A Review On Atmospheric Microbiomes And Emerging Infectious Diseases: From Environmental Dust To Global Health Threats

Abstract

The atmosphere has traditionally been regarded as a passive medium for the transport of gases and particulate matter. However, recent advances in aeromicrobiology and environmental genomics have demonstrated that the atmosphere harbours diverse and dynamic microbial communities collectively referred to as the atmospheric microbiome. These communities comprise bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and microbial fragments that are continuously exchanged among terrestrial, aquatic, and anthropogenic environments. The capacity of many airborne microorganisms to survive environmental stressors, including ultraviolet radiation, desiccation, and temperature fluctuations, facilitates their long-distance transport across continents and oceans. Increasing evidence suggests that atmospheric microbiomes contribute significantly to the transmission of infectious diseases, respiratory disorders, allergic reactions, and the emergence of novel pathogens. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the composition, sources, transport mechanisms, environmental drivers, and public health implications of atmospheric microbiomes. Furthermore, it discusses recent technological advances in airborne microbial monitoring and highlights the need for integrated surveillance systems under the One Health framework to mitigate future airborne infectious disease risks in the context of climate change and global environmental disturbances.