Humans differ in their personal microbial cloud

摘要: Dispersal of microbes between humans and the built environment can occur through direct contact with surfaces or airborne release; latter mechanism remains poorly understood. Humans emit upwards 10 6 biological particles per hour, have long been known to transmit pathogens other individuals indoor surfaces. However it has not previously demonstrated that a detectible microbial cloud into surrounding air, nor whether such clouds are suffi ciently diff erentiated allow identification individual occupants. We used high-throughput sequencing 16S rRNA genes characterize bacterial contribution single person sitting in sanitized custom experimental climate chamber. compared air sampled an adjacent, identical, unoccupied chamber, as well supply exhaust sources. Additionally, we assessed communities settled each occupant, investigate potential long-term fate emissions. Most occupants could be clearly detected by their emissions, particles, within 1.5–4 h. Bacterial from were statistically distinct, allowing some Our results confirm occupied space is microbially distinct one, demonstrate for first time release own personalized cloud.