Repositorio
Institucional

Jorquera, Milko A.

Carrazana, Elizabeth

Ruiz-Gil, Tay

Fujiyoshi, So

Tanaka, Daisuke

Noda, Jun

Maruyama, Fumito

Potential airborne human pathogens: A relevant inhabitant in built environments but not considered in indoor air quality standards

ELSEVIER

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

en

Potential airborne human pathogens (PAHPs) may be a relevant component of the air microbiome in built environments. Despite that PAHPs can cause infections, particularly in immunosuppressed patients at medical centers, they are scarcely considered in standards of indoor air quality (IAQ) worldwide. Here, we reviewed the current information on microbial aerosols (bacteria, fungal and viruses) and PAHPs in different types of built environments (e.g., medical center, industrial and non-industrial), including the main factors involved in their dispersion, the methodologies used in their study and their associated biological risks. Our analysis identified the human occupancy and ventilation systems as the primary sources of dispersal of microbial aerosols indoors. We also observed temperature and relative humidity as relevant physicochemical factors regulating the dispersion and viability of some PAHPs. Our analysis revealed that some PAHPs can survive and coexist in different environments while other PAHPs are limited or specific for an environment. In relation to the methodologies (conventional or molecular) the nature of PAHPs and sampling type are pivotal. In this context, indoors air-borne viruses are the less studies because their small size, environmental lability, and absence of efficient sampling techniques and universal molecular markers for their study. Finally, it is noteworthy that PAHPs are not commonly considered and included in IAQ standards worldwide, and when they are included, the total abundance is the single parameter considered and biological risks is excluded. Therefore, we propose a revision, design and establishment of public health policies, regulations and IAQ standards, considering the interactions of diverse factors, such as nature of PAHPs, human occupancy and type of built environments where they develop.

2023

artículo de revisión

10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165879

PDF

Potential airborne human pathogens

Air microbiome

Bioaerosol

Built environments

Indoor air quality

Ciencias Ambientales y Ecología

Patógenos humanos potenciales transmitidos por el aire

Microbioma del aire

Bioaerosol

Ambientes construidos

Calidad del aire interior

artículo de revisión

versión publicada

metadata

metadata

WOS:001109465500001

0048-9697

hibrida

Ciencias Ambientales y Ecología

ANID-FONDECYT 1201386

ANID FONDECYT 1201386

AMED 20fk0108129h0501

JSPS 19KK0263