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Yang L, Li W, Qi S, Jiang Q, Huang N, Yang Y, Ma D, Zhang W, Chen H, Zhu R. A Survey of Airborne Fungi and Their Sensitization Profile in Wuhan, China. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 184:1153-1164. [PMID: 37611554 DOI: 10.1159/000531245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Airborne fungi induce allergic symptoms in 3-10% of the population worldwide. To better prevent and manage fungi-related allergic diseases, it is essential to identify the genus and the distribution profile of airborne fungi. METHODS With this purpose in mind, we carried out a 12-month volumetric sampling study to monitor the airborne fungi and retrospectively analyzed the sensitization profile of four dominant fungi (Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium) among respiratory allergies during the same study period in Wuhan, China. RESULTS A total of 29 different fungal genuses were identified, and the peak fungal concentration period was found to be in September and October, followed by May and June. The most prevalent fungi in this area were Cladosporium (36.36%), Ustilago (20.12%), and Alternaria (13.87%). In addition, the skin prick test data from 1,365 respiratory allergies patients showed that 202 (14.80%) of them were sensitized to fungi. The sensitization rates to Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium were 11.72%, 4.69%, 1.98%, and 4.76%, respectively. The seasonal fluctuation of Alternaria and Aspergillus correlated with their sensitization rates. Among the fungal sensitized patients, 76 (37.62%) were sensitized to two or more kinds of fungi. The serum-specific IgE tests suggested low to high correlations existed between these fungi; however, these correlations were not found between fungi and other allergens. CONCLUSION Our study provides the distribution profile and reveals the clinical significance of the airborne fungi in Wuhan, which will facilitate the precise management of fungal allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Qi
- Department of Allergy, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaqi Yang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongxia Ma
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongfei Zhu
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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De Linares C, Navarro D, Puigdemunt R, Belmonte J. Aspergillus Conidia and Allergens in Outdoor Environment: A Health Hazard? J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:624. [PMID: 37367560 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus is a genus of saprophytic fungus widely distributed in the environment and associated with soil, decaying vegetation, or seeds. However, some species, such as A. fumigatus, are considered opportunistic pathogens in humans. Their conidia (asexual spores) and mycelia are associated with clinical diseases known as invasive aspergillosis (IA), mainly related to the respiratory tract, such as allergic asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), or hypersensitivity. However, they can also disseminate to other organs, particularly the central nervous system. Due to the dispersal mechanism of the conidia through the air, airborne fungal particle measurement should be used to prevent and control this mold. This study aims to measure the outdoor airborne concentration of Aspergillus conidia and the Asp f 1 allergen concentration in Bellaterra (Barcelona, Spain) during 2021 and 2022, and to compare their dynamics to improve the understanding of the biology of this genus and contribute to a better diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic measures in the face of possible health problems. The results show that both particles were airborne nearly all year round, but their concentrations showed no correlation. Due to Asp f 1 not being present in the conidia itself but being detectable during their germination and in hyphal fragments, we report the relevance of the aero-immunological analysis as a methodology to detect the potential pathogenic hazard of this fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Rut Puigdemunt
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordina Belmonte
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Anees-Hill S, Douglas P, Pashley CH, Hansell A, Marczylo EL. A systematic review of outdoor airborne fungal spore seasonality across Europe and the implications for health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151716. [PMID: 34800445 PMCID: PMC8919338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Fungal spores make up a significant proportion of organic matter within the air. Allergic sensitisation to fungi is associated with conditions including allergic fungal airway disease. This systematic review analyses outdoor fungal spore seasonality across Europe and considers the implications for health. Seventy-four studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which (n = 64) were observational sampling studies published between 1978 and 2020. The most commonly reported genera were the known allergens Alternaria and Cladosporium, measured in 52 and 49 studies, respectively. Both displayed statistically significant increased season length in south-westerly (Mediterranean) versus north-easterly (Atlantic and Continental) regions. Although there was a trend for reduced peak or annual Alternaria and Cladosporium spore concentrations in more northernly locations, this was not statistically significant. Peak spore concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium exceeded clinical thresholds in nearly all locations, with median peak concentrations of 665 and 18,827 per m3, respectively. Meteorological variables, predominantly temperature, precipitation and relative humidity, were the main factors associated with fungal seasonality. Land-use was identified as another important factor, particularly proximity to agricultural and coastal areas. While correlations of increased season length or decreased annual spore concentrations with increasing average temperatures were reported in multi-decade sampling studies, the number of such studies was too small to make any definitive conclusions. Further, up-to-date studies covering underrepresented geographical regions and fungal taxa (including the use of modern molecular techniques), and the impact of land-use and climate change will help address remaining knowledge gaps. Such knowledge will help to better understand fungal allergy, develop improved fungal spore calendars and forecasts with greater geographical coverage, and promote increased awareness and management strategies for those with allergic fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Anees-Hill
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK.
