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Blackwood CB, Croston TL, Barnes MA, Lemons AR, Rush RE, Goldsmith T, McKinney WG, Anderson S, Weaver KL, Sulyok M, Park JH, Germolec D, Beezhold DH, Green B. Optimization of Aspergillus versicolor Culture and Aerosolization in a Murine Model of Inhalational Fungal Exposure. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1090. [PMID: 37998895 PMCID: PMC10672600 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus versicolor is ubiquitous in the environment and is particularly abundant in damp indoor spaces. Exposure to Aspergillus species, as well as other environmental fungi, has been linked to respiratory health outcomes, including asthma, allergy, and even local or disseminated infection. However, the pulmonary immunological mechanisms associated with repeated exposure to A. versicolor have remained relatively uncharacterized. Here, A. versicolor was cultured and desiccated on rice then placed in an acoustical generator system to achieve aerosolization. Mice were challenged with titrated doses of aerosolized conidia to examine deposition, lymphoproliferative properties, and immunotoxicological response to repeated inhalation exposures. The necessary dose to induce lymphoproliferation was identified, but not infection-like pathology. Further, it was determined that the dose was able to initiate localized immune responses. The data presented in this study demonstrate an optimized and reproducible method for delivering A. versicolor conidia to rodents via nose-only inhalation. Additionally, the feasibility of a long-term repeated exposure study was established. This experimental protocol can be used in future studies to investigate the physiological effects of repeated pulmonary exposure to fungal conidia utilizing a practical and relevant mode of delivery. In total, these data constitute an important foundation for subsequent research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine B. Blackwood
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Tara L. Croston
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Mark A. Barnes
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Angela R. Lemons
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Rachael E. Rush
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Travis Goldsmith
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Walter G. McKinney
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Stacey Anderson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Kelly L. Weaver
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael Sulyok
- Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Dori Germolec
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Donald H. Beezhold
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
- Office of the Director, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Brett Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
- Office of the Director, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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El Jaddaoui I, Ghazal H, Bennett JW. Mold in Paradise: A Review of Fungi Found in Libraries. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1061. [PMID: 37998867 PMCID: PMC10672585 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Libraries contain a large amount of organic material, frequently stored with inadequate climate control; thus, mold growth represents a considerable threat to library buildings and their contents. In this essay, we review published papers that have isolated microscopic fungi from library books, shelving, walls, and other surfaces, as well as from air samples within library buildings. Our literature search found 54 published studies about mold in libraries, 53 of which identified fungi to genus and/or species. In 28 of the 53 studies, Aspergillus was the single most common genus isolated from libraries. Most of these studies used traditional culture and microscopic methods for identifying the fungi. Mold damage to books and archival holdings causes biodeterioration of valuable educational and cultural resources. Exposure to molds may also be correlated with negative health effects in both patrons and librarians, so there are legitimate concerns about the dangers of contact with high levels of fungal contamination. Microbiologists are frequently called upon to help librarians after flooding and other events that bring water into library settings. This review can help guide microbiologists to choose appropriate protocols for the isolation and identification of mold in libraries and be a resource for librarians who are not usually trained in building science to manage the threat molds can pose to library holdings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam El Jaddaoui
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed V, Rabat 10000, Morocco
- Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat 10000, Morocco
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Hassan Ghazal
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca 82403, Morocco;
- Royal Institute of Sports, Royal Institute for Managerial Training in Youth and Sport, Department of Sports Sciences, Laboratory of Sports Sciences and Performance Optimization, Salé 10102, Morocco
| | - Joan W. Bennett
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
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Segers FJ, Dijksterhuis J, Giesbers M, Debets AJ. Natural folding of airborne fungal spores: a mechanism for dispersal and long-term survival? FUNGAL BIOL REV 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Charalampopoulos A, Damialis A, Vokou D. Spatiotemporal assessment of aeromycoflora under differing urban green space, sampling height, and meteorological regimes: the atmospheric fungiscape of Thessaloniki, Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:895-909. [PMID: 35147779 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We studied the diversity and abundance of the airborne fungal spores in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, for two consecutive years. Air samples were collected at one rooftop station (at 30 m) and six near-ground stations (at 1.5 m) that differed in the size and composition of adjacent green spaces. The effects of meteorological factors on airborne fungal spore concentrations were also explored. Cladosporium spores were dominant everywhere in the air of the city. The total concentration of the airborne fungal spores at 30 m was 10 times lower than near the ground. Differences in concentration and composition were far less pronounced among near-ground stations. The attributes of the fungal spore season did not change in a consistent way among stations and years. Concentrations at the near-ground stations matched the grouping of the latter into stations of high, intermediate, and low urban green space. Minimum air temperature was the primary meteorological factor affecting spore abundance, followed by relative humidity. Airborne fungal spores are more homogeneously distributed in the air of the city, but their concentrations decrease more rapidly with height than pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Charalampopoulos
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Athanasios Damialis
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despoina Vokou
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Lu H, Zhu J, Zhang T, Zhang X, Chen X, Zhao W, Yao Y, Zhao W, Sui G. A rapid multiplex nucleic acid detection system of airborne fungi by an integrated DNA release device and microfluidic chip. Talanta 2022; 246:123467. [PMID: 35489097 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Occupational health problems, such as asthma, in specific work environments arise from the presence of airborne fungi. Rapid detection of pathogenic airborne fungi is therefore important to reduce or avoid any adverse effects on staff health. Herein, we established a new integrated rapid Lyticase-Motor-Chemical reagent nucleic acid releasing (LMC) method for the release of fungal DNA. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Cryptococcus neoformans were chosen to evaluate the LMC method. The results of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) analyses showed that this method could release the nucleic acid of 4 × 104 fungal spores, equaling to 400 copies per microliter. This rapid multiplex nucleic acid detection system of airborne fungi included an integrated DNA release device and a portable microfluidic chip. The integrated DNA release device combined mechanical lysing and biochemical reagent treatment to automate DNA release. The microfluidic chip was capable of multiplex nucleic acid detection. The detection limit of this system was 4 × 104 spores per test, meeting the requirement of early warnings. The whole analysis from the sample input to readout could be completed within 90 min, including 30 min for fungal DNA release and 45 min for LAMP analysis. The integrated DNA release device and microfluidic chip were portable, showing tremendous potential in point-of-care tests of airborne fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijun Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Jinhui Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Xinlian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China; School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Xi Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - YuHan Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Wang Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
| | - Guodong Sui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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Outdoor Mold and Respiratory Health: State of Science of Epidemiological Studies. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 10:768-784.e3. [PMID: 34648953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal spores are the predominant biological particulates in outdoor air. However, in contrast to pollens or outdoor air pollution, little is known about their respiratory health risks. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to conduct the first review of epidemiological studies on the short- and long-term effects of outdoor mold exposure on respiratory health in children and adults. METHODS Health outcomes included asthma, lung function, and rhinitis. Cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological studies using quantitative measures of outdoor mold exposure (optical microscopy, culture-based methods) were selected, providing that important confounding factors including temporal trends or meteorological factors were accounted for. A systematic literature search was performed up to June 2020, leading to the selection of 37 publications. RESULTS Most studies were longitudinal and investigated short-term effects. There is evidence of an association between outdoor fungal exposure and an increase in asthma exacerbation among children for total spores, 2 phyla (ascomycetes, basidiomycetes), and 2 taxa (Cladosporium, Alternaria). A few studies also suggested an association for Coprinus, Ganoderma, Aspergillus-Penicillium, Botrytis, and Epicoccum in children, but this needs to be confirmed. Some studies reported mold associations with rhinitis, lung function, and among adults, but these were few in number or inconsistent. DISCUSSION Further ecological studies in different regions that measure exposure to all taxa over several years are required to better understand their impact on rhinitis, asthma exacerbations and lung function. Larger panel studies are necessary to identify threshold effects in susceptible individuals. Finally, further research should assess the long-term effects of outdoor mold.
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Dockx Y, Täubel M, Bijnens EM, Witters K, Valkonen M, Jayaprakash B, Hogervorst J, Nawrot TS, Casas L. Residential green space can shape the indoor microbial environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111543. [PMID: 34157273 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of outdoor green space on microbial communities indoors has scarcely been investigated. Here, we study the associations between nearby residential green space and residential indoor microbiota. METHODS We collected settled dust from 176 living rooms of participants of the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. We performed 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing, and quantitative PCR measurements of total bacterial and fungal loads to calculate bacterial and fungal diversity measures (Chao1 richness, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices) and relative abundance of individual taxa. Green spaces were estimated within 50m and 100m buffers around the residential address. We defined total residential green space using high-resolution land-cover data, further stratified in low-growing (height<3m) and high-growing green (height>3m). We used land-use data to calculate the residential nature. We ran linear regression models, adjusting for confounders and other potential determinants. Results are expressed as units change for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in residential green space and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS After adjustment, we observed statistically significant associations between the indoor microbial diversity indices and nearby residential green space. For bacteria, the Shannon index was directly associated with residential nature (e.g. 0.08 units increase (CI:0.02,0.13) per IQR increase in nature within a 50m buffer). Fungal diversity was directly associated with high-growing residential green and inversely with low-growing green. For example, an IQR increase in high-growing green within a 50m buffer was associated with increases in 0.14 (CI:0.01,0.27) and 0.02 (CI:0.008,0.04) units in the Shannon and Simpson indices, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Nearby green space determines the diversity of indoor environment microbiota, and the type of green differently impacts bacterial and fungal diversity. Further research is needed to investigate in more detail possible microbial taxa compositions underlying the observed changes in indoor microbiota diversity and to explore their contribution to beneficial health effects associated with green space exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinthe Dockx
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Martin Täubel
- Environmental Health Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Katrien Witters
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Maria Valkonen
- Environmental Health Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Janneke Hogervorst
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven) , Belgium.
| | - Lidia Casas
- Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven) , Belgium; Social Epidemiology and Health Policy, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp; Belgium; Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development (IMDO), University of Antwerp, Belgium
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Lee BG, Yang JI, Kim E, Geum SW, Park JH, Yeo MK. Investigation of bacterial and fungal communities in indoor and outdoor air of elementary school classrooms by 16S rRNA gene and ITS region sequencing. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1553-1562. [PMID: 33780050 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The advent of high-throughput sequencing methods allowed researchers to fully characterize microbial community in environmental samples, which is crucial to better understand their health effects upon exposures. In our study, we investigated bacterial and fungal community in indoor and outdoor air of nine classrooms in three elementary schools in Seoul, Korea. The extracted bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS regions were sequenced, and their taxa were identified. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction for total bacteria DNA was also performed. The bacterial community was richer in outdoor air than classroom air, whereas fungal diversity was similar indoors and outdoors. Bacteria such as Enhydrobacter, Micrococcus, and Staphylococcus that are generally found in human skin, mucous membrane, and intestine were found in great abundance. For fungi, Cladosporium, Clitocybe, and Daedaleopsis were the most abundant genera in classroom air and mostly related to outdoor plants. Bacterial community composition in classroom air was similar among all classrooms but differed from that in outdoor air. However, indoor and outdoor fungal community compositions were similar for the same school but different among schools. Our study indicated the main source of airborne bacteria in classrooms was likely human occupants; however, classroom airborne fungi most likely originated from outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong Gu Lee
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
| | - Jun Il Yang
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
| | - Euna Kim
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
| | - Sun Woo Geum
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Min-Kyeong Yeo
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
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van Rhijn N, Bromley M. The Consequences of Our Changing Environment on Life Threatening and Debilitating Fungal Diseases in Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:367. [PMID: 34067211 PMCID: PMC8151111 DOI: 10.3390/jof7050367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human activities have significantly impacted the environment and are changing our climate in ways that will have major consequences for ourselves, and endanger animal, plant and microbial life on Earth. Rising global temperatures and pollution have been highlighted as potential drivers for increases in infectious diseases. Although infrequently highlighted, fungi are amongst the leading causes of infectious disease mortality, resulting in more than 1.5 million deaths every year. In this review we evaluate the evidence linking anthropomorphic impacts with changing epidemiology of fungal disease. We highlight how the geographic footprint of endemic mycosis has expanded, how populations susceptible to fungal infection and fungal allergy may increase and how climate change may select for pathogenic traits and indirectly contribute to the emergence of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
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Do H, Kim SH, Cho G, Kim DR, Kwak YS. Investigation of Fungal Strains Composition in Fruit Pollens for Artificial Pollination. MYCOBIOLOGY 2021; 49:249-257. [PMID: 34290548 PMCID: PMC8259818 DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2021.1893137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plants pollination are conducted through various pollinators such as wind, animals, and insects. Recently, the necessity for artificial pollination is drawing attention as the proportion of natural pollinators involved is decreasing over the years. Likewise, the trade in pollen for artificial pollination is also increasing worldwide. Through these imported pollens, many unknown microorganisms can flow from foreign countries. Among them, spores of various fungi present in the particles of pollen can be dispersed throughout the orchard. Therefore, in this study, the composition of fungal communities in imported pollen was revealed, and potential ecological characteristics of the fungi were investigated in four types of imported pollen. Top 10 operational taxonomic unit (OTU) of fungi were ranked among the following groups: Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp., and Didymella glomerata which belong to many pathogenic species. Through FUNGuild analysis, the proportion of OTUs, which is assumed to be potentially plant pathogens, was higher than 50%, except for apple pollen in 2018. Based on this study of fungal structure, this information can suggest the direction of the pollen quarantine process and contribute to fungal biology in pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeil Do
- Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Su-Hyeon Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Gyeongjun Cho
- Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Da-Ran Kim
- Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Youn-Sig Kwak
- Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
- Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
- Department of Plant Medicine and Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
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Jiang L, Stärkel P, Fan JG, Fouts DE, Bacher P, Schnabl B. The gut mycobiome: a novel player in chronic liver diseases. J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:1-11. [PMID: 33151407 PMCID: PMC7819863 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea) is a complex and diverse ecosystem. It plays an important role in human health, but is involved in several intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Most research to date has focused on the role of bacteria, while studies focusing on fungi (also referred to as "mycobiome" or "fungome") are still in its infancy. In this review, we focus on the existing literature available about the gut mycobiome with an emphasis on compositional mycobiome changes associated with liver diseases, the impact on pathogenesis of disease, and its potential use as therapeutic targets. We also provide insights into current methodologies of studying mycobiome, and we highlight the interkingdom interactions in the context of disease and how they affect health of the host. Herein, by focusing on the gut mycobiome, this review provides novel insights and directions for liver research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Jiang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, MC0063, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA ,Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Petra Bacher
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany ,Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, MC0063, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA ,Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA USA
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Li L, Guan K, Zheng SG. Biochemical Characteristics and Allergenic Activity of Common Fungus Allergens. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:170-185. [PMID: 31309887 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190712121243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fungi form a large kingdom with more than 1.5 million species. Fungal spores are universal atmospheric components and are generally recognized as important causes of allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The 4 genera which have the closest connection with allergic disorder are Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium. The cDNA sequences of many fungi allergens and the amino acids involved in their immunoglobulin E binding and T-cell activation have already been elucidated. Until now, 111 allergens from 29 fungal genera have been approved by the International Allergen Nomenclature Sub-committee. This review mainly focuses on the biochemical characteristics and allergenic activity of important allergens from common environmental fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Li
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Kai Guan
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Ohio State College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
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Zhang D, Wang Y, Shen S, Hou Y, Chen Y, Wang T. The mycobiota of the human body: a spark can start a prairie fire. Gut Microbes 2020; 11:655-679. [PMID: 32150513 PMCID: PMC7524315 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1731287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobiota are inseparable from human health, shaking up the unique position held by bacteria among microorganisms. What is surprising is that this seemingly small species can trigger huge changes in the human body. Dysbiosis and invasion of mycobiota are confirmed to cause disease in different parts of the body. Meanwhile, our body also produces corresponding immune changes upon mycobiota infection. Several recent studies have made a connection between intestinal mycobiota and the human immune system. In this review, we focus on questions related to mycobiota, starting with an introduction of select species, then we summarize the typical diseases caused by mycobiota in different parts of the human body. Moreover, we constructed a framework for the human anti-fungal immune system based on genetics and immunology. Finally, the progression of fungal detection methods is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sunan Shen
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yayi Hou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yugen Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,CONTACT Tingting Wang The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
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14
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Vélez-Rodríguez Z, Torres-Pratts H, Maldonado-Ramírez SL. Use of Drones to Recover Fungal Spores and Pollen from the Lower Atmosphere. CARIBB J SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v50i1.a16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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15
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Pyrri I, Zoma A, Barmparesos N, Assimakopoulos MN, Assimakopoulos VD, Kapsanaki-Gotsi E. Impact of a green roof system on indoor fungal aerosol in a primary school in Greece. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:137447. [PMID: 32112954 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A primary school was investigated for airborne fungi by a culture-based method, in classrooms underneath a green roof in comparison to conventional concrete roofs. A portable Burkard sampler was used for the collection of air samples onto petri dishes with 2% Malt Extract Agar. The fungal aerosol mean concentration was 71 CFU m-3 (range 17-176 CFU m-3, median 51) in the classroom directly under the green roof, significantly lower than 192-228 CFU m-3 (range 0-1090 CFU m-3, median 69) under the concrete roofs and 188-412 CFU m-3 (range 0-2183 CFU m-3, median 771) in ground floor classrooms. The Indoor/Outdoor ratio was 0.4 for total fungi and 0.2-1.1 for predominant genera underneath the green roof, whereas 1-2.1 and 0.3-3.2 respectively for the rest of classrooms. The Potential Exposure Dose (PED) for fungal particles was calculated to 4.6 CFU kg-1 and 9.3-35.3 CFU kg-1 respectively. The genera Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus prevailed indoors and in ambient air. Aspergillus concentrations indoors correlated significantly with the concentration of the coarse fraction (PM10) of particulate matter. The genus Penicillium increased indoors during late spring and summer, in temperature 20-23 °C and relative humidity 42-53% and also predominated in ambient air, both indicative of multiple anthropogenic sources of amplification. The evidence about the green roof positive effect on microbial indoor air quality (mIAQ) is a matter of concern for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Pyrri
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Biology, Section of Ecology & Systematics, Panepistimioupoli, Athens GR-157 84, Greece.
| | - Artemis Zoma
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Biology, Section of Ecology & Systematics, Panepistimioupoli, Athens GR-157 84, Greece; University of Bern, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Cell Biology, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaos Barmparesos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Physics, Section of Applied Physics, Panepistimioupoli, Athens GR-157 84, Greece
| | - Margarita Niki Assimakopoulos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Physics, Section of Applied Physics, Panepistimioupoli, Athens GR-157 84, Greece
| | - Vasiliki D Assimakopoulos
- National Observatory of Athens, Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, Lofos Koufou, GR-152 36 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kapsanaki-Gotsi
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Biology, Section of Ecology & Systematics, Panepistimioupoli, Athens GR-157 84, Greece
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16
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Asthma rehabilitation at high vs. low altitude and its impact on exhaled nitric oxide and sensitization patterns: Randomized parallel-group trial. Respir Med 2020; 170:106040. [PMID: 32843171 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergens and pollution are reduced at high altitude. We investigated the effect of asthma rehabilitation at high altitude (HA, 3100 m) compared to low altitude (LA, 760 m) on exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and on specific IgE levels for house dust mites (HDM,d1) and common pollen (sx1). METHODS For this randomized controlled trial adult asthmatics living <1000 m were randomly assigned to a 3-week in-hospital-rehabilitation (education, physical- and breathing-exercises) at either LA or HA. Changes in FeNO, d1 and sx1 from baseline to end-rehabilitation were measured. RESULTS 50 asthmatics (34 females) were randomized [mean ± standard deviation LA: n = 25, 44 ± 11 years, total IgE 267 ± 365kU/l; HA: n = 25, 43 ± 13 years, total IgE 350 ± 445kU/l]. FeNO significantly improved at HA from 69 ± 56 ppb at baseline to the first day at altitude 23 ± 19 ppb and remained decreased until end-rehabilitation with 37 ± 23 ppb, mean difference 95%CI -31(-50 to -13, p = 0.001) whereas at LA FeNO did not change. A significant decrease in d1 and sx1 at end-rehabilitation was observed in the LA-group [mean difference 95%CI -10.2 kUA/l (-18.9 to -1.4) for d1 and -4.95 kUA/l(-9.69 to -0.21) for sx1] but not in the HA-group. No significant difference between groups [d1 5.9 kUA/l(-4.2 to 16.2) and sx1 4.4 kUA/l(-3.5 to 12.4)] was found. CONCLUSION Rehabilitation at HA led to significant FeNO reduction starting from the first day until end-rehabilitation despite unchanged levels of specific IgE. The significant decrease in d1 and sx1 at end-rehabilitation in the LA group might be explained by less HDM in the hospital and/or reduced seasonal pollen, as this decrease was not observed at HA.
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17
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Chen L, Fang K, Dong XF, Yang AL, Li YX, Zhang HB. Characterization of the fungal community in the canopy air of the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora and its potential to cause plant diseases. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230822. [PMID: 32214396 PMCID: PMC7098561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne fungi and their ecological functions have been largely ignored in plant invasions. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to characterize the airborne fungi in the canopy air of the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora. Then, representative phytopathogenic strains were isolated from A. adenophora leaf spots and their virulence to A.adenophora as well as common native plants in the invaded range was tested. The fungal alpha diversities were not different between the sampling sites or between the high/low part of the canopy air, but fungal co-occurrences were less common in the high than in the low part of the canopy air. Interestingly, we found that the phytopathogenic Didymellaceae fungi co-occurred more frequently with themselves than with other fungi. Disease experiments indicated that all 5 Didymellaceae strains could infect A. adenophora as well as the 16 tested native plants and that there was large variation in the virulence and host range. Our data suggested that the diverse pathogens in the canopy air might be a disease infection source that weakens the competition of invasive weeds, a novel phenomenon that remains to be explored in other invasive plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Kai Fang
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xing-Fan Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ai-Ling Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Han-Bo Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- * E-mail:
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18
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Tham R, Erbas B, Dharmage SC, Tang ML, Aldakheel F, Lodge CJ, Thomas PS, Taylor PE, Abramson MJ, Lowe AJ. Outdoor fungal spores and acute respiratory effects in vulnerable individuals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 178:108675. [PMID: 31450143 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many outdoor fungal spores are ubiquitous, respirable and possibly allergenic. They may contribute to asthma symptoms; however, little is known about their effects on respiratory function. OBJECTIVE To investigate if outdoor fungal spore levels were associated with lung function or airway inflammation, and whether fungal sensitization or current asthma modified any associations. METHODS Cross-sectional associations between same day (Lag0) and cumulative 3-day lagged (Lag0-3) counts of 12 outdoor fungal spore taxa and pre-bronchodilator spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEF25%-75%), bronchodilator response (BDR) and airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) nitrogen oxides (NOx) and pH were investigated in 936 Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study participants during September 2009 to December 2011. Generalized linear models were used to quantify associations with lung function, FeNO and EBC pH; generalized estimating equations for BDR; and ordinal logistic regression for EBC NOx. Models were adjusted for age, sex, height, temperature, relative humidity, grass pollen and sample storage time. Potential effect modification by fungal sensitization and current asthma were examined using interaction terms. RESULTS Mixed associations were found. Higher levels of Ustilago/smuts were associated with lower lung function at Lag0 (FEV1: 21ml [95%CI -36, -7]; FEF25%-75%: 39ml [-65, -13]) and Lag0-3 (FEV1: 9ml [-14, -4]; FEF25%-75% -18ml [-27, -9]). Positive BDR was associated with Ustilago/smuts (Lag0 OR = 1.1 [1.04, 1.2]; Lag0-3 OR = 1.04 [1.02, 1.07]), Alternaria (Lag0 OR = 1.3 [1.0, 1.6]) and Drechslera (Lag0 OR = 1.1 [1.03, 1.2]). Higher EBC NOx was associated with Cladosporium (Lag0-3 OR = 1.1 [1.0, 1.2]), Alternaria (Lag0-3 OR = 1.1 [1.0, 1.3]). No associations were found with higher FeNO. In those with fungal sensitization, Ustilago/smuts and Drechslera were associated with lower FEV1 and FVC; Cladosporium was associated with increased FEV1, FVC and FEF25%-75% but also with higher FeNO and lower EBC pH. In those with current asthma, Alternaria, Ustilago/smuts and Drechslera were associated with lower FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75% and EBC pH. CONCLUSION Exposure to outdoor fungal spores may be associated with lower lung function and increased airway inflammation, particularly in those with fungal sensitization and/or current asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tham
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Mimi Lk Tang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fahad Aldakheel
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul S Thomas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip E Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Čelakovská J, Bukač J, Vaňková R, Krcmova I, Krejsek J, Andrýs C. Sensitisation to molecular allergens of Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus in atopic dermatitis patients. FOOD AGR IMMUNOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2019.1660624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jarmila Čelakovská
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Bukač
- Department of Medical Biophysic, Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Vaňková
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Irena Krcmova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Krejsek
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Ctirad Andrýs
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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20
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Fernández-Soto R, Navarrete-Rodríguez EM, Del-Rio-Navarro BE, Sienra-Monge JJL, Meneses-Sánchez NA, Saucedo-Ramírez OJ. Fungal Allergy: Pattern of sensitization over the past 11 years. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2018; 46:557-564. [PMID: 29739683 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Although the prevalence of sensitization to fungi is not precisely known, it can reach 50% in inner cities and has been identified as a risk factor in the development of asthma. Whereas the prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing, it is unclear whether the same occurs with sensitization to fungi. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective study was performed at the "Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez". From skin tests taken between 2004 and 2015, information was gathered about Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cladosporium herbarum, Mucor mucedo and Penicillium notatum. The participating patients were 2-18 years old, presented some type of allergic condition, and underwent immediate hypersensitivity tests to the fungi herein examined. Descriptive analysis and chi-squared distribution were used. RESULTS Of the 8794 patients included in the study, 14% showed a negative result to the entire panel of environmental allergens. The remaining 7565 individuals displayed sensitization to at least one fungus, which most frequently was Aspergillus, with a rate of 16.8%. When the patients were divided into age groups, the same trend was observed. The highest percentage of sensitization (58%) toward at least one type of fungus was found in 2014, and the lowest percentage (49.8%) in 2008. CONCLUSION The rate of sensitization to at least one type of fungus was presently over 50%, higher than that detected in other medical centers in Mexico. This rate was constant over the 11-year study, and Aspergillus exhibited the greatest frequency of sensitization among the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Fernández-Soto
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - E M Navarrete-Rodríguez
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - B E Del-Rio-Navarro
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J J Luis Sienra-Monge
- Subdirección de Pediatria Ambulatoria. Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - N A Meneses-Sánchez
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - O J Saucedo-Ramírez
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
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21
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Li X, Zhang X, Liu Q, Zhao W, Liu S, Sui G. Microfluidic System for Rapid Detection of Airborne Pathogenic Fungal Spores. ACS Sens 2018; 3:2095-2103. [PMID: 30264565 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.8b00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Airborne fungi, including Aspergillus species, are the major causes of human asthma. Direct capture and analysis of pathogenic fungi in indoor air is important for disease prevention and control. In this paper, we demonstrated an integrated microfluidic system capable of enrichment and high-throughput detection for airborne fungal spores of Aspergillus niger, a well-known allergenic harmful species. The microfluidic system allowed semiquantitative detection of Aspergillus niger spores based on immunofluorescence analysis. To assess its contaminated level, the whole analysis time could be completed in 2-3 h including ∼1 h of enrichment and ∼1 h of target detection. The detection limit was ∼20 spores, equivalent to ∼300 spores·m-3 of the concerned targets in air. In addition, the microfluidic system has integrated sampling and sample analysis to avoid additional sample concentration step, showing the potential for point-of-care detection for other pathogenic fungal spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xinlian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Qi Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Wang Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Sixiu Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Guodong Sui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, No. 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
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22
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Caillaud D, Cheriaux M, Martin S, Ségala C, Dupuy N, Evrard B, Thibaudon M. Short-term effect of outdoor mould spore exposure on prescribed allergy medication sales in Central France. Clin Exp Allergy 2018; 48:837-845. [PMID: 29698555 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor moulds are classically associated with exacerbations of asthma. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper was to examine nasal allergy morbidity by studying the short-term relationship between mould spore exposure and daily sales of reimbursable anti-allergic treatment in central France. METHODS The relationship between daily changes in mould concentrations and daily sales obtained from the national healthcare database was analysed with generalized additive models, taking into account confounding factors such as air pollution, weather conditions, pollen counts, and days of the week. RESULTS During the study, the average total yearly number of treated people was around 10 000 over approximately 230 000 surveyed. The relative risk (95% CI confidence interval) of sales of oral antihistamines with topical treatment associated with an interquartile increase in mould concentration was significant for Cladosporium 1.079 [1.019-1.142] and Aspergillus-Penicillium (Asp-Pen) 1.051 [1.021-1.082] in the whole population. When the influence of age and sex was considered, the relationship was significant only in male children aged 0-12 years and those aged between 13 and 49 years for Cladosporium: 1.256 [1.081-1.460] and 1.151 [1.063-1.245], respectively. The relationship was also significant for Asp-Pen: 1.038 [1.003-1.075] for those aged between 13 and 49 years and 1.056 [1.007-1.108] for adults over 50 years of age. CONCLUSION The association between prescribed daily sales of oral antihistamines with topical treatment sales is associated with temporal changes to Cladosporium and Aspergillus-Penicillium in the whole population. When the influence of age and sex was considered, these two moulds contributed to prescribed medication sales only in the male general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Caillaud
- Pulmonary Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M Cheriaux
- Pulmonary Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | | | - N Dupuy
- Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique, Brussieu, France
| | - B Evrard
- Service d'Immunologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, INRA, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M Thibaudon
- Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique, Brussieu, France
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23
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Abstract
Fungi are increasingly being recognized as common members of the microbiomes found on nearly all mucosal surfaces, and interest is growing in understanding how these organisms may contribute to health and disease. In this review, we investigate recent developments in our understanding of the fungal microbiota or "mycobiota" including challenges faced in characterizing it, where these organisms are found, their diversity, and how they interact with host immunity. Growing evidence indicates that, like the bacterial microbiota, the fungal microbiota is often altered in disease states, and increasingly studies are being designed to probe the functional consequences of such fungal dysbiosis on health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J Limon
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Joseph H Skalski
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - David M Underhill
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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24
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Caillaud D, Cheriaux M, Charpin D, Chaabane N, Thibaudon M. [Outdoor moulds and respiratory health]. Rev Mal Respir 2018; 35:188-196. [PMID: 29477567 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mould spores constitute the largest portion of biologic particulate matter suspended in the outdoor atmosphere. There is no universal method for collecting airborne mould spores. The most used sampler, Hirst's apparatus, operates continuously and gives results in individual spores per cubic metre of air. Spore concentrations depend on available substrates, human activities such as agriculture, season, diurnal meteorological variations and climate changes. Under natural conditions, concentrations of over 100,000 spores per cubic metre are not exceptional. Cladosporium is the most commonly identified outdoor mould. The association between respiratory health and outdoor mould spore exposure has been assessed in clinical studies, and also by cross-sectional, and less often longitudinal, epidemiological studies. The relationship between asthma exacerbations and specific mould spores has been demonstrated in longitudinal studies. Cross sectional studies have related measurements of mould spore concentrations to severity of bronchial symptoms, drug consumption and peak-flow measurements in groups of asthmatic subjects. Ecological time-series studies use daily indicators of asthma exacerbations (emergency room visits, hospitalizations) within the general population. The moulds mainly incriminated are Cladosporium and Alternaria. They are associated with seasonal, but also perennial, asthma and rhinitis. Further studies are needed to better assess the impact of outdoor moulds on health, particularly basidiomycetes. Studies with molecular biology tools are probably a way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Caillaud
- Service de pneumologie-allergologie, université d'Auvergne, CHU de G-Montpied, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - M Cheriaux
- Service de pneumologie-allergologie, université d'Auvergne, CHU de G-Montpied, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - D Charpin
- Inserm U 1067, clinique des bronches, allergie et sommeil, hôpital Nord 2, Aix-Marseille université, 13000 Aix-Marseille, France
| | - N Chaabane
- Service de pneumologie-allergologie, université d'Auvergne, CHU de G-Montpied, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M Thibaudon
- Réseau national de surveillance aérobiologique (RNSA), 69690 Brussieu, France
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Celakovská J, Josef B, Ettler K, Vaneckova J, Ettlerova K, Jan K. Sensitization to Fungi in Atopic Dermatitis Patients 14 Year and Older - Association with Other Atopic Diseases and Parameters. Indian J Dermatol 2018; 63:391-398. [PMID: 30210160 PMCID: PMC6124231 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_493_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fungi as a source of allergen are still largely neglected in basic research as well as in clinical practice. This study aimed to highlight the impact of fungal allergens in a group of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD). Aims and Objectives: The evaluation of the sensitization to fungi in AD patients aged 14 year and older and the evaluation of the relation of fungal sensitization to the occurrence of other atopic diseases and parameters. Materials and Methods: All patients satisfying inclusion criteria attending our hospital between 2008 and 2017 were included in the study. The complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed in all included patients including examination of specific immunoglobulin E, skin prick test to mixture of fungi and inhalant allergens, evaluation of asthma bronchiale, rhinitis, onset of AD, family history about atopy, duration of eczematous lesions, severity of AD. Pairs of these categories were entered in the contingency tables and the Chi-square test for relationship of these variables was performed with the level of significance set below 5%. Results: Three hundred and thirty-one patients were included in the study; the average age was 26.8 years. The sensitization to fungi was recorded in 100 patients (30%). In these patients, the occurrence of asthma bronchiale, rhinitis, family history about atopy, sensitization to grass and trees was significantly higher than in patients without sensitization to fungi. We did not find any significant relation between the sensitization to fungi and the severity of AD, no relation was also found between the sensitization to fungi and sensitization to mites, animal dander, bird feather, and dust. Conclusion: The occurrence of asthma bronchiale, rhinitis, family history about atopy, sensitization to grass and trees was significantly higher in AD patients with sensitization to fungi. No relation was found between the severity of AD and the sensitization to fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarmila Celakovská
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Bukac Josef
- Department of Medical Biophysic, Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Ettler
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslava Vaneckova
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Kvetuse Ettlerova
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Outpatient Clinic, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Krejsek Jan
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Abstract
Fungi must meet four criteria to infect humans: growth at human body temperatures, circumvention or penetration of surface barriers, lysis and absorption of tissue, and resistance to immune defenses, including elevated body temperatures. Morphogenesis between small round, detachable cells and long, connected cells is the mechanism by which fungi solve problems of locomotion around or through host barriers. Secretion of lytic enzymes, and uptake systems for the released nutrients, are necessary if a fungus is to nutritionally utilize human tissue. Last, the potent human immune system evolved in the interaction with potential fungal pathogens, so few fungi meet all four conditions for a healthy human host. Paradoxically, the advances of modern medicine have made millions of people newly susceptible to fungal infections by disrupting immune defenses. This article explores how different members of four fungal phyla use different strategies to fulfill the four criteria to infect humans: the Entomophthorales, the Mucorales, the Ascomycota, and the Basidiomycota. Unique traits confer human pathogenic potential on various important members of these phyla: pathogenic Onygenales comprising thermal dimorphs such as Histoplasma and Coccidioides; the Cryptococcus spp. that infect immunocompromised as well as healthy humans; and important pathogens of immunocompromised patients-Candida, Pneumocystis, and Aspergillus spp. Also discussed are agents of neglected tropical diseases important in global health such as mycetoma and paracoccidiomycosis and common pathogens rarely implicated in serious illness such as dermatophytes. Commensalism is considered, as well as parasitism, in shaping genomes and physiological systems of hosts and fungi during evolution.
