Despite comprising a fraction of the microorganism biomass of outdoor environments, the microbial ecology of built spaces poses significant implications for human immune, neurological, and endocrine health. In a recent review published in the journal Nature Reviews Microbiology , researchers elucidate the literature on the indoor microbiome, microbial dynamics within built spaces, and their association with human well-being. They focus on the relationship between urbanization design choices and observed surges in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and highlight technological advances and targeted interventions that may improve population-wide public health outcomes in the future.
Study: The indoors microbiome and human health . Image Credit: Shutterstock AI Background The term' indoor microbiome' comprises all bacteria, fungi, protists, archaea, and viruses found within human-built environments (buildings), particularly those used for human habitation. The indoor microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem, with its communities constantly changing as a function of movement (of its human and non-human occupants) and inputs from surrounding outdoor spaces (soil, water, and air).
Research has revealed that the standing composition of indoor microbial communities is substantially impacted by the presence of non-human animals (pets), proximity to green spaces, occupant density, and building design choices (including materials and surface finishes). These microorganism communities have, in turn, .