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Myung H, Joung YS. Contribution of Particulates to Airborne Disease Transmission and Severity: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6846-6867. [PMID: 38568611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has catalyzed great interest in the spread of airborne pathogens. Airborne infectious diseases are classified into viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Environmental factors can elevate their transmission and lethality. Air pollution has been reported as the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death worldwide. Notably, ambient particulates of various components and sizes are harmful pollutants. There are two prominent health effects of particles in the atmosphere: (1) particulate matter (PM) penetrates the respiratory tract and adversely affects health, such as heart and respiratory diseases; and (2) bioaerosols of particles act as a medium for the spread of pathogens in the air. Particulates contribute to the occurrence of infectious diseases by increasing vulnerability to infection through inhalation and spreading disease through interactions with airborne pathogens. Here, we focus on the synergistic effects of airborne particulates on infectious disease. We outline the concepts and characteristics of bioaerosols, from their generation to transformation and circulation on Earth. Considering that microorganisms coexist with other particulates as bioaerosols, we investigate studies examining respiratory infections associated with airborne PM. Furthermore, we discuss four factors (meteorological, biological, physical, and chemical) that may impact the influence of PM on the survival of contagious pathogens in the atmosphere. Our review highlights the significant role of particulates in supporting the transmission of infectious aerosols and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunji Myung
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, 100, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Joung
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, 100, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
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De Linares C, Navarro D, Puigdemunt R, Belmonte J. Aspergillus Conidia and Allergens in Outdoor Environment: A Health Hazard? J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:624. [PMID: 37367560 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus is a genus of saprophytic fungus widely distributed in the environment and associated with soil, decaying vegetation, or seeds. However, some species, such as A. fumigatus, are considered opportunistic pathogens in humans. Their conidia (asexual spores) and mycelia are associated with clinical diseases known as invasive aspergillosis (IA), mainly related to the respiratory tract, such as allergic asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), or hypersensitivity. However, they can also disseminate to other organs, particularly the central nervous system. Due to the dispersal mechanism of the conidia through the air, airborne fungal particle measurement should be used to prevent and control this mold. This study aims to measure the outdoor airborne concentration of Aspergillus conidia and the Asp f 1 allergen concentration in Bellaterra (Barcelona, Spain) during 2021 and 2022, and to compare their dynamics to improve the understanding of the biology of this genus and contribute to a better diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic measures in the face of possible health problems. The results show that both particles were airborne nearly all year round, but their concentrations showed no correlation. Due to Asp f 1 not being present in the conidia itself but being detectable during their germination and in hyphal fragments, we report the relevance of the aero-immunological analysis as a methodology to detect the potential pathogenic hazard of this fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Rut Puigdemunt
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordina Belmonte
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Calderón-Ezquerro MDC, Serrano-Silva N, Brunner-Mendoza C. Aerobiological study of bacterial and fungal community composition in the atmosphere of Mexico City throughout an annual cycle. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116858. [PMID: 33740598 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The atmosphere as a temporary habitat for airborne microbial communities is a valuable topic to explore, and it is through aerobiological studies that the diversity of biological particles and their release, emission, transport, deposition, and impact are assessed. Specific microorganisms are involved in meteorological processes, and phytosanitary and public health concerns. Airborne microbial composition is related to factors such as geographic region and weather conditions. In this study a metagenomic approach was used to determine the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the air of two different land-use areas (urban area and semi-rural area), during dry and rainy seasons in Mexico City. Air sampling was carried out with a Hirst-type spore trap, collecting the samples simultaneously in both study areas. Forty-two bioaerosol samples were collected, and the DNA obtained was sequenced using Next-Generation Sequencing. The results indicated that the bacterial communities were represented mainly by the phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and the fungal communities by the phyla Ascomycota followed by Basidiomycota. The evident changes in microbial composition were related more to seasonality than to locality, since both UA and SRA showed a high degree of urbanization, despite some differences in land use. Continuous monitoring of atmospheric bioaerosols is essential to determine the influence of meteorological factors on the composition of the aerial microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Carmen Calderón-Ezquerro
