Microbial immigration across the Mediterranean via airborne dust

• DOI: 10.1038/srep16306
• Publication Date: 2015-11-06T09:58:58Z
• Authors: Riccardo Rosselli; Maura Fiamma; Massimo Deligios; Gabriella Pintus; Grazia Pellizzaro; Annalisa Canu; Pierpaolo Duce; Andrea Squartini; Rosella Muresu; Pietro Cappuccinelli
• Keywords: Biosafety

Abstract Dust particles lifting and discharge from Africa to Europe is a recurring phenomenon linked air circulation conditions. The possibility that microorganisms are conveyed across distances entails important consequences in terms of biosafety pathogens spread. Using culture independent DNA-based analyses via next generation sequencing the 16 S genes airborne metagenome, atmospheric microbial community was characterized hypothesis tested shifts species diversity could be recorded relation dust discharge. As sampling ground island Sardinia chosen, being an ideal cornerstone within Mediterranean crossroad wind amidst Africa. Samples were collected two opposite coastal sites different weather conditions comparing dust-conveying winds with control situation Europe. A major conserved core microbiome evidenced but increases richness presence specific taxa nevertheless observed each regime. Taxa which can feature strains clinical implications also detected. approach reported as recommended model monitoring procedure for early warning alerts frameworks against natural spread microbiota countries well prevent bacteriological warfare.