and Their Potential Influence)
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