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

Summary

Researchers studied fungi living in sand and water along Persian Gulf beaches to understand potential health risks for swimmers. They found that fungal species, particularly Aspergillus terreus, were abundant in beach sand, with some fungi showing resistance to common antifungal medicines. The study suggests beaches need better monitoring and sanitation practices to protect public health, especially during busy bathing seasons when many visitors enjoy the coast.

Background

Beach sand mycobiomes represent an underexplored area of environmental fungal research despite potential implications for human health. The Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coastlines extend 2250 km and serve as important recreational areas for millions of visitors during bathing season. Limited information exists regarding fungal species abundance along Iranian coastal lines.

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. The study aimed to provide comprehensive data on fungal contamination during the bathing season (May-July) across four provinces with varying climatic and ecological conditions.

Results

Of 222 recovered isolates, 206 (92.8%) were filamentous fungi and 16 (7.2%) were yeasts, with 82.9% from sand and 17.1% from water. DNA sequencing identified 191 isolates across 13 genera and 26 species. Aspergillus dominated at 68.9%, with A. terreus being the most common species (26.14%). Voriconazole showed greatest efficacy against Aspergillus species, while resistance to itraconazole was observed in 13.1% of strains.

Conclusion

A. terreus emerged as the predominant amphotericin B-resistant filamentous fungus along the Persian Gulf coastline. The high fungal loads and diversity identified pose potential health risks to beach visitors. Establishing regulatory frameworks, standardized sanitation programs, and public awareness initiatives are essential for managing fungal contamination at recreational beaches.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Environmental Survey,
  • Source: PMC12387288, PMID: 40863506, DOI: 10.3390/jof11080554
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