What’s Hidden in the Air We Breathe?
In addition to gases and particles such as dust and pollen, the air contains numerous microorganisms. Analysis of microbial DNA collected from the air in Belgrade across different seasons revealed that their composition changes significantly throughout the year, with each season exhibiting its own characteristic microbial profile. Interestingly, microorganisms associated with respiratory infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, were more frequently detected in autumn, whereas winter samples showed a higher abundance of microorganisms commonly associated with enteric infections, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. The study also identified genes linked to the ability of certain microorganisms to cause disease, as well as genes that may confer antibiotic resistance. While this does not imply that the air poses an immediate health risk, it highlights the atmosphere as an important reservoir of microbial diversity that warrants continued monitoring.
The research was conducted within the project AirPollRes funded within the PROMIS program by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia.
Seasonal shifts in the Belgrade airborne resistome and virulome: A metagenomic perspective