Airborne Pathogens

Why in News?

Recently, Scientists from the Bose Institute, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has revealed new insights into the health risks posed by airborne pathogens.

• Airborne pathogens - These are disease-causing micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that spread through the air.
• It is capable of causing infections in the lungs, gut, mouth and skin.
• Recent Findings of the study – Prone areas - Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) is one of the most densely populated regions in the world with highest air pollution.
• Delhi, an urban region within IGP, is most populous and rapidly growing city in India and one of the most polluted cities of the world.
• Airborne pathogens are twice as abundant in densely populated parts of Delhi compared to less crowded regions.
• Health risks - Airborne pathogenic bacteria mainly responsible for Respiratory, Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT), Oral and Skin infections.
• There are two times higher over densely populated urban regions due to higher concentrations of tiny particles PM_2.5.
• Role of PM2.5 — The microscopic dust specks help bacteria to hitch ride through the city air.
• The particles are small enough to sneak deep into the lungs they act as carriers of the pathogenic bacteria, thus spreading the infection to different parts of the body.
• Seasonal transition – The study found that the transition from winter to summer, especially during hazy days or winter rains creates high-risks, likely to spread.
• During these periods, the cocktail of pollution and weather patterns creates the perfect storm for microbes to linger in the air longer than usual.
• Role of Weather – During winter, entrance of western disturbance causes sudden drop in atmospheric temperature, thereby subsequently increasing relative humidity (RH).
• It is responsible for stagnant wind and low boundary layer height, favouring accumulation of lower atmospheric pollutants over IGP.
• Need - The study highlights the need for better urban health planning in megacities like Delhi.
• Significance - Understanding the effects of airborne bacteria and resultant disease transmission, could help governments and health experts better predict outbreaks in urban areas and protect citizens.

Reference

PIB| Health Risks posed by Airborne Pathogens