Studies on airborne microbiota in Mexico, a review

Abstract

Airborne microbiota has garnered increasing interest in recent decades, not only because of its role as carrier of pathogenic microorganisms and its involvement in the deterioration of man-made objects, buildings, and food but also because of its participation in atmospheric processes and its content of microorganisms, important for biogeochemical cycles in different ecosystems. In order to understand and comprehensively analyze existing studies on airborne microbiota in Mexico, a systematic review was conducted utilizing Web of Science and Google Scholar as search tools. The information found in the 35 identified publications was systematically organized, including title, study location, sampling method, laboratory approach, identification method, and organisms found. This information was then ordered into three sections: bibliometric analysis, employed methodologies, and main findings. Through this work, it was revealed that the studies were carried out in 14 out of the 32 states of Mexico, with Mexico City standing out with 17 articles. Three methodological approaches were identified: microbial cultures (77% of the studies), microscopy (11.5%), and metagenomics (11.5%). The studies predominantly focused on state capitals or densely populated cities, making the identification of potentially pathogenic organisms from humans, animals, and plants, of particular interest. This comprehensive review lays the foundation for proposing compelling avenues of future research, aimed at advancing our comprehension of airborne microbiota in Mexico.