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King KM, Canning GGM, West JS. MinION Sequencing of Fungi in Sub-Saharan African Air and a Novel LAMP Assay for Rapid Detection of the Tropical Phytopathogenic Genus Lasiodiplodia. Pathogens 2024; 13:330. [PMID: 38668285 PMCID: PMC11053906 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040330] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, there have been no DNA-based metabarcoding studies into airborne fungi in tropical Sub-Saharan Africa. In this initial study, 10 air samples were collected onto Vaseline-coated acrylic rods mounted on drones flown at heights of 15-50 meters above ground for 10-15 min at three sites in Ghana. Purified DNA was extracted from air samples, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified using fungal-specific primers, and MinION third-generation amplicon sequencing was undertaken with downstream bioinformatics analyses utilizing GAIA cloud-based software (at genus taxonomic level). Principal coordinate analyses based on Bray-Curtis beta diversity dissimilarity values found no clear evidence for the structuring of fungal air communities, nor were there significant differences in alpha diversity, based on geographic location (east vs. central Ghana), underlying vegetation type (cocoa vs. non-cocoa), or height above ground level (15-23 m vs. 25-50 m), and despite the short flight times (10-15 min), ~90 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in each sample. In Ghanaian air, fungal assemblages were skewed at the phylum taxonomic level towards the ascomycetes (53.7%) as opposed to basidiomycetes (24.6%); at the class level, the Dothideomycetes were predominant (29.8%) followed by the Agaricomycetes (21.8%). The most common fungal genus in Ghanaian air was cosmopolitan and globally ubiquitous Cladosporium (9.9% of reads). Interestingly, many fungal genera containing economically important phytopathogens of tropical crops were also identified in Ghanaian air, including Corynespora, Fusarium, and Lasiodiplodia. Consequently, a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, based on translation elongation factor-1α sequences, was developed and tested for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of the fungal phytopathogenic genus Lasiodiplodia. Potential applications for improved tropical disease management are considered.
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Olsen Y, Arildskov E, Hansen SN, Pedersen M, Dharmage SC, Kloster M, Sigsgaard T. Outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium spores and acute asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:1256-1267. [PMID: 37748858 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium spores are ubiquitous. Few studies have assessed their impact on asthma hospitalizations providing conflicting results, mainly focused on vulnerable paediatric populations. We aimed to study the impact of outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium concentrations on acute hospitalizations in the Capital Region of Denmark. METHODS This is a bi-directional case-crossover study with 26 years of national registry data at individual level on acute asthma hospitalizations and daily average data on Alternaria and Cladosporium, pollen (Artemisia, Poaceae), maximal temperature, and air pollution. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations. Concentration quartiles at lag 0 were used for categorizing the exposure. RESULTS For lags 0-2, the odds of hospitalization were significantly higher for both Alternaria and Cladosporium at concentration quartile 2-4 compared with quartile 1. When stratified for age and sex, odds of hospitalization at Alternaria quartiles 2-4 were significantly higher in males below 40 years at lag 0-2, and at lag 0 in females (18-30 years), while quartiles 2-4 of Cladosporium concentrations were associated with significantly higher odds in boys (0-17 years) at lag 1-3, males (18-39 years) at lag 0-1, females (18-39 years) at lag 1-2, males (40-64 years) at lag 0-2, females (40-64 years) at lag 0 and 2, in seniors (65+ years) male at lag 1-2 and female at lag 0-1. The effect of Alternaria varied significantly depending on the level of Cladosporium (p < .0001). CONCLUSION Ambient Alternaria and Cladosporium spores can induce asthma hospitalizations. Males are more susceptible to both genera. Males and females under age 40 years are more susceptible to Alternaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Olsen
- Institute of Public Health & Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elias Arildskov
- Department of Public Health - Section of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stefan Nygaard Hansen
- Department of Public Health - Section of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Pedersen
- Department of Public Health - Section of Environment, Occupation & Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - 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
| | | | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Institute of Public Health & Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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PM10 and Other Climatic Variables Are Important Predictors of Seasonal Variability of Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0148321. [PMID: 35319247 PMCID: PMC9045372 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01483-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is a disease caused by the fungal pathogens Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii that are endemic to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and South America. Throughout the range where the pathogens are endemic, there are seasonal patterns of infection rates that are associated with certain climatic variables. Previous studies that looked at annual and monthly relationships of coccidioidomycosis and climate suggest that infection numbers are linked with precipitation and temperature fluctuations; however, these analytic methods may miss important nonlinear, nonmonotonic seasonal relationships between the response (Valley fever cases) and explanatory variables (climate) influencing disease outbreaks. To improve our current knowledge and to retest relationships, we used case data from three counties of high endemicity in southern Arizona paired with climate data to construct a generalized additive statistical model that explores which meteorological parameters are most useful in predicting Valley fever incidence throughout the year. We then use our model to forecast the pattern of Valley fever cases by month. Our model shows that maximum monthly temperature, average PM10, and total precipitation 1 month prior to reported cases (lagged model) were all significant in predicting Valley fever cases. Our model fits Valley fever case data in the region of endemicity of southern Arizona and captures the seasonal relationships that predict when the public is at higher risk of being infected. This study builds on and retests relationships described by previous studies regarding climate variables that are important for predicting risk of infection and understanding this fungal pathogen. IMPORTANCE The inhalation of environmental infectious propagules from the fungal pathogens Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii by susceptible mammals can result in coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). Arizona is known to be a region where the pathogen is hyperendemic, and reported cases are increasing throughout the western United States. Coccidioides spp. are naturally occurring fungi in arid soils. Little is known about ecological factors that influence the growth of these fungi, and a higher environmental burden may result in increases in human exposure and therefore case rates. By examining case and climate data from Arizona and using generalized additive statistical models, we were able to examine the relationship between disease outbreaks and climatic variables and predict seasonal time points of increased infection risk.
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Abstract
Fungal spores make up a significant portion of Primary Biological Aerosol Particles (PBAPs) with large quantities of such particles noted in the air. Fungal particles are of interest because of their potential to affect the health of both plants and humans. They are omnipresent in the atmosphere year-round, with concentrations varying due to meteorological parameters and location. Equally, differences between indoor and outdoor fungal spore concentrations and dispersal play an important role in occupational health. This review attempts to summarise the different spore sampling methods, identify the most important spore types in terms of negative effects on crops and the public, the factors affecting their growth/dispersal, and different methods of predicting fungal spore concentrations currently in use.
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Spatial and Temporal Variations in PM 10 Concentrations between 2010-2017 in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413348. [PMID: 34948958 PMCID: PMC8706960 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Particulate matter less than or equal to 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10 µg/m3) is a priority air pollutant and one of the most widely monitored ambient air pollutants in South Africa. This study analyzed PM10 from monitoring 44 sites across four provinces of South Africa (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and aimed to present spatial and temporal variation in the PM10 concentration across the provinces. In addition, potential influencing factors of PM10 variations around the three site categories (Residential, Industrial and Traffic) were explored. The spatial trend in daily PM10 concentration variation shows PM10 concentration can be 5.7 times higher than the revised 2021 World Health Organization annual PM10 air quality guideline of 15 µg/m3 in Gauteng province during the winter season. Temporally, the highest weekly PM10 concentrations of 51.4 µg/m3, 46.8 µg/m3, 29.1 µg/m3 and 25.1 µg/m3 at Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Province were recorded during the weekdays. The study results suggest a decrease in the change of annual PM10 levels at sites in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces. An increased change in annual PM10 levels was reported at most sites in Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
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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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Kim HS, Arellano K, Park H, Todorov SD, Kim B, Kang H, Park YJ, Suh DH, Jung ES, Ji Y, Holzapfel WH. Assessment of the safety and anti-inflammatory effects of three Bacillus strains in the respiratory tract. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:3077-3098. [PMID: 33899316 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic respiratory diseases are part of accumulating health problems partly due to worldwide increase in air pollution. By their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, some probiotics constitute promising alternatives for the prevention and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. We have isolated Bacillus strains from Korean fermented foods and selected three potentially probiotic strains (two Bacillus subtilis and one Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) based on safety, antimicrobial efficacy, activity against airborne pathogens and their immunomodulatory properties in vivo. Safety evaluation included in silico analysis for confirming absence of virulence genes. Safety for the respiratory tract was confirmed by an in vivo pathogenicity test using a murine model. Antimicrobial activity was displayed against several airborne pathogens. Potential antimicrobial metabolites such as 2,3-butanediol and propylene glycol were identified as possible antagonistic agents. Immunomodulatory properties in vitro were confirmed by upregulation of IL-10 expression in a macrophage cell line. Intranasal instillation and inhalation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation murine model reduced T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines at transcriptional and protein levels in the lungs. The safety and potentially beneficial role of these Bacillus strains could be demonstrated for the respiratory tract of a murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Shin Kim
- Department of Advanced Convergence, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea
| | - Karina Arellano
- Department of Advanced Convergence, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea
| | - Haryung Park
- HEM Inc., Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea
| | - Svetoslav D Todorov
- Department of Advanced Convergence, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea
| | - Bobae Kim
- HEM Inc., Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeji Kang
- Department of Advanced Convergence, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea.,HEM Inc., Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Park
- HEM Inc., 77, Changnyong-daero 256 Beon-gil, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ho Suh
- HEM Inc., 77, Changnyong-daero 256 Beon-gil, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sung Jung
- HEM Inc., 77, Changnyong-daero 256 Beon-gil, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Yosep Ji
- Department of Advanced Convergence, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea.,HEM Inc., 77, Changnyong-daero 256 Beon-gil, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Wilhelm H Holzapfel
- Department of Advanced Convergence, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea.,HEM Inc., Pohang, Gyungbuk, 37554, Republic of Korea
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