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Beggs PJ, Šikoparija B, Smith M. Aerobiology in the International Journal of Biometeorology, 1957-2017. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2017; 61:51-58. [PMID: 28607999 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Aerobiology and biometeorology are related fields. Here we provide a broad review of aerobiology articles published in the International Journal of Biometeorology (IJB) over the past 60 years. We consider how the quantity of such work has varied over this period as well as which regions and countries have been the focus of such work, and where there is a relative paucity. We then focus on a number of highlights and themes in this research, including aerobiology and climate change and aerobiological modelling and forecasting. While much of the article focusses on airborne pollen research, we also discuss the extent to which other airborne organic particles such as fungal spores and bacteria have been the focus of research published in IJB. Also considered are knowledge gaps and research needs and priorities with respect to the field of aerobiology. While the IJB has been one of the main platforms for presenting aerobiological research over recent decades, the article highlights the need for the field of aerobiology to embrace new sampling technologies such as spectral analysis and next-generation sequencing to identify and quantify airborne biological particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Beggs
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Branko Šikoparija
- BioSense Institute, Research Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Matt Smith
- Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
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Susanto NH, Vicendese D, Salim A, Lowe AJ, Dharmage SC, Tham R, Lodge C, Garden F, Allen K, Svanes C, Heinrich J, Abramson MJ, Erbas B. Effect of season of birth on cord blood IgE and IgE at birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 157:198-205. [PMID: 28575785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated cord blood IgE is important on the pathway to allergic disease. The association between season of birth and infant cord blood IgE is not well-established. Study findings differ on which birth season is associated with higher cord blood IgE risk and its magnitude. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on season of birth and cord blood IgE. METHODS We searched Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest Health databases, and reviewed reference lists of articles that met the inclusion criteria. All included studies measured IgE as a binary variable using various cut-off values. We performed multivariate-random-effects meta-analysis to handle an exposure with multiple categories of Season of Birth. RESULTS Our search identified 275 records and 10 had sufficient data to be included in a meta-analysis. Relative to summer, winter birth had the greatest odds of high IgE (≥ 0.1IU/ml), meta-analysis OR = 1.24 (95%CI: 1.01-1.52). A similar OR, was found for IgE ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, OR = 1.30 (95%CI: 0.99-1.71). CONCLUSIONS A winter season of birth was associated with statistically significant higher odds of elevated cord blood IgE at cut-off ≥ 0.1IU/ml but borderline at cut-off ≥ 0.5IU/ml. This winter effect is likely to be a marker for a range of other environmental exposures during specific stages of pregnancy, such as aeroallergen exposures, maternal infections and vitamin D levels. Further research is required to support our finding and to identify the exact mechanisms that lead to the winter season of birth effect on circulating IgE levels, as this may have implications for allergic disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nugroho Harry Susanto
- School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia; Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Diseases (INA-RESPOND), Jakarta, Indonesia; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Don Vicendese
- Cancer Council of Victoria, Melbourne, Vic 3004, Australia
| | - Agus Salim
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Tham
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Frances Garden
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia; South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katie Allen
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - Cecilie Svanes
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway and Department Occupational Medicine, Haukelan, University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia.
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Tham R, Katelaris CH, Vicendese D, Dharmage SC, Lowe AJ, Bowatte G, Taylor P, Burton P, Abramson MJ, Erbas B. The role of outdoor fungi on asthma hospital admissions in children and adolescents: A 5-year time stratified case-crossover analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:42-49. [PMID: 28024227 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some fungal spores can trigger asthma exacerbation but knowledge of which outdoor fungal spores contribute to asthma hospitalisation is limited. OBJECTIVES To examine the role of outdoor fungal spores in child and adolescent asthma hospitalisations. METHODS We conducted a bi-directional time-stratified case-crossover study of child and adolescent asthma hospitalisations over 5 years. Conditional logistic regression assessed the role of 20 fungi taxa (Same day [L0] and lagged [L1-3]) adjusted for maximum temperature, humidity and grass pollen. Strata specific effects were explored if there was evidence of effect modification by age, sex, air pollutants or grass pollen. Non-linear effects examined with Generalized Additive Models. RESULTS Of 2098 children hospitalised for asthma, 60% were boys; mean age was 5.5±3.7 years. Fungal spore counts peaked during warm months. Regression models found weak associations with Coprinus [L0,L1: OR=1.03, 1.01-1.06], Periconia [L0: OR=1.03, 1.001-1.07] and Chaetomium [L2: OR=1.08, 1.0-1.2]. Sex appeared to act as an effect modifier with girls having stronger associations with Cladosporium, Coprinus and total fungi. Older adolescent (14-18 years) hospitalisation was significantly associated with Coprinus and Ustilago/smuts. Air pollutants and grass pollen did not appear to act as effect modifiers. Non-linearity was not detected. CONCLUSION There may be associations between some outdoor fungal spores and asthma hospitalisations. Further research needed to explore whether these findings can be replicated; and examine whether fungal sensitisation and/or human rhinovirus infections are associated with stronger effects. If findings are replicated, then the need to develop predictive models for fungal spore distribution and levels may become more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tham
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Constance H Katelaris
- Western Sydney University, Department of Medicine, Immunology and Allergy, Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Don Vicendese
- School of Public Health, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Gayan Bowatte
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Philip Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Pamela Burton
- Western Sydney University, Department of Medicine, Immunology and Allergy, Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Michael J Abramson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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Chen K, Glonek G, Hansen A, Williams S, Tuke J, Salter A, Bi P. The effects of air pollution on asthma hospital admissions in Adelaide, South Australia, 2003-2013: time-series and case-crossover analyses. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:1416-1430. [PMID: 27513706 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution can have adverse health effects on asthma sufferers, but the effects vary with geographic, environmental and population characteristics. There has been no long time-series study in Australia to quantify the effects of environmental factors including pollen on asthma hospitalizations. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the seasonal impact of air pollutants and aeroallergens on the risk of asthma hospital admissions for adults and children in Adelaide, South Australia. METHODS Data on hospital admissions, meteorological conditions, air quality and pollen counts for the period 2003-2013 were sourced. Time-series analysis and case-crossover analysis were used to assess the short-term effects of air pollution on asthma hospitalizations. For the time-series analysis, generalized log-linear quasi-Poisson and negative binomial regressions were used to assess the relationships, controlling for seasonality and long-term trends using flexible spline functions. For the case-crossover analysis, conditional logistic regression was used to compute the effect estimates with time-stratified referent selection strategies. RESULTS A total of 36,024 asthma admissions were considered. Findings indicated that the largest effects on asthma admissions related to PM2.5 , NO2 , PM10 and pollen were found in the cool season for children (0-17 years), with the 5-day cumulative effects of 30.2% (95% CI: 13.4-49.6%), 12.5% (95% CI: 6.6-18.7%), 8.3% (95% CI: 2.5-14.4%) and 4.2% (95% CI: 2.2-6.1%) increases in risk of asthma hospital admissions per 10 unit increments, respectively. The largest effect for ozone was found in the warm season for children with the 5-day cumulative effect of an 11.7% (95% CI: 5.8-17.9%) increase in risk of asthma hospital admissions per 10 ppb increment in ozone level. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that children are more vulnerable and the associations between exposure to air pollutants and asthma hospitalizations tended to be stronger in the cool season compared to the warm season, with the exception of ozone. This study has important public health implications and provides valuable evidence for the development of policies for asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Chen
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - G Glonek
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - A Hansen
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - S Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - J Tuke
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - A Salter
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - P Bi
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Tham R, Vicendese D, Dharmage SC, Hyndman RJ, Newbigin E, Lewis E, O'Sullivan M, Lowe AJ, Taylor P, Bardin P, Tang MLK, Abramson MJ, Erbas B. Associations between outdoor fungal spores and childhood and adolescent asthma hospitalizations. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 139:1140-1147.e4. [PMID: 27523960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood asthma is a significant public health problem and severe exacerbations can result in diminished quality of life and hospitalization. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the contribution of outdoor fungi to childhood and adolescent asthma hospitalizations. METHODS The Melbourne Air Pollen Children and Adolescent study is a case-crossover study of 644 children and adolescents (aged 2-17 years) hospitalized for asthma. The Melbourne Air Pollen Children and Adolescent study collected individual data on human rhinovirus infection and sensitization to Alternaria and Cladosporium and daily counts of ambient concentrations of fungal spores, pollen, and air pollutants. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess associations with increases in spore counts while controlling for potential confounding and testing interactions. RESULTS Exposure to Alternaria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11), Leptosphaeria (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07), Coprinus (aOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07), Drechslera (aOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05), and total spores (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09) was significantly associated with child asthma hospitalizations independent of human rhinovirus infection. There were significant lagged effects up to 3 days with Alternaria, Leptosphaeria, Cladosporium, Sporormiella, Coprinus, and Drechslera. Some of these associations were significantly greater in participants with Cladosporium sensitization. CONCLUSIONS Exposures to several outdoor fungal spore taxa, including some not reported in previous research, are associated with the risk of child and adolescent asthma hospitalization, particularly in individuals sensitized to Cladosporium. We need further studies to examine cross-reactivity causing asthma exacerbations. Identifying sensitization to multiple fungal allergens in children with asthma could support the design and implementation of more effective strategies to prevent asthma exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tham
