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Insights into Persian Gulf Beach Sand Mycobiomes: Promises and Challenges in Fungal Diversity

Summary

Researchers studied fungi in beach sand and water along the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coasts during summer months. They found high levels of potentially harmful fungi, especially Aspergillus terreus, which can cause serious respiratory infections. Many of these fungi showed resistance to common antifungal medications. The study recommends better hygiene awareness for beach visitors and establishing safety standards for these popular recreational areas.

Background

Beach sand mycobiomes represent an underexplored area of environmental microbiology with significant health implications. Fungal communities in coastal environments can serve as reservoirs for potentially pathogenic species that may affect human health through recreational exposure.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of fungal species and antifungal susceptibility profiles of fungi recovered from beaches along the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coastline during the bathing season.

Results

Of 222 recovered isolates, 206 (92.8%) were filamentous fungi and 16 (7.2%) were yeasts. DNA sequencing identified 13 genera and 26 species, with Aspergillus representing 68.9% of isolates, predominantly A. terreus (26.14%). Voriconazole showed greatest efficacy against Aspergillus species, with 13.1% of strains showing itraconazole resistance.

Conclusion

High fungal loads were detected at studied beaches, exceeding recommended safety thresholds. The predominance of amphotericin B-resistant A. terreus and other clinically important fungi warrants establishment of regulatory frameworks and hygiene awareness programs for public health protection.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11080554; PMID: 40863506
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