1
|
Al-Shaarani AAQA, Quach ZM, Wang X, Muafa MHM, Nafis MMH, Pecoraro L. Analysis of Airborne Fungal Communities on Pedestrian Bridges in Urban Environments. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2097. [PMID: 37630657 PMCID: PMC10458245 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Airborne fungal spores constitute an important type of bioaerosol and are responsible for a number of negative effects on human health, including respiratory diseases and allergies. We investigated the diversity and concentration of culturable airborne fungi on pedestrian bridges in Tianjin, China, using an HAS-100B air sampler. We compared the airborne fungal communities at the top central area of the selected pedestrian bridges and along the corresponding sidewalk, at ground level. A total of 228 fungal strains belonging to 96 species and 58 genera of Ascomycota (68.86%), Basidiomycota (30.26%), and Mucoromycota (0.88%) were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. Alternaria was the dominant genus (20.61%), followed by Cladosporium (11.48%), Schizophyllum (6.14%), Sporobolomyces (5.70%), and Sporidiobolus (4.82%). Alternaria alternata was the most frequently occurring fungal species (6.58%), followed by Schizophyllum commune (5.26%), Alternaria sp. (4.82%), Sporobolomyces carnicolor (4.39%), and Cladosporium cladosporioides (3.95%). The recorded fungal concentration ranged from 10 to 180 CFU/m3. Although there was no significant difference in the distribution and abundance of the dominant airborne fungal taxa between the two investigated bridges' sites, numerous species detected with a low percentage of abundance belonging to well-known pathogenic fungal genera, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Trichoderma, were exclusively present in one of the two sites. The relative humidity showed a stronger influence compared to the temperature on the diversity and concentration of airborne fungi in the investigated sites. Our results may provide valuable information for air quality monitoring and for assessing human health risks associated with microbial pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lorenzo Pecoraro
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China; (A.A.Q.A.A.-S.); (Z.M.Q.); (X.W.); (M.H.M.M.); (M.M.H.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nageen Y, Wang X, Pecoraro L. Seasonal variation of airborne fungal diversity and community structure in urban outdoor environments in Tianjin, China. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1043224. [PMID: 36699604 PMCID: PMC9869124 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1043224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Airborne fungi are ubiquitous in human living environments and may be a source of respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. A 12 months study was performed to investigate the diversity, concentration and community structure of culturable airborne fungi in different outdoor environments of Tianjin City, using an HAS-100B air sampler. A total of 1,015 fungal strains belonging to 175 species and 82 genera of Ascomycota 92.5%, Basidiomycota 7%, and Mucoromycota 0.3% were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. The most abundant fungal genera were Alternaria 35%, Cladosporium 18%, Penicillium 5.6%, Talaromyces 3.9%, Didymella 3%, and Aspergillus 2.8%, while the most frequently occurring species were A. alternata (24.7%), C. cladosporioides (11%), A. tenuissima (5.3%), P. oxalicum (4.53%), and T. funiculosus (2.66%). The fungal concentration ranged from 0 to 340 CFU/m3 during the whole study. Environmental factors, including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and air pressure exerted a varying effect on the presence and concentration of different fungal taxa. The four analyzed seasons showed significantly different airborne fungal communities, which were more strongly influenced by air temperature and relative humidity in spring and summer, whereas wind speed and air pressure had a stronger effect in autumn and winter. Fungal communities from green and busy sites did not show significant differences over the four analyzed seasons, which may be due to the effect of the surrounding environments characterized by high human activities on the air of the relatively small parks present in Tianjin. The present study provided valuable information on the seasonal dynamics and the environmental factors shaping the diversity and concentration of the analyzed outdoor airborne fungal communities, which can be of help for air quality monitoring, microbial contamination control, and health risk assessment in urban environments.
Collapse
|
3
|
Cochran SJ, Acosta L, Divjan A, Lemons AR, Rundle AG, Miller RL, Sobek E, Green BJ, Perzanowski MS, Dannemiller KC. Spring is associated with increased total and allergenic fungal concentrations in house dust from a pediatric asthma cohort in New York City. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 226:10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109711. [PMID: 37215628 PMCID: PMC10193533 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Asthma and allergy symptoms vary seasonally due to exposure to environmental sources of allergen, including fungi. However, we need an improved understanding of seasonal influence on fungal exposures in the indoor environment. We hypothesized that concentrations of total fungi and allergenic species in vacuumed dust vary significantly by season. Objective Assess seasonal variation of indoor fungi with greater implications related to seasonal asthma control. Methods We combined next-generation sequencing with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure concentrations of fungal DNA in indoor floor dust samples (n = 298) collected from homes participating in the New York City Neighborhood Asthma and Allergy Study (NAAS). Results Total fungal concentration in spring was significantly higher than the other three seasons (p ≤ 0.005). Mean concentrations for 78% of fungal species were elevated in the spring (26% were significantly highest in spring, p < 0.05). Concentrations of 8 allergenic fungal species were significantly (p < 0.5) higher in spring compared to at least two other seasons. Indoor relative humidity and temperature were significantly highest in spring (p < 0.05) and were associated with total fungal concentration (R2 = 0.049, R2 = 0.11, respectively). Conclusion There is significant seasonal variation in total fungal concentration and concentration of select allergenic species. Indoor relative humidity and temperature may underlie these associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J. Cochran
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Environmental Science Graduate Program. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Luis Acosta
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Adnan Divjan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Angela R. Lemons
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Andrew G. Rundle
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, 10032, NY, USA
| | - Rachel L. Miller
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Edward Sobek
- Assured Bio Laboratories, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Brett J. Green
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Matthew S. Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Karen C. Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Sustainability Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yuan C, Wang X, Pecoraro L. Environmental Factors Shaping the Diversity and Spatial-Temporal Distribution of Indoor and Outdoor Culturable Airborne Fungal Communities in Tianjin University Campus, Tianjin, China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:928921. [PMID: 35774467 PMCID: PMC9237511 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.928921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne fungi have significant influence on air quality and may pose adverse effects on human health due to their allergenic and pathogenic effect. We carried out a 1-year survey on the airborne fungal diversity and concentration of indoor and outdoor environments, within the Tianjin University campus. Airborne fungi were sampled using an HAS-100B air sampler. Isolated fungal strains were identified based on morphological and molecular analysis. A total of 641 fungal strains belonging to 173 species and 74 genera were identified in this study. The dominant fungal genera were Cladosporium (29.49%), Alternaria (25.9%), and Epicoccum (6.24%), while the most frequently occurring species were A. alternata (15.44%), C. cladosporioides (11.86%), and E. nigrum (5.77%). The mean fungal concentration at different sites ranged from 0 to 420 CFU/m3, which is lower than the permissive standard level. There was a seasonal variation in the airborne fungal community, while temperature and relative humidity were positively correlated with the fungal concentration and diversity at almost all the sites. Higher fungal diversity was recorded in peak period of human traffic at the two canteens, whereas the two dormitories showed higher fungal diversity in off-peak period. Our study provides the first report on the diversity and concentration of airborne fungal species within different Tianjin University campus environments and clarifies the role played by environmental factors on the analyzed fungal community. Our results may represent valuable information for air quality monitoring and microbial pollution control in densely populated human living environments.
Collapse
|
5
|
Tseng CC, Huang N, Hsieh CJ, Hung CC, Guo YLL. Contribution of Visible Surface Mold to Airborne Fungal Concentration as Assessed by Digital Image Quantification. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081032. [PMID: 34451496 PMCID: PMC8400061 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid monitoring of total fungi, including air and surface fungal profiling, is an important issue. Here, we applied air and surface sampling, combined with digital image quantification of surface mold spots, to evaluate the contribution of surface fungi to airborne fungal concentrations. Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and yeast often appeared in the air or on wall surfaces during sampling. The indoor/outdoor concentration ratios (I/O ratios) demonstrated that the airborne concentrations of commonly found fungal genera outdoors were higher than those indoors (median I/O ratio = 0.65–0.91), excluding those of Penicillium and yeast. Additionally, the surface density (fungal concentration/area) of individual fungi showed no significant correlation with the airborne concentration, excluding that of Geotrichum. However, if a higher surface ratio (>0.00031) of mold spots appeared in the total area of an indoor environment, then the concentrations of Aspergillus and Geotrichum in the air increased significantly. Our results demonstrated that the airborne concentration of indoor fungi is significantly correlated with the outdoor concentration. A higher density of surface fungi does not necessarily contribute to a high fungal concentration in the air. In contrast to fungal density, quantification of the surface fungal area is recommended to assess the risk of surface fungi propelling into the air.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chieh Tseng
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (C.-J.H.); (C.-C.H.)
| | - Ning Huang
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Jung Hsieh
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (C.-J.H.); (C.-C.H.)
| | - Chien-Che Hung
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (C.-J.H.); (C.-C.H.)
