Indoor-air microbiome in an urban subway network: diversity and dynamics.

ABSTRACT: Subway systems are indispensable for urban societies, but microbiological characteristics of subway aerosols are relatively unknown. Previous studies investigating microbial compositions in subways employed methodologies that underestimated the diversity of microbial exposure for commuters, with little focus on factors governing subway air microbiology, which may have public health implications. Here, a culture-independent approach unraveling the bacterial diversity within the urban subway network in Hong Kong is presented. Aerosol samples from multiple subway lines and outdoor locations were collected. Targeting the 16S rRNA gene V4 region, extensive taxonomic diversity was found, with the most common bacterial genera in the subway environment among those associated with skin. Overall, su

SUBMITTER: Leung MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4249038 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature