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Vitte J, Michel M, Malinovschi A, Caminati M, Odebode A, Annesi-Maesano I, Caimmi DP, Cassagne C, Demoly P, Heffler E, Menu E, Nwaru BI, Sereme Y, Ranque S, Raulf M, Feleszko W, Janson C, Galán C. Fungal exposome, human health, and unmet needs: A 2022 update with special focus on allergy. Allergy 2022; 77:3199-3216. [PMID: 35976185 DOI: 10.1111/all.15483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Humans inhale, ingest, and touch thousands of fungi each day. The ubiquity and diversity of the fungal kingdom, reflected by its complex taxonomy, are in sharp contrast with our scarce knowledge about its distribution, pathogenic effects, and effective interventions at the environmental and individual levels. Here, we present an overview of salient features of fungi as permanent players of the human exposome and key determinants of human health, through the lens of fungal allergy and other fungal hypersensitivity reactions. Improved understanding of the fungal exposome sheds new light on the epidemiology of fungal-related hypersensitivity diseases, their immunological substratum, the currently available methods, and biomarkers for environmental and medical fungi. Unmet needs are described and potential approaches are highlighted as perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vitte
- IDESP, University of Montpellier and INSERM, Montpellier, France.,MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, IRD, APHM, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Moïse Michel
- IDESP, University of Montpellier and INSERM, Montpellier, France.,MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, IRD, APHM, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,Immunology Laboratory, University Hospital Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Andrei Malinovschi
- Department of Medical Sciences Clinical Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marco Caminati
- Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Adeyinka Odebode
- Department of Basic Science, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Davide Paolo Caimmi
- IDESP, University of Montpellier and INSERM, Montpellier, France.,Departement of Pneumology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Carole Cassagne
- VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, IRD, APHM, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Demoly
- IDESP, University of Montpellier and INSERM, Montpellier, France.,Departement of Pneumology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS Rozzano, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Estelle Menu
- VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, IRD, APHM, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Bright I Nwaru
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Youssouf Sereme
- MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, IRD, APHM, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,Department of Immunology, Infectiology and Hematology, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades (INEM), INSERM U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Ranque
- VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, IRD, APHM, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Monika Raulf
- Department of Allergology and Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carmen Galán
- International Campus of Excellence on Agrifood (ceiA3), University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Andalusian Inter-University Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA), University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
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Vélez-Pereira AM, De Linares C, Belmonte J. Aerobiological modeling I: A review of predictive models. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148783. [PMID: 34243002 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The present work is the first of two reviews on applied modeling in the field of aerobiology. The aerobiological predictive models for pollen and fungal spores, usually defined as predictive statistical models, will, amongst other objectives, forecast airborne particles' concentration or dynamical behavior of the particles. These models can be classified into Observation Based Models (OBM), Phenological Based Models (PHM), or OTher Models (OTM). The aim of this review is to show, analyze and discuss the different predictive models used in pollen and spore aerobiological studies. The analysis was performed on published electronic scientific articles from 1998 to 2016 related to the type of model, the taxa and the modelled parameters. From a total of 503 studies, 55.5% used OBM (44.8% on pollen and 10.7% on fungal spores), 38.5% PHM (all on pollen) and 6% OTM (5.4% on pollen and 0.6% on fungal spores). OBM have been used with high frequency to forecast concentration. The most frequent model of OBM was linear regression (18.5% out of 503) on pollen and artificial neural networks (4.6%) on fungal spores. In the PHM, the principal use was to characterize the main pollen season (flowering season) based on the model of growth degree days. Finally, OTM have been used to estimate concentrations at unmonitored areas. Olea (14,5%) on pollen and Alternaria (4,8%) on fungal spores were the taxa most frequently modelled. Daily concentration was the most modelled parameter by OBM (25.2%) and season start day by PHM (35.6%). The PHM approaches include greater model diversity and use fewer independent variables than OBM. In addition, PHM show to be easier to apply than OBM; however, the wide range of criteria to define the parameters to use in PHM (e.g.: pollination start day) makes that each model is used with a lesser frequency than other models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés M Vélez-Pereira
- Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP), ECO-Climático, Coyahique, Chile; Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Concepción De Linares
- Department of Botany, Universidad de Granada, Spain; Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordina Belmonte
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