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Don Vicendese
- School of Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rob J Hyndman
- Department of Econometrics & Business Statistics, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ed Newbigin
- School of Biosciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emma Lewis
- School of Biosciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Molly O'Sullivan
- Allergy & Immune Disorders, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Allergy & Immune Disorders, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philip Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Philip Bardin
- Monash Lung & Sleep, Monash Medical Centre and University and Hudson Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mimi L K Tang
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Allergy & Immune Disorders, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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Ezike DN, Nnamani CV, Ogundipe OT, Adekanmbi OH. Airborne pollen and fungal spores in Garki, Abuja (North-Central Nigeria). AEROBIOLOGIA 2016; 32:697-707. [PMID: 27890967 PMCID: PMC5106507 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-016-9443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The ambient atmosphere is dominated with pollen and spores, which trigger allergic reactions and diseases and impact negatively on human health. A survey of pollen and fungal spores constituents of the atmosphere of Garki, Abuja (North-Central Nigeria) was carried out for 1 year (June 1, 2011-May 31, 2012). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and abundance of pollen and fungal spores in the atmosphere and their relationship with meteorological parameters. Airborne samples were trapped using modified Tauber-like pollen trap, and the recipient solutions were subjected to acetolysis. Results revealed the abundance of fungal spores, pollen, fern spores, algal cysts and diatoms in decreasing order of dominance. The atmosphere was qualitatively and quantitatively dominated by pollen during the period of late rainy/harmattan season than the rainy season. Numerous fungal spores were trapped throughout the sampling periods among which Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Cladosporium spp. and Curvularia spp. dominated. These fungi have been implicated in allergic diseases and are dermatophytic, causing diverse skin diseases. Other pathogenic fungi found in the studied aeroflora were Dreschlera spp., Helminthosporium spp., Torula spp., Pithomyces spp., Tetraploa spp., Nigrospora ssp., Spadicoides spp., Puccinia spp. and Erysiphe graminis. Total pollen and fungal spores counts do not show significant correlation with meteorological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimphna Nneka Ezike
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi Nigeria
| | - Catherine V. Nnamani
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi Nigeria
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Rintala H, Pitkäranta M, Täubel M. Microbial communities associated with house dust. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2016; 78:75-120. [PMID: 22305094 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394805-2.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
House dust is a complex mixture of inorganic and organic material with microbes in abundance. Few microbial species are actually able to grow and proliferate in dust and only if enough moisture is provided. Hence, most of the microbial content originates from sources other than the dust itself. The most important sources of microbes in house dust are outdoor air and other outdoor material tracked into the buildings, occupants of the buildings including pets and microbial growth on moist construction materials. Based on numerous cultivation studies, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and about 20 other fungal genera are the most commonly isolated genera from house dust. The cultivable bacterial flora is dominated by Gram-positive genera, such as Staplylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Lactococcus. Culture-independent studies have shown that both the fungal and the bacterial flora are far more diverse, with estimates of up to 500-1000 different species being present in house dust. Concentrations of microbes in house dust vary from nondetectable to 10(9) cells g(-1) dust, depending on the dust type, detection method, type of the indoor environment and season, among other factors. Microbial assemblages in different house dust types usually share the same core species; however, alterations in the composition are caused by differing sources of microbes for different dust types. For example, mattress dust is dominated by species originating from the user of the mattress, whereas floor dust reflects rather outdoor sources. Farming homes contain higher microbial load than urban homes and according to a recent study, temperate climate zones show higher dust microbial diversity than tropical zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Rintala
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, Kuopio, Finland.
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Weikl F, Tischer C, Probst AJ, Heinrich J, Markevych I, Jochner S, Pritsch K. Fungal and Bacterial Communities in Indoor Dust Follow Different Environmental Determinants. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154131. [PMID: 27100967 PMCID: PMC4839684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
People spend most of their time inside buildings and the indoor microbiome is a major part of our everyday environment. It affects humans’ wellbeing and therefore its composition is important for use in inferring human health impacts. It is still not well understood how environmental conditions affect indoor microbial communities. Existing studies have mostly focussed on the local (e.g., building units) or continental scale and rarely on the regional scale, e.g. a specific metropolitan area. Therefore, we wanted to identify key environmental determinants for the house dust microbiome from an existing collection of spatially (area of Munich, Germany) and temporally (301 days) distributed samples and to determine changes in the community as a function of time. To that end, dust samples that had been collected once from the living room floors of 286 individual households, were profiled for fungal and bacterial community variation and diversity using microbial fingerprinting techniques. The profiles were tested for their association with occupant behaviour, building characteristics, outdoor pollution, vegetation, and urbanization. Our results showed that more environmental and particularly outdoor factors (vegetation, urbanization, airborne particulate matter) affected the community composition of indoor fungi than of bacteria. The passage of time affected fungi and, surprisingly, also strongly affected bacteria. We inferred that fungal communities in indoor dust changed semi-annually, whereas bacterial communities paralleled outdoor plant phenological periods. These differences in temporal dynamics cannot be fully explained and should be further investigated in future studies on indoor microbiomes.
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MESH Headings
- Air Microbiology
- Air Pollution/analysis
- Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis
- Air Pollution, Indoor/statistics & numerical data
- Bacteria/classification
- Bacteria/genetics
- Bacteria/growth & development
- DNA Fingerprinting/methods
- DNA, Bacterial/analysis
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Fungal/analysis
- DNA, Fungal/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/analysis
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- Dust/analysis
- Environmental Monitoring/methods
- Environmental Monitoring/statistics & numerical data
- Family Characteristics
- Fungi/classification
- Fungi/genetics
- Fungi/growth & development
- Germany
- Housing/statistics & numerical data
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Microbiota/genetics
- Microbiota/physiology
- Particulate Matter/analysis
- Population Dynamics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- Seasons
- Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
- Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Weikl
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- * E-mail: ;
| | - Christina Tischer
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexander J. Probst
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Jochner
- Physical Geography / Landscape Ecology and Sustainable Ecosystem Development, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
| | - Karin Pritsch
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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Gabriel MF, Postigo I, Tomaz CT, Martínez J. Alternaria alternata allergens: Markers of exposure, phylogeny and risk of fungi-induced respiratory allergy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 89-90:71-80. [PMID: 26826364 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Alternaria alternata spores are considered a well-known biological contaminant and a very common potent aeroallergen source that is found in environmental samples. The most intense exposure to A. alternata allergens is likely to occur outdoors; however, Alternaria and other allergenic fungi can colonize in indoor environments and thereby increase the fungal aeroallergen exposure levels. A consequence of human exposure to fungal aeroallergens, sensitization to A. alternata, has been unequivocally associated with increased asthma severity. Among allergenic proteins described in this fungal specie, the major allergen, Alt a 1, has been reported as the main elicitor of airborne allergies in patients affected by a mold allergy and considered a marker of primary sensitization to A. alternata. Moreover, A. alternata sensitization seems to be a triggering factor in the development of poly-sensitization, most likely because of the capability of A. alternata to produce, in addition to Alt a 1, a broad and complex array of cross-reactive allergens that present homologs in several other allergenic sources. The study and understanding of A. alternata allergen information may be the key to explaining why sensitization to A. alternata is a risk factor for asthma and also why the severity of asthma is associated to this mold. Compared to other common environmental allergenic sources, such as pollens and dust mites, fungi are reported to be neglected and underestimated. The rise of the A. alternata allergy has enabled more research into the role of this fungal specie and its allergenic components in the induction of IgE-mediated respiratory diseases. Indeed, recent research on the identification and characterization of A. alternata allergens has allowed for the consideration of new perspectives in the categorization of allergenic molds, assessment of exposure and diagnosis of fungi-induced allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta F Gabriel
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain; Department of Chemistry and CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Idoia Postigo
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Cândida T Tomaz
- Department of Chemistry and CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jorge Martínez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain.
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Abstract
A gathering body of evidence has repeatedly revealed associations between indoor fungi and initiation, promotion, and exacerbation of allergic respiratory disease. The relationship between the exposure and outcome are complicated by the difficulties in measuring both exposure and outcome, the multifactorial nature of the disease, and the wide range of potential confounders. New technologies are becoming available that may enable better measurement of exposure and tighter case definitions so as to build more confidence in the associations discovered. The growing strength of the evidence base will aid the design of future public health interventions and generate new hypotheses on the cause of the rapid increase in allergic respiratory disease prevalence.