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Nancy Serrano-Silva
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carolina Brunner-Mendoza
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
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Nguyen Van Long N, Vasseur V, Couvert O, Coroller L, Burlot M, Rigalma K, Mounier J. Modeling the Effect of Modified Atmospheres on Conidial Germination of Fungi from Dairy Foods. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2109. [PMID: 29163403 PMCID: PMC5671599 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is commonly applied to extend food shelf-life. Despite growth of a wide variety of fungal contaminants has been previously studied in relation to modified-atmospheres, few studies aimed at quantifying the effects of dioxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressures on conidial germination in solid agar medium. In the present study, an original culture method was developed, allowing microscopic monitoring of conidial germination under modified-atmospheres in static conditions. An asymmetric model was utilized to describe germination kinetics of Paecilomyces niveus, Mucor lanceolatus, Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium expansum, and Penicillium roquefoti, using two main parameters, i.e., median germination time (τ) and maximum germination percentage (Pmax ). These two parameters were subsequently modeled as a function of O2 partial pressure ranging from 0 to 21% and CO2 partial pressure ranging from 0.03 to 70% (8 tested levels for both O2 and CO2). Modified atmospheres with residual O2 or CO2 partial pressures below 1% and up to 70%, respectively, were not sufficient to totally inhibit conidial germination,. However, O2 levels < 1% or CO2 levels > 20% significantly increased τ and/or reduced Pmax , depending on the fungal species. Overall, the present method and results are of interest for predictive mycology applied to fungal spoilage of MAP food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Nguyen Van Long
- Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne, IBSAM, ESIAB, Université de Brest, EA 3882, Plouzané, France
| | - Valérie Vasseur
- Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne, IBSAM, ESIAB, Université de Brest, EA 3882, Plouzané, France
| | - Olivier Couvert
- Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne, IBSAM, UMT Spore Risk, ESIAB, Université de Brest, EA 3882, Quimper, France
| | - Louis Coroller
- Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne, IBSAM, UMT Spore Risk, ESIAB, Université de Brest, EA 3882, Quimper, France
| | - Marion Burlot
- Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne, IBSAM, ESIAB, Université de Brest, EA 3882, Plouzané, France
| | - Karim Rigalma
- Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne, IBSAM, ESIAB, Université de Brest, EA 3882, Plouzané, France
| | - Jérôme Mounier
- Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne, IBSAM, ESIAB, Université de Brest, EA 3882, Plouzané, France
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Ríos B, Torres-Jardón R, Ramírez-Arriaga E, Martínez-Bernal A, Rosas I. Diurnal variations of airborne pollen concentration and the effect of ambient temperature in three sites of Mexico City. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2016; 60:771-787. [PMID: 26431700 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-015-1061-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Pollen is an important cause of allergic respiratory ailments in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). However, very little is known if ambient air temperature correlates with the early blooming of plants observed in other urban areas around the world. A research study was conducted during the dry season of 2012-2013 at three representative sites of the MCMA with different urban characteristics with the aim to understand the relationships between the profusion and diversity of pollen against temperature and other meteorological variables and degree of urbanization. Pollen samples were collected using a Hirst-type trap sampler in the sites: Merced (highly urbanized), Iztapalapa (medium-high urbanized) and Coyoacan (moderately urbanized). Urbanization levels were determined using a composite index based on population density, proportion of surface covered by construction and asphalt, and urban heat island intensity. A set of representative pollen sampling tapes were assayed under a light microscope at magnification of ×1,000 and converted to grains per cubic meter. The most representative pollen types found in the three sites were, regardless of urbanization levels were: Fraxinus, Cupressaceae/Taxodiaceae, Casuarina, Alnus, Myrtaceae, and Pinus. Total pollen concentration was greatest in the moderately urbanized area, although earlier blooming took place at the highly urbanized zone. Total pollen concentration in the medium-high urbanized site has the lowest because the green areas in this zone of MCMA are few. In a diurnal basis, the most abundant pollen types peaked near midday or in the afternoon evening at the three sites. A Spearman test showed a positive correlation among bihourly pollen concentrations, temperature and relative humidity in all sites, but wind speed just correlated in Iztapalapa and Coyoacan. The results obtained suggest that Urban Heat Island Intensity can disturb flowering periods and pollen concentrations, largely in the highly urbanized areas. A principal components analysis established that the concentrations of each pollen type differed across the urbanization gradients. Additionally, it was found that a large number of allergenic pollens are produced by ornamental trees, some only recently introduced by urban planners.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ríos
