Viruses in the Built Environment (VIBE) meeting report

Microbiome

Scott T. Kelley¹  Kyle Bibby²  Zhenyu Wu²  Aaron J. Prussin³  Kaisen Lin³  Linsey C. Marr³  Jean Pierre Nshimyimana⁴  William G. Lindsley⁵  Jessica A. Belser⁶  Michael Schuit⁷  Werner Bischoff⁸ 

[1] Department of Biology, San Diego State University;Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame;Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech;Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University;Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health;Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center;Section on Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest School of Medicine;

关键词: Virus;    Virome;    Built environment;    Exposure;    Metagenomics;    Disease transmission;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40168-019-0777-4

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background During a period of rapid growth in our understanding of the microbiology of the built environment in recent years, the majority of research has focused on bacteria and fungi. Viruses, while probably as numerous, have received less attention. In response, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation supported a workshop entitled “Viruses in the Built Environment (VIBE),” at which experts in environmental engineering, environmental microbiology, epidemiology, infection prevention, fluid dynamics, occupational health, metagenomics, and virology convened to synthesize recent advances and identify key research questions and knowledge gaps regarding viruses in the built environment. Results Four primary research areas and funding priorities were identified. First, a better understanding of viral communities in the built environment is needed, specifically which viruses are present and their sources, spatial and temporal dynamics, and interactions with bacteria. Second, more information is needed about viruses and health, including viral transmission in the built environment, the relationship between virus detection and exposure, and the definition of a healthy virome. The third research priority is to identify and evaluate interventions for controlling viruses and the virome in the built environment. This encompasses interactions among viruses, buildings, and occupants. Finally, to overcome the challenge of working with viruses, workshop participants emphasized that improved sampling methods, laboratory techniques, and bioinformatics approaches are needed to advance understanding of viruses in the built environment. Conclusions We hope that identifying these key questions and knowledge gaps will engage other investigators and funding agencies to spur future research on the highly interdisciplinary topic of viruses in the built environment. There are numerous opportunities to advance knowledge, as many topics remain underexplored compared to our understanding of bacteria and fungi. Video abstract.

【 授权许可】

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