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Noor MJ, Ahmad M. Scanning electron imaging of mellitophilous and allergenic pollen grain of arid and northern irrigated agroecological zones of Pakistan. Microsc Res Tech 2021; 84:1834-1861. [PMID: 33704846 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Palynomorphic studies of 65 common mellitophilous and 16 allergenic flora of Arid and Northern irrigated agroecological zones of Pakistan are carried out in this study by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Mellitophilous pollen were extracted from honey samples of selected sites. For collection of local allergenic pollen, previously identified allergy-causing plants were selected. Pollen morphological examination was carried out under FESEM. Diverse range of pollen shapes ranging from monad to polyad and sculpturing ranging from psilate to echinate, scabrate to reticulate, bireticulate, or echinolophate were observed. Brassicaceae, Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Poaceae were observed to be dominant allergenic and mellitophilous families of the selected sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Jamil Noor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid i Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Diversity, Concentration and Dynamics of Culturable Fungal Bioaerosols at Doha, Qatar. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010182. [PMID: 33383754 PMCID: PMC7796145 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This research was conducted to investigate the dynamics of airborne fungi using viable culture collection and in respect to different abiotic variables, including seasonal and intra-diurnal variations. A gravimetric method was used to sample airborne fungal deposition on potato dextrose agar plates on alternate days, for a year between April 2015 to March 2016. From 176 settle plate exposures, a total of 1197 mould and 283 yeast colony-forming units (CFU), 21 genera and 62 species were retrieved. The highest fungal spore count was recorded in February 2016, whereas the lowest count occurred in August 2015. The main constituents of the fungal airspora were attributed to Cladosporium (60.2%), Aspergillus (10.4%), Fusarium (9.4%), Alternaria (8.5%), and Ganoderma spp. (2.3%). Temperature was negatively correlated with total colony count (r = −0.231, p ≤ 0.05) or species richness (r = −0.267, p ≤ 0.001), while wind speed was positively correlated with total colony count (r = 0.484, p ≤ 0.001) or species richness (r = 0.257, p ≤ −0.001). The highest dispersal of fungal spores was obtained at 18:00, whereas the lowest fungal spores release was recorded at 00:00 (midnight). There were no significant differences in species composition and richness of the airborne fungal population between two study sites, the Industrial area and Qatar University Campus. The count of Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. were significantly higher at the Industrial area site, which corresponds to a higher CO2 level than the Qatar University site. This study lays the foundation for future work to assess the implications of such aeromycological data on public health.
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Kilic M, Altunoglu MK, Akdogan GE, Akpınar S, Taskın E, Erkal AH. Airborne fungal spore relationships with meteorological parameters and skin prick test results in Elazig, Turkey. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2020; 18:1271-1280. [PMID: 33312641 PMCID: PMC7721787 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-020-00545-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since fungi spores have high concentrations in the atmosphere during most of the year, they have an important place in respiratory allergies. In this regard, the preparation of calendars showing fungi spore loads for residential areas has much importance in the treatment of the patients. The first aim of this study was to present the airborne fungal spore research results from Eastern Anatolia in Turkey. Then, the mold spores' relationships with the meteorological parameters and skin prick test results were also evaluated. The presence of fungal spores was investigated using a volumetric spore trap in 2018 year. METHODS In this study, fungal spores within the atmosphere of the Elazığ city of Turkey was measured through the volumetric method, using a Lanzoni VPPS 2000 device (VPPS 2000 Lanzoni, Bologna, Italy), in 2018 year. Annual data of temperature, humidity, precipitation and wind speed were used for comparing meteorological data with airborne fungal spore counts. In addition, 637 children who were admitted to a pediatric allergy clinic with allergic complaints were enrolled in the study. RESULTS A total of 145,099 spores/m3 and 20 fungal taxa belonging to the molds were recorded. Ustilago was the predominant genus (18.10%), followed by Oidium (18.01%), Drechslera (12.82%), and Fusarium (11.60%), which were the most common fungal spores found in Elazig's atmosphere. The total mold spores in the atmosphere reached the highest level, with 28,153 spores/m3, in July (mid-summer). Moreover, we found a positive correlation between the mold spores and the temperature, but negative correlations with the humidity and wind speed. In the skin prick tests in the children with allergic complaints, we detected sensitization to Alternaria alternata in 4.4%, Cladosporium herbarum in 3.0%, Penicillium notatum in 1.4%, and Aspergillus fumigatus in 1.1%. Additionally, there was no correlation between fungal spore concentration in the atmosphere with fungal spores sensitization in the skin prick test. CONCLUSIONS This study was the first aerofungal survey of the Eastern Anatolia region in Turkey; therefore, new information has been introduced in the field of aerobiology in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Kilic
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
- Cocuk Sagligi ve Hastalikları Anabilim Dalı, Fırat Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
| | | | - Gül Esma Akdogan
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey
| | - Salih Akpınar
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey
| | - Erdal Taskın
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
