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Athletic equipment microbiota are shaped by interactions with human skin
Mariah Wood1, Sean M Gibbons2, Simon Lax3
1Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA ; Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL USA.
Microbiome
|June 27, 2015
Summary
Microbial communities on athletic facility surfaces change rapidly, especially on those touching skin. This research reveals dynamic microbe-human interactions within indoor environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbial Ecology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Human Microbiome
Background:
- Most human time is spent in built environments, including indoor exercise spaces.
- Bacteria in indoor ecosystems originate from the human microbiome.
- Surface type and human interaction shape indoor microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bacterial community dynamics on various surfaces in athletic facilities.
- To understand how human interaction influences microbial composition over time.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial samples collected from surfaces (floors, mats, benches, weights, handles) in athletic facilities over two days.
- Sampling occurred every two hours from 8 AM to 6 PM.
- Bacterial community composition and co-occurrence patterns were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Surface and equipment type significantly influenced bacterial communities more than facility location.
- Surfaces in direct skin contact showed dynamic bacterial composition and non-random co-occurrence.
- Floors and mats had less temporal change and random species co-occurrence, suggesting neutral assembly.
Conclusions:
- Microbial communities on frequently touched surfaces experience rapid turnover.
- Understanding these longitudinal patterns enhances knowledge of microbe-human interactions in built environments.
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