| | - Philippa Douglas
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Environmental Hazards and Emergencies Department, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK.
| | - Catherine H Pashley
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Anna Hansell
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK.
| | - Emma L Marczylo
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Toxicology Department, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK.
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Salazar F, Bignell E, Brown GD, Cook PC, Warris A. Pathogenesis of Respiratory Viral and Fungal Coinfections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0009421. [PMID: 34788127 PMCID: PMC8597983 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals suffering from severe viral respiratory tract infections have recently emerged as "at risk" groups for developing invasive fungal infections. Influenza virus is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. Fungal infections complicating influenza pneumonia are associated with increased disease severity and mortality, with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis being the most common manifestation. Strikingly, similar observations have been made during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The copathogenesis of respiratory viral and fungal coinfections is complex and involves a dynamic interplay between the host immune defenses and the virulence of the microbes involved that often results in failure to return to homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms underlying susceptibility to invasive fungal disease following respiratory viral infections. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions will aid the development of therapeutic modalities against newly identified targets to prevent and treat these emerging coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Salazar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C. Cook
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Mosalaei S, Amiri H, Rafiee A, Abbasi A, Baghani AN, Hoseini M. Assessment of fungal bioaerosols and particulate matter characteristics in indoor and outdoor air of veterinary clinics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1773-1780. [PMID: 34900306 PMCID: PMC8617105 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Veterinary staff are frequently exposed to various occupational hazards. The present study was aimed to investigate the air characteristics of veterinary clinics in terms of fungal bioaerosols and particulate matters. Air samples were taken every six days from the operating room, examination room and outdoor air of three veterinary clinics in Shiraz, southwest Iran. The concentrations of fungal bio-aerosols ranged from 8.05 CFU/m 3 in the outdoor air of clinic B to 47.21 CFU/m 3 in the operating room of clinic A. The predominant fungal genera identified in the studied clinics were Penicillium and Aspergillus niger, respectively. The concentrations of PM2.5 ranged from 41.88 μg/m 3 in the operating room of clinic C to 60.31 μg/m 3 in the outdoor air of the same clinic. The corresponding values for PM10 ranged from 114.40 μg/m 3 in the operating room of clinic C to 256.70 μg/m 3 in the outdoor air of the same clinic. The results of this study showed a positive correlation between the concentration of fungal bioaerosols and relative humidity (p < 0.05; r = 0.622). Besides, a negative correlation was found between the concentration of fungal bioaerosols and temperature (p < 0.05; r = 0.369). To better assess the individual exposure of veterinarians and staff in veterinary clinics, tests including nasopharyngeal sampling are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Mosalaei
- Department of environmental health, School of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hoda Amiri
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ata Rafiee
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Alireza Abbasi
- Department of environmental health, School of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Norouzian Baghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Biodeterioration of Glass-Based Historical Building Materials: An Overview of the Heritage Literature from the 21st Century. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11209552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The main goal of this work was to review the 21st century literature (2000 to 2021) regarding the biological colonisation and biodeterioration of glass-based historical building materials, particularly stained glass and glazed tiles. One of the main objectives of this work was to list and systematize the glass-colonising microorganisms identified on stained glass and glazed tiles. Biodiversity data indicate that fungi and bacteria are the main colonisers of stained-glass windows. Glazed tiles are mainly colonised by microalgae and cyanobacteria. Several studies have identified microorganisms on stained glass, but fewer studies have been published concerning glazed tiles. The analysis of colonised samples is a vital mechanism to understand biodeterioration, particularly for identifying the colonising organisms and deterioration patterns on real samples. However, the complexity of the analysis of materials with high biodiversity makes it very hard to determine which microorganism is responsible for the biodeteriogenic action. The authors compared deterioration patterns described in case studies with laboratory-based colonisation experiments, showing that many deterioration patterns and corrosion products are similar. A working group should develop guidelines or standards for laboratory experiments on fungi, bacteria, cyanobacteria, and algae on stained glass and glazed tiles.