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Gunasekaran R, Janakiraman D, Rajapandian SGK, Appavu SP, Namperumalsamy Venkatesh P, Prajna L. Periconia species - An unusual fungal pathogen causing mycotic keratitis. Indian J Med Microbiol 2020; 39:36-40. [PMID: 33610254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to determine the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, and treatment outcome of molecularly diagnosed Periconia keratitis. METHODS Clinical records of all culture proven fungal ulcers with molecular identification suggestive of Periconia species who presented to a single tertiary referral center from January 2012 to December 2013 were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS Among 1356 cases of keratomycosis, 8 (0.6%) patients were affected due to Periconia species. The mean age of presentation was 59 years with males (n = 6; 75%) were more commonly affected than females (n = 2; 25%). Significant history of trauma was present only in one patient. The infiltrate size was less than 5 mm in majority of patients 75% (n = 6). 50% (n = 4) responded to antifungal, 12.5% (n = 1) responded to antibacterial, 12.5% (n = 1) required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, 25% (n = 2) lost to follow up after first visit. The mean duration of treatment in healed cases was 20 days. CONCLUSION This is the first report on Periconia sp causing human corneal ulcer. This study signifies the importance of molecular identification in the diagnosis of rare fungi which will improve our understanding on disease pathology and outcome. Visual prognosis appears good if the infection is diagnosed and topical antifungal interventions started early.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Divya Janakiraman
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | | | | - Lalitha Prajna
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Diversity of Soil Filamentous Fungi Influenced by Marine Environment in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. ScientificWorldJournal 2020; 2020:3727453. [PMID: 32410905 PMCID: PMC7211247 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3727453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In recent decades, there has been an intensification of environmental problems, which are becoming increasingly critical and frequent due to population growth. Microorganisms, including soilborne fungi, play an essential role in maintaining and balancing the environment. One of the most impacted ecosystems in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, is the Jansen Lagoon State Park, an important tourist spot, which has suffered anthropogenic actions such as the dumping of household waste (sewage) in its body of water. As a consequence, these pollutants can accumulate in the adjacent soil, since the body of water is near this substrate. The objectives were to isolate and identify filamentous fungi from the soil of the Jansen Lagoon State Park. Methods Monthly soil samples were collected and later processed using the modified suspension technique according to Clark (1965). Results The isolated genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Absidia, and Fusarium. Aspergillus is the fungal genus of greater dominance in the soil of the Jansen Lagoon State Park. Aspergillus niger was the dominant species (37%), followed by A. tamarii (21.6%). Conclusion The main isolated fungi from the Jansen Lagoon State Park were Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tamrii. These fungi can be used as biological markers of pollution and as biodegraders and/or bioremediators to improve the area studied.
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The Diversity in Dust Fungal Spores Concentration at Four Districts of Al-Najaf Environment and their Potential Correlation with Asthma. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.13.4.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Pyrri I, Kapsanaki-Gotsi E. Functional relations of airborne fungi to meteorological and pollution factors in a Mediterranean urban environment. FUNGAL ECOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Koteswara Rao V, Girisham S, Madhusudhan Reddy S. Prevalence of toxigenic Penicillium species associated with poultry house in Telangana, India. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2016; 71:353-361. [PMID: 26771300 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2016.1140627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of mycotoxigenic Penicillium species in poultry houses of Telangana, India, was studied during 4 seasons between June 2009 and May 2010. Fungi belonging to 13 genera, including Penicillium, comprising 43 species were collected using petri plates. Fourteen Penicillium species demonstrated varying degrees of mycotoxigenicity. Chemical and chromatographic analysis of the different poultry feed samples revealed 8 different mycotoxins with ochratoxin A (OTA) predominating. The mean contamination rate of OTA was 38%. OTA quantities ranged between 5.78 and 6.73 µg/kg-1, 10.13 and 14.23 µg/kg-1, and 12.33 and 15.20 µg/kg-1 in starter, broiler, and layer feeds, respectively. Statistically significant positive correlation between prevalence of Penicillium species and the monsoon, autumn, and spring seasons and negative correlation between prevalence and the autumn, spring, and summer seasons were observed. These findings may serve as risk exposure indicators and contribute toward the initiation of a sustainable control program.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sivadevuni Girisham
- a Department of Microbiology , Kakatiya University , Warangal , Telangana , India
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Tapwal A, Kalyan P, Kumar S, Chandra S. Study on Fungi Inhabiting Indoor Woods and their Eco-Friendly Management. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.56431/p-52t84s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Biodeterioration of indoor wood and microbial pollution inside buildings is one of important problem in humid areas. Number of fungi are associated with indoor wood and many of them are responsible for its deterioration by causing decay and stain. Some of them may release mycotoxins, which have hazardous impact on human health. In present study, fifteen fungi associated with wood surface were isolated and out of which genus Aspergillus dominate with four species. A. flavus was recorded from all locations. The potential of leaf extracts of nine tree species on the growth of A. flavus was evaluated by amending culture media. Considerable growth inhibition of A. flavus in the range of 1.14-45.45% was recorded on solid media and 9.37-86.66% in liquid media. Amendment of culture media @ 30% concentration of the leaf extract of Corymbia torelliana have recorded maximum growth inhibition irrespective of the media used.
