Detection of Pathogenic Viruses in the Ambient Air in Seoul, Korea

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Public health
• Atmospheric science

Background:

• Asian dust events raise concerns about potential pathogen transport.
• Evidence linking Asian dust to pathogenic microorganism spread remains limited.
• Understanding airborne pathogen presence is crucial for public health preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in air samples during Asian and non-Asian dust periods.
• To assess the potential role of Asian dust events in the airborne transmission of pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 71 air samples from March to September 2016 in Seoul.
• Utilized high-volume air samplers for sample collection.
• Employed multiplex PCR (Allplex™ panels) and RT-PCR for detecting 46 microorganisms, including specific viruses like klassevirus, Aichivirus, and human parechovirus (HPeV).

Main Results:

• Only one human rhinovirus (HRV)-positive sample was found during an Asian dust event.
• During non-Asian dust periods, HRV, HPeV, norovirus (NoV), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and Blastocystis hominis were detected.
• Pathogenic viruses were predominantly found in ambient air during non-Asian dust periods.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests that pathogenic viruses are more likely detected in ambient air during non-Asian dust periods.
• Airborne transmission of viral pathogens is indicated, but the specific role of Asian dust events remains unclear.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between Asian dust and pathogenic virus epidemics.