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Abstract
Inhaling indoor air is the primary means by which humans are exposed to bioaerosols. Considering bacteria, fungi, and viruses, this study reviews the dynamic processes that govern indoor concentrations and fates of biological particulate material. Bioaerosol behavior is strongly coupled to particle size; this study emphasizes the range 0.1-10 μm in aerodynamic diameter. The principle of material balance allows concentrations to be determined from knowledge of important source and removal processes. Sources reviewed here include outdoor air introduced by air exchange plus indoor emission from occupants, occupant activities, and moldy materials. Important mechanisms that remove bioaerosols from indoor air include air exchange, deposition onto indoor surfaces, and active filtration. The review summarizes knowledge about size-dependent particle deposition in different regions of the respiratory tract, techniques for measuring indoor bioaerosols, and evidence for diseases caused by airborne exposure to bioaerosols. Future research challenges and opportunities are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W Nazaroff
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Fukutomi Y, Taniguchi M. Sensitization to fungal allergens: Resolved and unresolved issues. Allergol Int 2015; 64:321-31. [PMID: 26433528 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure and sensitization to fungal allergens can promote the development and worsening of allergic diseases. Although numerous species of fungi have been associated with allergic diseases in the literature, the significance of fungi from the genera Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Malassezia has been well documented. However, it should be emphasized that the contribution of different fungal allergens to allergic diseases is not identical, but species-specific. Alternaria and Cladosporium species are considered to be important outdoor allergens, and sensitization and exposure to species of these genera is related to the development of asthma and rhinitis, as well as epidemics of asthma exacerbation, including life-threatening asthma exacerbation. In contrast, xerophilic species of Penicillium and Aspergillus, excluding Aspergillus fumigatus, are implicated in allergic diseases as indoor allergens. A. fumigatus has a high capacity to colonize the bronchial tract of asthmatic patients, causing severe persistent asthma and low lung function, and sometimes leading to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Malassezia are common commensals of healthy skin, although they are also associated with atopic dermatitis, especially on the head and neck, but not with respiratory allergies. Despite its importance in the management of allergic diseases, precise recognition of species-specific IgE sensitization to fungal allergens is often challenging because the majority of fungal extracts exhibit broad cross-reactivity with taxonomically unrelated fungi. Recent progress in gene technology has contributed to the identification of specific and cross-reactive allergen components from different fungal sources. However, data demonstrating the clinical relevance of IgE reactivity to these allergen components are still insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Fukutomi
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Masami Taniguchi
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
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Weikl F, Radl V, Munch JC, Pritsch K. Targeting allergenic fungi in agricultural environments aids the identification of major sources and potential risks for human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 529:223-30. [PMID: 26022406 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are, after pollen, the second most important producers of outdoor airborne allergens. To identify sources of airborne fungal allergens, a workflow for qPCR quantification from environmental samples was developed, thoroughly tested, and finally applied. We concentrated on determining the levels of allergenic fungi belonging to Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Trichoderma in plant and soil samples from agricultural fields in which cereals were grown. Our aims were to identify the major sources of allergenic fungi and factors potentially influencing their occurrence. Plant materials were the main source of the tested fungi at and after harvest. Amounts of A. alternata and C. cladosporioides varied significantly in fields under different management conditions, but absolute levels were very high in all cases. This finding suggests that high numbers of allergenic fungi may be an inevitable side effect of farming in several crops. Applied in large-scale studies, the concept described here may help to explain the high number of sensitization to airborne fungal allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Weikl
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - V Radl
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Unit Environmental Genomics, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - J C Munch
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - K Pritsch
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany.
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40
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Yamamoto N, Hospodsky D, Dannemiller KC, Nazaroff WW, Peccia J. Indoor emissions as a primary source of airborne allergenic fungal particles in classrooms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:5098-106. [PMID: 25794178 DOI: 10.1021/es506165z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study quantifies the influence of ventilation and indoor emissions on concentrations and particle sizes of airborne indoor allergenic fungal taxa and further examines geographical variability, each of which may affect personal exposures to allergenic fungi. Quantitative PCR and multiplexed DNA sequencing were employed to count and identify allergenic fungal aerosol particles indoors and outdoors in seven school classrooms in four different countries. Quantitative diversity analysis was combined with building characterization and mass balance modeling to apportion source contributions of indoor allergenic airborne fungal particles. Mass balance calculations indicate that 70% of indoor fungal aerosol particles and 80% of airborne allergenic fungal taxa were associated with indoor emissions; on average, 81% of allergenic fungi from indoor sources originated from occupant-generated emissions. Principal coordinate analysis revealed geographical variations in fungal communities among sites in China, Europe, and North America (p < 0.05, analysis of similarity), demonstrating that geography may also affect personal exposures to allergenic fungi. Indoor emissions including those released with occupancy contribute more substantially to allergenic fungal exposures in classrooms sampled than do outdoor contributions from ventilation. The results suggest that design and maintenance of buildings to control indoor emissions may enable reduced indoor inhalation exposures to fungal allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomichi Yamamoto
- †Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Denina Hospodsky
- ‡Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Karen C Dannemiller
- ‡Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - William W Nazaroff
- §Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jordan Peccia
- ‡Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
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41
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Castellanos-Arévalo DC, Castellanos-Arévalo AP, Camarena-Pozos DA, Colli-Mull JG, Maldonado-Vega M. Evaluation of microbial load in oropharyngeal mucosa from tannery workers. Saf Health Work 2014; 6:62-70. [PMID: 25830072 PMCID: PMC4371553 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animal skin provides an ideal medium for the propagation of microorganisms and it is used like raw material in the tannery and footware industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate and identify the microbial load in oropharyngeal mucosa of tannery employees. Methods The health risk was estimated based on the identification of microorganisms found in the oropharyngeal mucosa samples. The study was conducted in a tanners group and a control group. Samples were taken from oropharyngeal mucosa and inoculated on plates with selective medium. In the samples, bacteria were identified by 16S ribosomal DNA analysis and the yeasts through a presumptive method. In addition, the sensitivity of these microorganisms to antibiotics/antifungals was evaluated. Results The identified bacteria belonged to the families Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Neisseriaceae, Alcaligenaceae, Moraxellaceae, and Xanthomonadaceae, of which some species are considered as pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms; these bacteria were not present in the control group. Forty-two percent of bacteria identified in the tanners group are correlated with respiratory diseases. Yeasts were also identified, including the following species: Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, and Candida krusei. Regarding the sensitivity test of bacteria identified in the tanners group, 90% showed sensitivity to piperacillin/tazobactam, 87% showed sensitivity to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, 74% showed sensitivity to ampicillin/sulbactam, and 58% showed sensitivity to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Conclusion Several of the bacteria and yeast identified in the oropharyngeal mucosa of tanners have been correlated with infections in humans and have already been reported as airborne microorganisms in this working environment, representing a health risk for workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Castellanos-Arévalo
- Departamento de Investigación en Ambiental, Centro de Innovación Aplicada en Tecnologías Competitivas (CIATEC, AC), León, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Andrea P Castellanos-Arévalo
- Departamento de Investigación en Ambiental, Centro de Innovación Aplicada en Tecnologías Competitivas (CIATEC, AC), León, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - David A Camarena-Pozos
- Departamento de Investigación en Ambiental, Centro de Innovación Aplicada en Tecnologías Competitivas (CIATEC, AC), León, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Juan G Colli-Mull
- Departamento de Biología, Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Irapuato (ITESI), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - María Maldonado-Vega
- Dirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío. León, Guanajuato, México
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Tham R, Dharmage SC, Taylor PE, Katelaris CH, Vicendese D, Abramson MJ, Erbas B. Outdoor fungi and child asthma health service attendances. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2014; 25:439-49. [PMID: 24902620 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a significant global public health issue. Severe asthma exacerbations can be triggered by environmental factors and require medical care from health services. Although it is known that fungal exposure may lead to allergic sensitization, little is understood about its impact on asthma exacerbations. This review aims to examine whether outdoor fungi play a significant role in child asthma exacerbations. Systematic search of seven electronic databases and hand searching for peer-reviewed studies published in English, up to 31 August 2013. Inclusion criteria were study population aged <18 yr, diagnosis of asthma, attended a health service; outdoor fungi exposure was reported. Quality and risk of bias assessments were conducted. Due to significant heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not conducted. Of the 1896 articles found, 15 were eligible. Findings were not consistent, possibly due to methodological variations in exposure classifications, statistical methods and inclusion of confounders. Cross-sectional studies found no or weak associations. All but one time series studies indicated an association that varied between fungal species. Increasing evidence indicates that asthmatic children are susceptible to asthma exacerbations when exposed to outdoor fungal spores. There is limited understanding of the contributions of different fungal species. Research is needed to investigate interactions of outdoor fungi with pollen, air pollutants and respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tham
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Gong JY, Chen YC, Huang YT, Tsai MC, Yu KP. For the inactivation of mold spores by UVC irradiation, with ozone acting as a promoter, TiO2nanoparticles may act better as a “sun block” than as a photocatalytic disinfectant. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2014; 13:1305-10. [DOI: 10.1039/c4pp00054d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
TiO2agglomerates can protectA. nigerspores from UVC irradiation and prevent UVC penetration. Without TiO2protection, UVC irradiation can cause serious damage toA. nigerspores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-You Gong
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