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Tapwal A, Kalyan P, Kumar S, Chandra S. Study on Fungi Inhabiting Indoor Woods and their Eco-Friendly Management. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.18052/www.scipress.com/ilns.59.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Biodeterioration of indoor wood and microbial pollution inside buildings is one of important problem in humid areas. Number of fungi are associated with indoor wood and many of them are responsible for its deterioration by causing decay and stain. Some of them may release mycotoxins, which have hazardous impact on human health. In present study, fifteen fungi associated with wood surface were isolated and out of which genus Aspergillus dominate with four species. A. flavus was recorded from all locations. The potential of leaf extracts of nine tree species on the growth of A. flavus was evaluated by amending culture media. Considerable growth inhibition of A. flavus in the range of 1.14-45.45% was recorded on solid media and 9.37-86.66% in liquid media. Amendment of culture media @ 30% concentration of the leaf extract of Corymbia torelliana have recorded maximum growth inhibition irrespective of the media used.
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Abdo N, Khader YS, Abdelrahman M, Graboski-Bauer A, Malkawi M, Al-Sharif M, Elbetieha AM. Respiratory health outcomes and air pollution in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a systematic review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 31:259-280. [PMID: 27101544 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2015-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution can cause detrimental health and be an economic burden. With newly developed equipment, monitoring of different air pollutants, identifying the sources, types of air pollutants and their corresponding concentrations, and applying mitigation intervention techniques became a crucial step in public health protection. Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) are highly exposed to dust storms, have high levels of particulate matter (PM) concentrations, and have a unique climatic as well as topographic and socio-economic structure. This is the first study conducted to systemically and qualitatively assess the health impacts of air pollution in the EMR, identify susceptible populations, and ascertain research and knowledge gaps in the literature to better inform decisions by policy makers. We screened relevant papers and reports published between 2000 and 2014 in research databases. A total of 36 published studies met the inclusion criteria. A variety of indoor and outdoor exposures associated with various acute and chronic respiratory health outcomes were included. Respiratory health outcomes ranged in severity, from allergies and general respiratory complaints to lung cancer and mortality. Several adverse health outcomes were positively associated with various indoor/outdoor air pollutants throughout the EMR. However, epidemiological literature concerning the EMR is limited to a few studies in a few countries. More research is needed to elucidate the health outcomes of air pollution. Standardized reliable assessments on the national level for various air pollutants in different regions should be implemented and made publically available for researchers to utilize in their research. Moreover, advancing and utilizing more sound epidemiological designs and studies on the effect of air pollution on the respiratory health outcomes is needed to portray the actual situation in the region.
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[Interannual variation of the fungal spores of Tetouan (Northwest of Morocco) and their sporal calendar]. J Mycol Med 2016; 26:148-159. [PMID: 26994760 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2016.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
THE AIM The daily aeromycological monitoring of fungal spores in the city of Tetouan during the period 2009-2011, to determine their diversity, their predominance and their interannual and seasonal variation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The spore sampling was undertaken using a Burkard volumetric spore trap. RESULTS The outdoor environment of Tetouan showed a highest predominance of deuteromycetes, collected essentially in summer and autumn. This study illustrated a high diversity of the fungal spores, the most frequent accounting for more than 97 % of the airborne fungal flora, and are according to their abundance (Cladosporium followed by Basidiospores, Ustilago, Alternaria, Leptosphaeria, Aspergillaceae, Cunninghamella, Venturia, Uredospores, Pleospora, Arthrinium, Stemphylium, Torula, Oidium, Ascospores, Drechslera, Epicoccum, Teleutospores and Fusarium). Alternaria and Cladosporium showed a longer period of emission, and are present in the atmosphere throughout the year with the highest incidence for Alternaria in June and for Cladosporium in August. They exceeded the allergenic threshold value in the air of Tétouan during 22, 94 and 75 days in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively for Alternaria and during 16 days in 2009, 14 days in 2010 and 13 days in 2011 for Cladosporium. The correlation between the meteorological parameters and the fungal spores proved that the temperature (maximum, average and minimum), the relative humidity (maximum, average and minimum) and the precipitation influenced the presence of the fungal spores in the air. CONCLUSION The exposition to airborne fungal spores varied between years depending on local climatic conditions and might cause health impacts on patients showing respiratory allergy.
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Normand AC, Ranque S, Cassagne C, Gaudart J, Sallah K, Charpin DA, Piarroux R. Comparison of Air Impaction and Electrostatic Dust Collector Sampling Methods to Assess Airborne Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2015; 60:161-75. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mev075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Zarrin M, Babadi N. Mycoflora of the interdigital spaces among girl students in ahvaz, iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 7:e12188. [PMID: 25632325 PMCID: PMC4295315 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungi have been extensively isolated and investigated from skin in various parts of the world. Determining the mycoflora of normal people is important when the role of skin is considered as a reservoir for microorganisms. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to investigate the incidence of fungal flora on interdigital spaces of the human foot. PATIENTS AND METHODS Samples were collected from interdigital spaces of 865 girl students who lived in the dormitories of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. A part of the sample was digested with 20% KOH and screened by a light microscope for fungal elements. Another part of the sample was cultured on Sabouraud glucose agar (SGA) and SGA containing 0.05 mg/mL chloramphenicol and 0.5 mg/mL cycloheximide. The fungal colonies were identified based on morphological and microscopic characteristics and biochemical tests. RESULTS In the current study, out of the 865 samples, 616 (71. 2%) were positive in direct examination or culture. Of these, 267 samples (30. 9%) were positive in direct examination. The most common fungal isolates in direct test were yeast (29. 4%), followed by conidia (0. 92%), melanised hypha (0. 35%) and non-septated hyphae (0. 23%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes was isolated in one of the specimens. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated the incidence of fungal flora on interdigital spaces of human foot. The current study results showed that fungi can survive on surfaces of skin without showing the sign of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Zarrin
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Majid Zarrin, Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran. Tel: +98-6113330074, Fax: +98-6113332036, E-mail:
| | - Neda Babadi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
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Abstract
Indoor environments play important roles in human health. The health hazards posed by polluted indoor environments include allergy, infections and toxicity. Life style changes have resulted in a shift from open air environments to air tight, energy efficient, environments, in which people spend a substantial portion of their time. Most indoor air pollution comes from the hazardous non biological agents and biological agents. Fungi are ubiquitous in distribution and are a serious threat to public health in indoor environments. In this communication, we have reviewed the current status on biotic indoor air pollution, role of fungi as biological contaminants and their impact on human health.
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Airborne Fungi in Tabriz, Comparing Airborne and Clinical Samples of <italic>A. fumigatus</italic> (2011), Survey and Literature Review. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.4997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Haleem Khan A, Mohan Karuppayil S. Fungal pollution of indoor environments and its management. Saudi J Biol Sci 2012; 19:405-26. [PMID: 23961203 PMCID: PMC3730554 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoor environments play important roles in human health. The health hazards posed by polluted indoor environments include allergy, infections and toxicity. Life style changes have resulted in a shift from open air environments to air tight, energy efficient, environments, in which people spend a substantial portion of their time. Most indoor air pollution comes from the hazardous non biological agents and biological agents. Fungi are ubiquitous in distribution and are a serious threat to public health in indoor environments. In this communication, we have reviewed the current status on biotic indoor air pollution, role of fungi as biological contaminants and their impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.A. Haleem Khan
- DST-FIST Sponsored School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, Nanded 431606, MS, India
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