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Naeimi B, Mohsenifard I, Ansari S, Sadeghzadeh F, Khamisipour G, Dobaradaran S, Faraji Ghasemi F, Ahmadi B. Phenotypic features and molecular study of airborne Penicillium species isolated in the northern part of the Persian Gulf, Bushehr, Iran. Curr Med Mycol 2021; 7:22-28. [PMID: 35028481 PMCID: PMC8740856 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.7.2.7035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The main environmental saprobes, such as Penicillium, play an essential role in natural ecosystems as economically, ecologically, and medically important microorganisms. Biodiversity of this genus has not been described in Bushehr city, Iran. The present study is based on air biodiversity of Penicillium species on culture-dependent approach and culture-independent technique using partial b-tubulin sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS By using active sampling with a high volume air sampler, a total of 157 Penicillium isolates were selected and screened for phenotypic characters. For the purposes of the study, 46 strains representative of 11 morphological species were selected and identified by molecular analysis. RESULTS Based on the findings, P. crustosum (18 isolates, 39.1%) and P. chrysogenum (15 isolates, 32.6%) were the most common isolated species, followed by P. brevicompactum, P. rubens, P. citrinum, P. italicum (each 2 isolates, 4.3%), P. olsonii, P. expansum, P. griseofulvum, P. palitans, and P. polonicum (each 1 isolate, 2.1%). Except for P. chrysogenum and P. expansum with floccose colony texture, the rest of the isolated species had velutinous texture. CONCLUSION This is the first report in southern Iran to identify a large number of Penicillium strains isolated from air samples, showing P. crustosum and P. chrysogenum as the most common isolated species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Naeimi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Iman Mohsenifard
- The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Saham Ansari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Sadeghzadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Khamisipour
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji Ghasemi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Bahram Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Michalska M, Kurpas M, Zorena K, Wąż P, Marks R. Mold and Yeast-Like Fungi in the Seaside Air of the Gulf of Gdańsk (Southern Baltic) after an Emergency Disposal of Raw Sewage. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030219. [PMID: 33803048 PMCID: PMC8002913 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the meteorological factors and the number of molds and yeast-like fungi in the air in the five coastal towns in the years 2014-2017, and in 2018, after emergency disposal of raw sewage to the Gdańsk Gulf. In the years 2014-2018, a total number of 88 air samples were collected in duplicate in the five coastal towns of Hel, Puck, Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdańsk-Brzeźno. After the application of the (PCA) analysis, this demonstrated that the first principal component (PC1) had a positive correlation with the water temperature, wind speed, air temperature, and relative humidity. The second principal component (PC2) had a positive correlation with the relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature. In 2018, potentially pathogenic mold and yeast-like fungi (Candida albicans, Stachybotrys chartarum complex, Aspergillus section Fumigati) were detected in the seaside air. While the detected species were not observed in the years 2014-2017. We suggest that it is advisable to inform residents about the potential health risk in the event of raw sewage disposal into the water. Moreover, in wastewater treatment plants, tighter measures, including wastewater disinfection, should be introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Michalska
- Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (K.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Monika Kurpas
- Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (K.Z.)
| | - Katarzyna Zorena
- Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (K.Z.)
