Permafrost as a potential pathogen reservoir

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