A study exploring the impact of large gatherings on airborne microbial diversity in urban environments is being carried out during the Olympic Games in Paris. The study, titled "Mass public events and microbial composition (virome and microbiome) of the air in crowded community settings in Ile-de-France”, is run by the Institut Pasteur in France in collaboration with the KU Leuven Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and the Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, part of the HERA-funded DURABLE consortium.
Understanding air quality for proactive health management
The project focuses on the types of microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, present in the air of crowded spaces like restaurants and bars. Research is taking place during the Olympic Games, a period marked by a significant increase in the number of people in these venues. Researchers will collect air samples over a six-week period, before, during, and after the Olympics, to determine whether large-scale events have an impact on the variety and diversity of microorganisms in the air.
Researchers will analyse these air samples using advanced techniques, such as syndromic multiplex PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and metagenomics. Syndromic multiplex PCR allows for the simultaneous testing of multiple pathogens associated with specific symptoms, providing a quick and comprehensive assessment of known viruses and bacteria. Metagenomics involves analysing the genetic material of all microorganisms in a sample without needing to grow them in a laboratory. This method enables the study of the entire microbial community directly from the collected samples.
Understanding the variations present in the air samples is crucial not only during crises but also in everyday contexts. By studying how major events impact microbial diversity in the air, researchers, medical professionals and public health officials can use this information to develop targeted strategies. Researchers can study these findings to further refine models predicting the spread of airborne diseases. Medical professionals can use the data to update their guidelines on infection control and respiratory health management during large events. Public health authorities can thus implement enhanced monitoring and preventative measures in high-density areas to mitigate potential risks, ensuring a proactive response to manage and reduce health impacts before any crisis emerges.
This proactive approach ensures that necessary measures can be taken in advance, reinforcing preparedness and response strategies.
The role of DURABLE: supporting HERA’s mission for enhanced preparedness
Launched in 2023 and funded by HERA, the DURABLE consortium is a network of 19 public health laboratories and academic research institutes that reinforces EU's capacity to rapidly respond to emerging pathogens posing serious cross-border threats to health.
DURABLE is able to respond to any biological agent through leveraging the broad expertise present in the network, working across scientific disciplines and pathogens with a special focus on developing MCMs and novel methods of threat detection. The work of the consortium supports HERA’s mission to enhance Europe’s preparedness and response capabilities.
By establishing a sustainable network of laboratories and research institutes, DURABLE, with HERA's support, aims to overcome barriers to better preparedness. This collaboration ensures the provision of alerts, real-time scientific data, and integrated analyses, fortifying Europe’s readiness against future health threats.
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Details
- Publication date
- 9 August 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety