Metagenomic analysis of the airborne environment in urban spaces

Microb Ecol. 2015 Feb;69(2):346-55. doi: 10.1007/s00248-014-0517-z. Epub 2014 Oct 29.

Abstract

The organisms in aerosol microenvironments, especially densely populated urban areas, are relevant to maintenance of public health and detection of potential epidemic or biothreat agents. To examine aerosolized microorganisms in this environment, we performed sequencing on the material from an urban aerosol surveillance program. Whole metagenome sequencing was applied to DNA extracted from air filters obtained during periods from each of the four seasons. The composition of bacteria, plants, fungi, invertebrates, and viruses demonstrated distinct temporal shifts. Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki was detected in samples known to be exposed to aerosolized spores, illustrating the potential utility of this approach for identification of intentionally introduced microbial agents. Together, these data demonstrate the temporally dependent metagenomic complexity of urban aerosols and the potential of genomic analytical techniques for biosurveillance and monitoring of threats to public health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Air Microbiology*
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / isolation & purification
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Biomass
  • Cities
  • DNA Copy Number Variations
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • DNA, Bacterial / isolation & purification*
  • District of Columbia
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Fungi / classification
  • Fungi / isolation & purification
  • Metagenome
  • Metagenomics / methods*
  • Seasons
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial