Indoor Rock Climbing holds SSU rRNA gene diversity. indoor metagenome

Artificial climbing walls represent a unique indoor environment in which humans interact closely with a variety of surfaces. Hand holds on climbing walls may mediate transmission of organisms between individuals and yet there are no studies that identify microorganisms present on these surfaces. In the current study the microorganisms found on climbing wall hand holds were characterized by analysis of amplified SSU rRNA gene sequences. Results indicated a high diversity of microorganisms were present, with ca. 312 phylotypes recovered from each hold. Human skin appeared to be the primary contributor, although environmental sources were also important. In particular, sequences clustering among the marine Cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus were abundant in samples collected from gyms found within 10 miles of the ocean. Enterobacteriacea were particularly abundant on one of the 12 holds and the bacteria found are most commonly associated with fecal matter. While the risk of acquiring pathogens while climbing at a climbing gym may be low, climbers should take precautions, especially during times of illness.