| | - Piotr Wąż
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Roman Marks
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland;
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Sánchez Espinosa KC, Almaguer Chávez M, Duarte-Escalante E, Rojas Flores TI, Frías-De-León MG, Reyes-Montes MDR. Phylogenetic Identification, Diversity, and Richness of Aspergillus from Homes in Havana, Cuba. Microorganisms 2021; 9:115. [PMID: 33418970 PMCID: PMC7825327 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera found indoors; it is important because it can cause a wide range of diseases in humans. Aspergillus species identification is based on a combination of morphological, physiological, and molecular methods. However, molecular methodologies have rarely been used for the identification of environmental isolates of Aspergillus in Cuba. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify the species of the genus Aspergillus obtained from houses in Havana, Cuba, through the construction of phylogeny from a partial sequence of the benA gene region, and to analyze the diversity and richness of Aspergillus in the studied municipalities. Isolates of Aspergillus spp. included in this study presented the typical macro- and micromorphology described for the genus. According to this polyphasic characterization, A. niger, A. flavus, A. welwitschiae, A. heteromorphus, A. sydowii, A. tamarii, A. fumigatus, A. clavatus, and A. tubingensis were the most abundant species. Most of the identified species constitute new records for outdoor and indoor environments in Cuba and contribute to the knowledge of fungal biodiversity in the country. These results constitute an alert for the health authorities of the country, since prolonged exposure of the inhabitants to Aspergillus spores can cause severe persistent asthma, among other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenia C. Sánchez Espinosa
- Departamento de Microbiología y Virología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana, 25, Número 455, Entre I y J, La Habana 10400, Cuba; (K.C.S.E.); (M.A.C.); (T.I.R.F.)
| | - Michel Almaguer Chávez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Virología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana, 25, Número 455, Entre I y J, La Habana 10400, Cuba; (K.C.S.E.); (M.A.C.); (T.I.R.F.)
| | - Esperanza Duarte-Escalante
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Teresa Irene Rojas Flores
- Departamento de Microbiología y Virología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana, 25, Número 455, Entre I y J, La Habana 10400, Cuba; (K.C.S.E.); (M.A.C.); (T.I.R.F.)
| | - María Guadalupe Frías-De-León
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico;
| | - María del Rocío Reyes-Montes
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
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Aeroallergen Exposure and Spread in the Modern Era. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2019; 6:1835-1842. [PMID: 30390901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Since the initial discovery of aeroallergens in the 20th century, our understanding of their properties including sources and factors influencing their spread continues to expand. Both habits of daily living and the presence of environmental factors such as exposure to animals or pollution can influence susceptibility to atopic disease. Because relevant allergens may vary in individuals and communities, it is necessary to understand the physical properties of environmental aeroallergens that are associated with clinical disease to explain symptoms and to implement successful integrated interventions. The objective of this review was to present an overview of aeroallergens and the environmental factors influencing their current distribution. Using historical studies along with recent advancements, we will give an up-to-date description of the physical characteristics and aerodynamics of aeroallergens in addition to location, quantities, and timing of exposure.
