Pathogenic bacteria in air samples: an appraisal of the African studies versus other continents
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Date
2025-11-25
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Springer
Abstract
Pathogenic infections especially those caused by organisms resistant to antimicrobials pose a critical challenge to achieving Sustainable Devel- opment Goal 3 (SDG 3), particularly in Africa. The environment is also indicated as a significant vector for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination. Unfortunately, the air is the least monitored environ- ment or reported for AMR. This study reviews the prevalence of bacterial pathogens and resistomes in African air samples, comparing them with global reports. Using PubMed and Google Scholar, publica- tions from 2013 to 2023 on biomonitored air samples were reviewed; the regional gaps in this area across the African continent and between other continents are highlighted. West Afri- can region had the highest research output and pub- lications, predominantly from Nigeria (46.6%). Most of the African studies focused on indoor air environ- ments, especially in hospitals, employing passive air sampling. Staphylococcus aureus was the most fre- quently reported bacteria, with tetracycline resistance being the most common. Only three studies in Africa clearly reported antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the air, a stark contrast to the numerous global studies employing molecular methods. The review highlights the lack of indigenous solutions for air treatment and underlines the need for improved surveillance, fund- ing, and policy enforcement to mitigate AMR and strengthen public health systems accurrence of bacteria, their antibiotic resistance profiles, and the knowledge