Permafrost as a potential pathogen reservoir

The Arctic is currently warming at unprecedented rates because of global climate change, resulting in thawing of large tracts of permafrost soil. A great challenge is understanding the implications of permafrost thaw on human health and the environment. Permafrost is a reservoir of mostly uncharacterized microorganisms and viruses, many of which could be viable. Given our limited knowledge of permafrost-resident microbes, we also lack the basis to judge whether they pose risks to humans, animals, and plants. Here we delve into features of permafrost as a microbial habitat and discuss what is known about the potential for microbial pathogens to emerge in a warming climate as permafrost thaws. This review has broader implications for human health and ecosystem sustainability in the new Arctic environment that will emerge from a thawed permafrost landscape.

Automated summary

Due to global climate change, the Arctic is presently experiencing unprecedented warming, leading to the thawing of permafrost and consequential impacts on human health and the environment. The limited understanding of microorganisms and viruses in permafrost hinders the assessment of their potential risks to humans, animals, and plants.