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Gołofit-Szymczak M, Górny RL. Microbiological air quality in office buildings equipped with dventilation systems. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:792-805. [PMID: 30059607 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Proper hygienic conditions in office buildings are of a high importance for both health and well-being of the employees. The aim of this study was the direct comparison of different ventilation systems on microbiological environments in 15 office buildings. The results showed that both bacterial and fungal concentrations in the naturally ventilated office buildings were between 70 and 1600 cfu/m3 , while in the offices equipped with air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems, concentrations were lower, that is, between 10 and 530 cfu/m3 and 20 and 410 cfu/m3 , respectively. The size distribution analysis revealed that microorganisms were present in the air mainly as single cells (1.1-3.3 μm) and large aggregates (4.7->7 μm). If deposited in the human respiratory tract, they may be responsible for nose and eyes irritations, asthmatic reactions, and allergic inflammations. The most prevalent bacterial species indoors were Gram-positive cocci (mainly from Staphylococcus and Micrococcus/Kocuria genera) and endospore-forming Gram-positive rods (from Bacillus genus). Among the most common fungal species were those from genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. Effectively working and regularly maintained mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning systems ensure a better hygienic quality in the office buildings than natural/gravitational ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafał L Górny
- Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Loeffert ST, Vanhems P, Tissot E, Dananché C, Cassier P, Bénet T, Perraud M, Thibaudon M, Gustin MP. Evaluation of Hirst-type spore traps in outdoor Aspergillaceae monitoring during large demolition work in hospital. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191135. [PMID: 29346411 PMCID: PMC5773167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Demolition can generate fungal spore suspensions in association with various adverse health effects, such as high risk of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. One block of Edouard Herriot Hospital was entirely demolished. The aim of the present study was to evaluate Hirst-type spore traps utility in monitoring outdoor Aspergillaceae (Aspergillus spp. + Penicillium spp.) spores in part of Edouard Herriot Hospital (Lyon, France) undergoing major demolition. Three periods were scheduled in 2015: (A) Gutting of building and asbestos removal, (B) Demolition of floors, (C) Excavation and earthwork. Outdoor Aspergillaceae fungal load was monitored by cultivable (Air Ideal®, bioMérieux) and non-cultivable methods (Lanzoni VPPS-2000, Analyzair®, Bologna, Italy). Differences of Aspergillaceae recorded with Hirst-type spore traps were observed between Gerland and Edouard Herriot Hospital. Differences between Aspergillaceae were recorded between day time and night time at Gerland and Edouard Herriot Hospital. Daily paired differences between Aspergillaceae recorded with non-cultivable methodology at Edouard Herriot Hospital and in an area without demolition work were significant in Period A vs Period B (p = 10–4) and Period A vs Period C (p = 10–4). Weak correlation of daily Aspergillaceae recorded by both methods at Edouard Herriot Hospital was significant only for Period C (r = 0.26, p = 0.048, n = 58). Meteorological parameters and type of demolition works were found to heavily influenced Aspergillaceae dispersion. Non-cultivable methodology is a promising tool for outdoor Aspergillaceae scrutiny during major demolition work in hospital, helping infection control staff to rapidly implement control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Tiphaine Loeffert
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, France, Université de Lyon 1, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Philippe Vanhems
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, France, Université de Lyon 1, France
- Unité d'hygiène, épidémiologie et prévention, Groupement hospitalier Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | | | - Cédric Dananché
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, France, Université de Lyon 1, France
- Unité d'hygiène, épidémiologie et prévention, Groupement hospitalier Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Cassier
- Laboratoire de Biologie Sécurité Environnement, Groupement hospitalier Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Bénet
- Unité d'hygiène, épidémiologie et prévention, Groupement hospitalier Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | - Michel Perraud
- Laboratoire de Biologie Sécurité Environnement, Groupement hospitalier Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | - Michel Thibaudon
- Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique, Brussieu, France
| | - Marie-Paule Gustin
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, France, Université de Lyon 1, France
- Département de santé publique, Institut des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques (ISPB)-Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lyon 1, France
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Loeffert ST, Melloul E, Dananché C, Hénaff L, Bénet T, Cassier P, Dupont D, Guillot J, Botterel F, Wallon M, Gustin MP, Vanhems P. Monitoring of clinical strains and environmental fungal aerocontamination to prevent invasive aspergillosis infections in hospital during large deconstruction work: a protocol study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018109. [PMID: 29175886 PMCID: PMC5719317 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monitoring fungal aerocontamination is an essential measure to prevent severe invasive aspergillosis (IA) infections in hospitals. One central block among 32 blocks of Edouard Herriot Hospital (EHH) was entirely demolished in 2015, while care activities continued in surrounding blocks. The main objective was to undertake broad environmental monitoring and clinical surveillance of IA cases to document fungal dispersion during major deconstruction work and to assess clinical risk. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A daily environmental survey of fungal loads was conducted in eight wards located near the demolition site. Air was collected inside and outside selected wards by agar impact samplers. Daily spore concentrations were monitored continuously by volumetric samplers at a flow rate of 10 L.min-1. Daily temperature, wind direction and speed as well as relative humidity were recorded by the French meteorological station Meteociel. Aspergillus fumigatus strains stored will be genotyped by multiple-locus, variable-number, tandem-repeat analysis. Antifungal susceptibility will be assessed by E-test strips on Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium supplemented with agar. Ascertaining the adequacy of current environmental monitoring techniques in hospital is of growing importance, considering the rising impact of fungal infections and of curative antifungal costs. The present study could improve the daily management of IA risk during major deconstruction work and generate new data to ameliorate and redefine current guidelines. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the clinical research and ethics committees of EHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Tiphaine Loeffert
