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The human hand microbiome is highly variable. This study tracked hand and object microbes in homes and offices, finding distinct microbial communities between environments and linking touch frequency to human microbe abundance on objects.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Human Health

Background:

  • The human hand microbiome exhibits significant temporal variability compared to other skin sites.
  • Understanding microbial transfer between hands and the built environment is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the longitudinal transfer of the hand microbiome to objects in built environments (office and home).
  • To analyze microbial community differences between hands and objects, and between different built environments.

Main Methods:

  • Collected longitudinal skin microbiome samples from participants' dominant hands.
  • Sampled frequently and infrequently touched objects in office and home environments.
  • Analyzed microbial communities using molecular techniques.

Main Results:

  • Observed stability of hand and built environment microbiomes within each setting (office/home).
  • Detected distinct microbial communities between office and home built environments.
  • Found that touch frequency correlated with higher human microbe abundance on objects, with variable shared microbes across participants.
  • Horizontal surfaces in the built environment showed higher microbial diversity than hands or other objects.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides insights into microbial dynamics between humans and their indoor environments.
  • Findings support more detailed research on indoor microbial transfer and inform building interventions for health.
  • Highlights the importance of considering the built environment's microbiome in public health strategies.