A new review published in Environmental Microbiology Reports maps the current state of indoor microbiome science, examining how researchers sample, analyze, and interpret the microbial communities living inside homes and buildings. Lead author I. Šunić and colleagues synthesized existing research on the methods used to detect bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in indoor air and on surfaces.
The review covers emerging trends in sampling techniques and analytical approaches, reflecting a growing scientific interest in how indoor microbial environments affect human health. Understanding what organisms are present, and in what quantities, is a foundational step before researchers can draw conclusions about exposure and disease risk.
For people concerned about mold exposure, this kind of methodological review matters because the reliability of any indoor air quality assessment depends heavily on how samples are collected and analyzed. Standardizing these approaches across studies is essential for building a clearer picture of which fungi and bacteria pose the greatest concern in residential and occupational settings.