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Elise Melloul
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, EnvA, UPEC, Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
| | - Cédric Dananché
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Unité d'hygiène, épidémiologie et prévention, Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Laetitia Hénaff
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Bénet
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Unité d'hygiène, épidémiologie et prévention, Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Cassier
- Laboratoire de Biologie Sécurité Environnement, Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Damien Dupont
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Jacques Guillot
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, EnvA, UPEC, Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
| | | | - Martine Wallon
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Paule Gustin
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Département de santé Publique, Institut des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques (ISPB)-Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Vanhems
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Emergents-Fondation Mérieux, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Unité d'hygiène, épidémiologie et prévention, Groupement Hospitalier Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Priyamvada H, Singh RK, Akila M, Ravikrishna R, Verma RS, Gunthe SS. Seasonal variation of the dominant allergenic fungal aerosols - One year study from southern Indian region. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11171. [PMID: 28894264 PMCID: PMC5593913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11727-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative estimations of fungal aerosols are important to understand their role in causing respiratory diseases to humans especially in the developing and highly populated countries. In this study we sampled and quantified the three most dominantly found allergenic airborne fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Alternaria alternata from ambient PM10 samples using the quantitative PCR (qPCR) technique in a southern tropical Indian region, for one full year. Highest concentrations of A. fumigatus and C. cladosporioides were observed during monsoon whereas A. alternata displayed an elevated concentration in winter. The meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation exhibited a substantial influence on the atmospheric concentrations of allergenic fungal aerosols. The morphological features of various allergenic fungal spores present in the PM10 were investigated and the spores were found to possess distinct structural features. In a maiden attempt over this region we correlate the ambient fungal concentrations with the epidemiological allergy occurrence to obtain firsthand and preliminary information about the causative fungal allergen to the inhabitants exposed to bioaerosols. Our findings may serve as an important reference to atmospheric scientists, aero-biologists, doctors, and general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hema Priyamvada
- EWRE Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India.
| | - Raj Kamal Singh
- EWRE Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - M Akila
- EWRE Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - R Ravikrishna
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Rama Shanker Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Sachin S Gunthe
- EWRE Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India.
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Sadyś M, Strzelczak A, Grinn-Gofroń A, Kennedy R. Application of redundancy analysis for aerobiological data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2015; 59:25-36. [PMID: 24671406 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-014-0818-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
An aerobiological survey was conducted through five consecutive years (2006-2010) at Worcester (England). The concentration of 20 allergenic fungal spore types was measured using a 7-day volumetric spore trap. The relationship between investigated fungal spore genera and selected meteorological parameters (maximum, minimum, mean and dew point temperatures, rainfall, relative humidity, air pressure, wind direction) was examined using an ordination method (redundancy analysis) to determine which environmental factors favoured their most abundance in the air and whether it would be possible to detect similarities between different genera in their distribution pattern. Redundancy analysis provided additional information about the biology of the studied fungi through the results of the Spearman's rank correlation. Application of the variance inflation factor in canonical correspondence analysis indicated which explanatory variables were auto-correlated and needed to be excluded from further analyses. Obtained information will be consequently implemented in the selection of factors that will be a foundation for forecasting models for allergenic fungal spores in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Sadyś
- National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, England, UK,
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Alshareef F, Robson GD. Prevalence, persistence, and phenotypic variation of Aspergillus fumigatus in the outdoor environment in Manchester, UK, over a 2-year period. Med Mycol 2014; 52:367-75. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Fernández-Rodríguez S, Tormo-Molina R, Maya-Manzano JM, Silva-Palacios I, Gonzalo-Garijo Á. Outdoor airborne fungi captured by viable and non-viable methods. FUNGAL ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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