Indoor microbiome and its association with respiratory health symptom, allergy and eczema in selected areas in Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam, Malaysia

Microorganisms are an important aspect of the environment which have significant effects on human health. Exposure to indoor microbiome in schools and other indoor environments where children spend most of their time has become a global concern due to its impact on the health, comfort, and well-being of children. This study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to indoor air pollutants, microbial diversity in settled dust samples and health symptoms (cough, phlegm, allergy and eczema) among preschool children. This study was a cross-sectional comparative study design in 10 preschools in Petaling Jaya (n=174) as the exposed area and Shah Alam (n=174) as the comparative area. Background information, personal exposure to air pollutants and information on health status were obtained using validated questionnaires. Preschool children between 4 to 6 years old who fulfilled the inclusion criteria in this study were randomly selected to participate in this study. Sampling was carried out bymeasuring the level of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), Total Fungi Count (TFC), Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Temperature, relative humidity and air velocity were also measured in preschools. Microbial composition in dust samples were analysed using amplicon sequencing technique. The results showed that exposed area recorded significantly higher level of PM10 (p<0.001), CO2 (p<0.001), TBC (p <0.001) and TFC (p<0.001). While air velocity (p<0.001), RH (p=0.045) and temperature (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the comparative area. Furthermore, the value of particulate matter and temperature obtained in this study exceeded the recommended standard by World Health Organisation. Health symptoms were significantly higher in exposed area for cough, eczema and allergy symptoms (p<0.05). Analysis showed a significant difference in the microbial composition in the exposed and comparative area (p<0.05). Logistics regression analysis showed significant associations between PM10 (OR= 1.59), TVOCs (OR= 1.47), CO2 (OR = 1.59) and cough symptom. Relative humidity (OR = 1.83) was significantly associated with phlegm. Allergy was significantly associated with PM10 (OR= 1.54) level. The relative abundance of several microbiomes was significantly associated with health symptoms. At the multivariate level, multiple logistics regression showed that cough symptom was significantly associated with PM10 (AOR=1.27), usage of carpet (AOR=1.62), Cladosporium dominicanum (AOR=2.12) and Aspergillus_Peniccillioides (AOR=1.04). Eczema was significantly associated with keeping furry pets (AOR= 5.46) and Cladosporium dorminicanum (AOR= 1.01). Allergy was significantly associated with PM10 (AOR = 3.23), Megasporoporia_bannaensis (AOR=1.43) and Malassezia_restricta (AOR= 2.10) after controlling all confounding variables. In conclusion, this study recorded the predominance of diverse microbiome taxa that were rarely reported in previous studies. Preschools located near sources of outdoor air pollutants recorded a higher concentration of air pollutants. Findings reveal a significant association between health symptoms and exposure to indoor air pollutants in preschools. This study provided a baseline comparison for future research and mitigation strategies to help minimise microbial exposure, infiltration of outdoor air pollutants and health effects on children.

Text FPSK (p) 2024 9 - Declaration Form.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (778kB) Text FPSK (p) 2024 9 - Full Text.pdf Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (5MB) Text FPSK (p) 2024 9.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (5MB)

Actions (login required)

View Item