- National Yang-Ming University
- Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chi Chen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
- National Yang-Ming University
- Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Huang
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
- National Yang-Ming University
- Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
- National Yang-Ming University
- Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Pin Yu
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
- National Yang-Ming University
- Taipei, Taiwan
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Aggarwal AN, Chakrabarti A. Does climate mould the influence of mold on asthma? Lung India 2013; 30:273-6. [PMID: 24339481 PMCID: PMC3841680 DOI: 10.4103/0970-2113.120594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Nath Aggarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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45
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Yang Y, Chan CY, Tao J, Lin M, Engling G, Zhang Z, Zhang T, Su L. Observation of elevated fungal tracers due to biomass burning in the Sichuan Basin at Chengdu City, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 431:68-77. [PMID: 22664540 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fungal material (i.e., spores and fragments) is an important component of atmospheric aerosols. In order to examine the variability of fungal abundance in fine particles (PM(2.5)) during a biomass burning season, an intensive measurement campaign was conducted in the Sichuan Basin at Chengdu, a megacity in southwest China, in spring 2009. The aerosol samples were analyzed for carbonaceous species, including molecular tracers for biomass burning and fungal material, and water soluble ions. The results were interpreted with the help of principle component analysis, fire count maps, and the WRF model. Elevated concentrations of arabitol and mannitol were found with average concentrations of 21.5±16.6 ng m(-3) and 43.9±19.3 ng m(-3), respectively, which were unexpectedly higher than those measured in fine particles in any other study reported previously. Even higher concentrations were observed in cases with simultaneous enhancements in the biomass burning tracers levoglucosan and K(+). In the case of influence by pollution plumes from biomass burning regions, the fungal tracer concentrations reached maximum values of 79.6 ng m(-3) and 121.8 ng m(-3), coinciding with peak levels of levoglucosan and K(+). Statistically significant correlations were found between the simultaneously observed fungal tracers (arabitol and mannitol) and biomass burning tracers (levoglucosan and K(+)), suggesting that these species were emitted by co-located sources, and hence the elevated fungal tracers were likely associated with biomass burning activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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Sivaguru M, Mander L, Fried G, Punyasena SW. Capturing the surface texture and shape of pollen: a comparison of microscopy techniques. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39129. [PMID: 22720050 PMCID: PMC3373610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the comparative morphology of pollen grains depends crucially on the application of appropriate microscopy techniques. Information on the performance of microscopy techniques can be used to inform that choice. We compared the ability of several microscopy techniques to provide information on the shape and surface texture of three pollen types with differing morphologies. These techniques are: widefield, apotome, confocal and two-photon microscopy (reflected light techniques), and brightfield and differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC) (transmitted light techniques). We also provide a first view of pollen using super-resolution microscopy. The three pollen types used to contrast the performance of each technique are: Croton hirtus (Euphorbiaceae), Mabea occidentalis (Euphorbiaceae) and Agropyron repens (Poaceae). No single microscopy technique provided an adequate picture of both the shape and surface texture of any of the three pollen types investigated here. The wavelength of incident light, photon-collection ability of the optical technique, signal-to-noise ratio, and the thickness and light absorption characteristics of the exine profoundly affect the recovery of morphological information by a given optical microscopy technique. Reflected light techniques, particularly confocal and two-photon microscopy, best capture pollen shape but provide limited information on very fine surface texture. In contrast, transmitted light techniques, particularly differential interference contrast microscopy, can resolve very fine surface texture but provide limited information on shape. Texture comprising sculptural elements that are spaced near the diffraction limit of light (~250 nm; NDL) presents an acute challenge to optical microscopy. Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy provides data on the NDL texture of A. repens that is more comparable to textural data from scanning electron microscopy than any other optical microscopy technique investigated here. Maximizing the recovery of morphological information from pollen grains should lead to more robust classifications, and an increase in the taxonomic precision with which ancient vegetation can be reconstructed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayandi Sivaguru
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Luke Mander
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Glenn Fried
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Surangi W. Punyasena
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
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Yamamoto N, Bibby K, Qian J, Hospodsky D, Rismani-Yazdi H, Nazaroff WW, Peccia J. Particle-size distributions and seasonal diversity of allergenic and pathogenic fungi in outdoor air. ISME JOURNAL 2012; 6:1801-11. [PMID: 22476354 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2012.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are ubiquitous in outdoor air, and their concentration, aerodynamic diameters and taxonomic composition have potentially important implications for human health. Although exposure to fungal allergens is considered a strong risk factor for asthma prevalence and severity, limitations in tracking fungal diversity in air have thus far prevented a clear understanding of their human pathogenic properties. This study used a cascade impactor for sampling, and quantitative real-time PCR plus 454 pyrosequencing for analysis to investigate seasonal, size-resolved fungal communities in outdoor air in an urban setting in the northeastern United States. From the 20 libraries produced with an average of ∼800 internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (total 15 326 reads), 12 864 and 11 280 sequences were determined to the genus and species levels, respectively, and 558 different genera and 1172 different species were identified, including allergens and infectious pathogens. These analyses revealed strong relationships between fungal aerodynamic diameters and features of taxonomic compositions. The relative abundance of airborne allergenic fungi ranged from 2.8% to 10.7% of total airborne fungal taxa, peaked in the fall, and increased with increasing aerodynamic diameter. Fungi that can cause invasive fungal infections peaked in the spring, comprised 0.1-1.6% of fungal taxa and typically increased in relative abundance with decreasing aerodynamic diameter. Atmospheric fungal ecology is a strong function of aerodynamic diameter, whereby through physical processes, the size influences the diversity of airborne fungi that deposit in human airways and the efficiencies with which specific groups of fungi partition from outdoor air to indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomichi Yamamoto
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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Shen J, Ke X, Hong S, Zeng Q, Liang C, Li T, Tang A. Epidemiological features of allergic rhinitis in four major cities in Western China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 31:433. [PMID: 21823001 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-011-0469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR), with an increasing uptrend of the prevalence in many developed and developing countries, is a global health problem that affects people of all ages and ethnic groups. However, data on the prevalence of self-reported AR in western China are rare. This study investigated the epidemiological features of self-reported AR in western China. In the cross-sectional, population-based study, a validated questionnaire survey on self-reported AR was carried out in 4 major cities in western China by multistage, stratified and cluster sampling, from January to December 2008. The total prevalence rate was 34.3%, with 32.3% (Chongqing), 34.3% (Chengdu), 37.9% (Urumqi), 30.3% (Nanning), respectively. The prevalence presented to increase with age before 30 years old while decrease with age after 30 years old, and the highest prevalence was in 19-30 years group in Chongqing, Chengdu and Nanning which significantly showed "persistent and moderate-severe" type (P<0.0001); In Urumqi, there wasn't a significant increasing or decreasing trend of prevalence rate with age but with an "intermittent and mild"predominance (P<0.0001). There were no distinct sexual differences in prevalence rates in the 4 cities. The morbidity was positively related to monthly average temperature and sunshine (r=0.76645, P=0.0036; r=0.67303, P=0.0165), but negatively associated with relative humidity (r=-0.64391, P=0.0238) in Urumqi. Interestingly, the monthly morbidity was negatively associate with average temperature, sunshine and precipitation in Nanning (r=-0.81997, P=0.0011; r=-0.60787, P=0.0360; r=-0.59443, P=0.0415). Self-reported AR is becoming common in western China with a rapid development in recent years, affecting about three persons out of ten. The climatic factors may have an indirect impact on the prevalence rate through the effects on the local allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The People's Hospital of Changshou, Chongqing, 401220, China.
| | - Xia Ke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Suling Hong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qing Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Hygienic Statistics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chuanyu Liang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tongying Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Anzhou Tang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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Sowerby SJ, Mirams GJ, Hill PC, Paulin MG. An axisymmetric meniscus converges particles for microscopy. J Microsc 2011; 244:230-4. [PMID: 21801178 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2011.03527.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Capillary rise on a tapered cylindrical rod creates a static axisymmetric meniscus that quantitatively attracts buoyant particles into a single microscopic field of view, providing a new method for small particle microscopy. This approach simplifies the visualization of micrometre-sized particles, such as pollen and parasite eggs, and has potential utility in remote location monitoring and clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Sowerby
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Rijssenbeek-Nouwens LH, Bel EH. High-altitude treatment: a therapeutic option for patients with severe, refractory asthma? Clin Exp Allergy 2011; 41:775-82. [PMID: 21518039 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03733.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
High-altitude treatment has been applied for more than a century in the treatment of pulmonary diseases including asthma. Many uncontrolled and controlled studies have shown its beneficial effects in children and adolescents with house dust mite allergic asthma. A recent study also showed an improvement in markers of airway inflammation in adult patients with severe intrinsic asthma, suggesting that factors other than HDM avoidance may contribute to the beneficial influence of the high-altitude climate therapy on asthma. The dry mountain climate not only has decreased levels of mite allergens but also decreased levels of pollens, fungal spores and air pollution, as well as high exposure to UV light with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Treatments targeting environmental control have never been investigated systematically in severe asthma, which is surprising, as environmental factors have been recognized as important contributors to asthma severity for many years and more evidence has been accumulating ever since. Preliminary evidence shows the beneficial effects of high-altitude treatment in patients with severe refractory asthma on symptoms, lung function and oral corticosteroid requirement, irrespective of atopic status. In this narrative review, we will discuss why high-altitude treatment might be a promising therapeutic option for patients who suffer from this disabling disease.
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