Airborne Microbes and Public Health
A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health Microbiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 400
Special Issue Editors
Interests: atmospheric microbiology; environmental genotoxicology; health and environment
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Airborne microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, pose significant risks to public health because they can spread through the air and cause infections and allergic reactions. These microbes can originate from various sources, such as soil, plants, animals, and even human activity, making environments like hospitals, public transportation, and crowded urban areas potential hotspots for exposure. Understanding airborne microbial composition, particularly in relation to environmental factors like temperature, humidity, pollution, and climatic change, is crucial for assessing potential health impacts.
Among the health implications, respiratory illnesses (e.g., influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19) are particularly notable, as these pathogens can spread rapidly and affect large populations. Allergens from fungi and bacteria can also trigger asthma and other allergic conditions. Due to these risks, monitoring and controlling airborne microbial communities is essential in public health efforts, as it enables the development of preventive measures, policies, and guidelines to protect vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Emerging technologies, including metagenomics and advanced air sampling methods, are revolutionizing our ability to identify and quantify airborne microbes, making it possible to respond more effectively to microbial threats. By integrating these tools into public health strategies, we can better predict and control outbreaks and strengthen our resilience against future airborne infections.
Dr. María Del Carmen Calderón-Ezquerro
Dr. Carolina Brunner-Mendoza
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- aerobiology
- pathogenesis
- infectious and non-infectious diseases
- allergy
- public health
- airborne microbial communities
- climate
- climatic change
- allergens
- metagenomics
- outdoor and indoor environments
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