- Centro de Ciencias de la Atmosfera, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - R Torres-Jardón
- Centro de Ciencias de la Atmosfera, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - A Martínez-Bernal
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana - Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - I Rosas
- Centro de Ciencias de la Atmosfera, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
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de Barros Bezerra GF, Haidar DMC, da Silva MACN, Filho WEM, Dos Santos RM, Rosa IG, de Castro Viana GM, Zaror L, Soares Brandão Nascimento MDD. IgE serum concentration against airborne fungi in children with respiratory allergies. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2016; 12:18. [PMID: 27127524 PMCID: PMC4848864 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-016-0128-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate total and specific E immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody concentrations in underage subjects with respiratory allergic diseases. Methods This study was a transversal-type study in 100 underage subjects between 4 and 14 years old, with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Total and specific IgE were quantified for airborne fungi in the city of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Five distinct regions—North, South, Center, East and West—were selected so fungi could be collected monthly for 1 year. Twenty genera were identified. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Neurospora were selected for the preparation of sensitizing antigens from ELISA dishes. IgE total concentrations were estimated using the same method. Results IgE total serum concentration was increased in 97 % of the atopic subjects: 75 % of the subjects presented increased IgE anti-Aspergillus concentrations, 87 % presented IgE anti-Penicillium, 45 % presented IgE anti-Fusarium, and 46 % presented IgE anti-Neurospora. Conclusions Atopic subjects presented simultaneous IgE total and specific elevations for the tested fungi, possibly due to polysensitization caused by the presence of fungi in all of the areas all year. However, determining the clinical significance of the results was not yet possible because most of the data were isolated variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geusa Felipa de Barros Bezerra
- Postgraduate building of the Center for Life Sciences and Health, Federal University of Maranhão, Portuguese Avenue, 1966, Bacanga, São Luís, MA CEP 65080-805 Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Antonio Custódio Neto da Silva
- Postgraduate building of the Center for Life Sciences and Health, Federal University of Maranhão, Portuguese Avenue, 1966, Bacanga, São Luís, MA CEP 65080-805 Brazil
| | - Walbert Edson Muniz Filho
- Postgraduate building of the Center for Life Sciences and Health, Federal University of Maranhão, Portuguese Avenue, 1966, Bacanga, São Luís, MA CEP 65080-805 Brazil
| | - Ramon Moura Dos Santos
- Postgraduate building of the Center for Life Sciences and Health, Federal University of Maranhão, Portuguese Avenue, 1966, Bacanga, São Luís, MA CEP 65080-805 Brazil
| | - Ivone Garros Rosa
- Postgraduate building of the Center for Life Sciences and Health, Federal University of Maranhão, Portuguese Avenue, 1966, Bacanga, São Luís, MA CEP 65080-805 Brazil
| | - Graça Maria de Castro Viana
- Postgraduate building of the Center for Life Sciences and Health, Federal University of Maranhão, Portuguese Avenue, 1966, Bacanga, São Luís, MA CEP 65080-805 Brazil
| | - Luís Zaror
- Universidade Mayor de Temuco, Valdivia, Chile
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Shrivastava JN, Satsangi GP, Kumar R. Assessment of bioaerosol pollution over Indo-Gangetic plain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:6004-6009. [PMID: 25380630 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3776-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Aerosol plays a very important role in climate change and public health. It affects cloud condensation nuclei and causes a number of epidemic diseases. The correlations of aerosol with epidemic diseases are due to the biotic components of aerosol. The present study deals with the measurements and characterization of bioaerosol over Indo-Gangetic plain. The levels of PM10 and PM2.5 are much higher than the recommended value set by NAAQS in India. Bacterial and fungal concentrations are in the reported range. Bacterial concentration is higher than fungal concentration. Gram-positive bacteria contribute 75% while gram-negative bacteria contribute 25% only. A total seven types of fungi are identified in aerosols. Aspergillus niger is dominant. Meteorological parameters play important roles in growth and presence of microorganism in the air. Bacterial concentrations are governed mainly by temperature while fungal concentration is influenced by relative humidity.
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Bezerra GFDB, Gomes SM, Silva MACND, Santos RMD, Muniz Filho WE, Viana GMDC, Nascimento MDDSB. Diversity and dynamics of airborne fungi in São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2014; 47:69-73. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0229-2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Grinn-Gofroń A. Airborne Aspergillus and Penicillium in the atmosphere of Szczecin, (Poland) (2004-2009). AEROBIOLOGIA 2011; 27:67-76. [PMID: 21836770 PMCID: PMC3150835 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-010-9177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The investigation into airborne fungal spore concentrations was conducted in Szczecin (Poland) between 2004 and 2009. The objective of the studies was to determine a seasonal variation in concentrations of amerospores on the basis of meteorological parameters. The presence of spores in Szczecin was recorded using a volumetric method. Fungal spores were present in the air in high numbers in late summer and early autumn. The highest concentrations were noted in September, October and November. The peak period was recorded in August, September, October and November. The highest annual number of spores occurred in 2005 and 2007 and the lowest in 2006. High values of daily concentration of amerospores occurred during the afternoon and late at night. In 2005 and 2007 the late-night maximum was overdue about 1 or 2 h. For daily values of dew point temperature and relative humidity, the coefficients were positive, significant for p = 0.001 and ranged from 0.342 to 0.258. The average wind speed was positively correlated for p = 0.01 and the coefficient was 0.291. The similar relations were noted for hourly values of spore concentrations for p = 0.05, p = 0.01 and p = 0.001. For these spore types, the dew point temperature and relative humidity appeared to be the most influential factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Grinn-Gofroń
- Department of Plant Taxonomy and Phytogeography, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
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Oliveira M, Ribeiro H, Delgado JL, Abreu I. The effects of meteorological factors on airborne fungal spore concentration in two areas differing in urbanisation level. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2009; 53:61-73. [PMID: 19048306 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-008-0191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Revised: 10/05/2008] [Accepted: 10/06/2008] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Although fungal spores are an ever-present component of the atmosphere throughout the year, their concentration oscillates widely. This work aims to establish correlations between fungal spore concentrations in Porto and Amares and meteorological data. The seasonal distribution of fungal spores was studied continuously (2005-2007) using volumetric spore traps. To determine the effect of meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) on spore concentration, the Spearman rank correlation test was used. In both locations, the most abundant fungal spores were Cladosporium, Agaricus, Agrocybe, Alternaria and Aspergillus/Penicillium, the highest concentrations being found during summer and autumn. In the present study, with the exception of Coprinus and Pleospora, spore concentrations were higher in the rural area than in the urban location. Among the selected spore types, spring-autumn spores (Coprinus, Didymella, Leptosphaeria and Pleospora) exhibited negative correlations with temperature and positive correlations both with relative humidity and rainfall level. On the contrary, late spring-early summer (Smuts) and summer spores (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Ganoderma, Stemphylium and Ustilago) exhibited positive correlations with temperature and negative correlations both with relative humidity and rainfall level. Rust, a frequent spore type during summer, had a positive correlation with temperature. Aspergillus/Penicillium, showed no correlation with the meteorological factors analysed. This knowledge can be useful for agriculture, allowing more efficient and reliable application of pesticides, and for human health, by improving the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oliveira
- Grupo de Ambiente, Sociedade e Educação do Centro de Geologia & Departamento de Botânica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Edificio FC4, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169, Porto, Portugal
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Khattab A, Levetin E. Effect of sampling height on the concentration of airborne fungal spores. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2008; 101:529-34. [PMID: 19055208 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)60293-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spores of many fungal species have been documented as important aeroallergens. Airborne fungal spores are commonly collected from the outdoor air at the rooftop level of high buildings; however, human exposure usually occurs nearer to the ground. It is necessary to estimate the concentration of airborne fungal spores at the human breathing level to evaluate the actual human exposure to outdoor aeroallergens. OBJECTIVE To compare the concentration of airborne fungal spores at human respiration level (1.5 m above the ground) and at roof level (12 m height). METHODS Air samples were collected using 2 Burkard volumetric 7-day recording spore traps from July 1 to October 31, 2005. One sampler was located on the roof of a building at the University of Tulsa at 12 m above ground, and the second sampler was placed in the courtyard of the building at 1.5 m. Burkard slides were analyzed for fungal spores by light microscopy at a magnification of 1,000, and the results were statistically analyzed to compare the concentration of airborne fungal spores at the 2 levels. RESULTS The ground sampler had significantly higher concentration of basidiospores, Penicillium/Aspergillus-type spores, and smut spores than the roof sampler. By contrast, the rooftop sampler registered significantly higher concentration of Alternaria, ascospores, and other spores. CONCLUSIONS Ground level had significantly higher concentration of some important fungal aeroallergens but lower concentrations of others, suggesting that sampling height is one of the many variables that influence bioaerosol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Khattab
- ABiological Science Department, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104, USA.
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Takahashi T. Airborne fungal colony-forming units in outdoor and indoor environments in Yokohama, Japan. Mycopathologia 1998; 139:23-33. [PMID: 9511234 DOI: 10.1023/a:1006831111595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The fungal concentration and flora in indoor and outdoor air in Yokohama, Japan were analyzed with a Reuter centrifugal air sampler and dichloran 18% glycerol agar (DG18), and compared with the levels assessed with potato dextrose agar (PDA). The number of fungal colony-forming units (CFU) in outdoor air was < 13-2750/m3; Cladosporium spp. predominated, followed by Alternaria spp. and Penicillium spp. The fungal concentration in outdoor air peaked in September. The concentrations of fungi in outdoor air (n = 288) were significantly correlated with the maximum temperature of the day, minimum temperature of the day, average temperature of the day, average velocity of wind of the day, average temperature of the month, average relative humidity of the month and precipitation of the month. In indoor air, the fungal CFU was < 13-3750/m3. Cladosporium spp. predominated, followed by the xerophilic fungi such as the Aspergillus restrictus group, Wallemia sebi, the A. glaucus group, and Penicillium spp. The fungal concentration in indoor air peaked in October. The concentrations of fungi in indoor air (n = 288) were significantly correlated with the indoor temperature, indoor relative humidity and the outdoor climatic factors mentioned above, except for the average velocity of wind of the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Takahashi
- Kanagawa Prefectural Public Health Laboratory, Yokohama, Japan
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Pillai SD, Widmer KW, Dowd SE, Ricke SC. Occurrence of airborne bacteria and pathogen indicators during land application of sewage sludge. Appl Environ Microbiol 1996; 62:296-9. [PMID: 8572708 PMCID: PMC167798 DOI: 10.1128/aem.62.1.296-299.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Glass impingers (AGI-30) were used at a commercial sludge application site to determine the levels of airborne bacteria and pathogen indicators. Even though heterotrophic bacteria averaged 10(5) CFU/m3, none of the sites showed the presence of Salmonella spp. or indicators such as fecal coliforms or coliphages. Indicators such as H2S producers and pathogenic clostridia were present in locations having significant physical agitation of the sludge material. PCR-based ribotyping using the 16S-23S interspacer region is a promising method to identify the genetic relatedness and origins of airborne clostridia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Pillai
- Environmental Science Program, Texas A&M University Research Center, El Paso, USA
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