| | - Yue-Liang Leon Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and NTU Hospital, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nageen Y, Asemoloye MD, Põlme S, Wang X, Xu S, Ramteke PW, Pecoraro L. Analysis of culturable airborne fungi in outdoor environments in Tianjin, China. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:134. [PMID: 33932997 PMCID: PMC8088404 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal spores dispersed in the atmosphere may become cause of different pathological conditions and allergies for human beings. A number of studies have been performed to analyze the diversity of airborne fungi in different environments worldwide, and in particular in many urban areas in China. We investigated, for the first time, the diversity, concentration and distribution of airborne fungi in Tianjin city. We sampled 8 outdoor environments, using open plate method, during a whole winter season. Isolated fungi were identified by morphological and molecular analysis. Environmental factors which could influence the airborne fungi concentration (temperature, humidity, wind speed, and air pressure) were monitored and analyzed. The effect of different urban site functions (busy areas with high traffic flow and commercial activities vs. green areas) on airborne fungal diversity was also analyzed. Results A total of 560 fungal strains, belonging to 110 species and 49 genera of Ascomycota (80 %), Basidiomycota (18 %), and Mucoromycota (2 %) were isolated in this study. The dominant fungal genus was Alternaria (22 %), followed by Cladosporium (18.4 %), Naganishia (14.1 %), Fusarium (5.9 %), Phoma (4.11 %), and Didymella (4.8 %). A fungal concentration ranging from 0 to 3224.13 CFU m− 3 was recorded during the whole study. Permutational multivariate analysis showed that the month was the most influential factor for airborne fungal community structure, probably because it can be regarded as a proxy of environmental variables, followed by wind speed. The two analyzed environments (busy vs. green) had no detectable effect on the air fungal community, which could be related to the relatively small size of parks in Tianjin and/or to the study season. Conclusions Our study shed light on the highly diverse community of airborne fungi characterizing the outdoor environments of Tianjin, and clarified the role that different environmental factors played in shaping the analyzed fungal community. The dominant presence of fungi with potential hazardous effect on human health, such as Alternaria, Cladosporium and Naganishia, deserves further attention. Our results may represent a valuable source of information for air quality monitoring, microbial pollution control, and airborne diseases prevention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02205-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumna Nageen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Michael Dare Asemoloye
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Sergei Põlme
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 14A Ravila, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Shihan Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Pramod W Ramteke
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Mandsaur University, 458001, Mandsaur, India
| | - Lorenzo Pecoraro
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lu R, Tendal K, Frederiksen MW, Uhrbrand K, Li Y, Madsen AM. Strong variance in the inflammatory and cytotoxic potentials of Penicillium and Aspergillus species from cleaning workers' exposure in nursing homes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138231. [PMID: 32408454 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Penicillium and Aspergillus are among the dominant genera of fungi in many environments. Exposure to these fungi may cause inflammation-related health effects, however the knowledge about this at species level is limited. The aim of this study was to obtain knowledge about cleaning workers' exposure to fungi and to investigate the total inflammatory potential (TIP) and the cytotoxic potential of fungal species. The fungi were obtained from the personal exposure of cleaning workers' in five nursing homes. In total 271 fungal isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. The TIP and cytotoxic potential were determined for 30 different fungal isolates covering 17 species in an in vitro assay by exposing HL-60 cells to the fungal spores of each isolate. The geometric mean exposure of the cleaning workers was 351 CFU fungi/m3 air. We showed that the TIP and cytotoxicity varied among both species and isolates. At the two lowest doses, there was a positive relationship between spore concentration and TIP. The species with highest TIPs were A. candidus and P. italicum, while the most cytotoxic ones were A. niger and A. fumigatus. There was no obvious relationship between the TIP of an isolate and its cytotoxicity. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the inflammatory potential and cytotoxicity of different environmental fungal species and contribute to the risk evaluation of exposure to different Penicillium and Aspergillus species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lu
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kira Tendal
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Uhrbrand
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yanpeng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Givehchi R, Maestre JP, Bi C, Wylie D, Xu Y, Kinney KA, Siegel JA. Quantitative filter forensics with residential HVAC filters to assess indoor concentrations. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:390-402. [PMID: 30624800 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of the dust from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters is a promising long-term sampling method to characterize airborne particle-bound contaminants. This filter forensics (FF) approach provides valuable insights about differences between buildings, but does not allow for an estimation of indoor concentrations. In this investigation, FF is extended to quantitative filter forensics (QFF) by using measurements of the volume of air that passes through the filter and the filter efficiency, to assess the integrated average airborne concentrations of total fungal and bacterial DNA, 36 fungal species, endotoxins, phthalates, and organophosphate esters (OPEs) based on dust extracted from HVAC filters. Filters were collected from 59 homes located in central Texas, USA, after 1 month of deployment in each summer and winter. Results showed considerable differences in the concentrations of airborne particle-bound contaminants in studied homes. The airborne concentrations for most of the analytes are comparable with those reported in the literature. In this sample of homes, the HVAC characterization measurements varied much less between homes than the variation in the filter dust concentration of each analyte, suggesting that even in the absence of HVAC data, FF can provide insight about concentration differences for homes with similar HVAC systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Givehchi
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan P Maestre
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Chenyang Bi
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Dennis Wylie
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Kerry A Kinney
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Jeffrey A Siegel
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen YC, Yu KP, Shao WC, Tseng CH, Pan WC. Novel mold-resistant building materials impregnated with thermally reduced nano-silver. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:276-286. [PMID: 29227564 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the long-term antifungal effectiveness of 3 types of interior building materials (gypsum board [GB], cement board [CB], and softwood plywood [S-PW]) impregnated with thermally reduced silver nanoparticles supported by titanium dioxide (AgNPs/TiO2 ) under 95% relative humidity for 4 weeks. AgNPs/TiO2 was synthesized at 2 thermal reduction temperatures (TRTs, 120 and 200°C) with 2 different AgNP weight percentages (2 and 5 wt%). Four different silver-loading levels (SLLs, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.5 μg/cm2 and the critical concentration required to inhibit fungal growth on agar plates) and 3 fungal species (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spinulosum, and Stachybotrys chartarum) were used in the experiments. Higher temperature reduced more ionic Ag+ to metallic Ag0 and increased the dispersion of Ag on TiO2 surface. The 200°C thermally reduced AgNPs/TiO2 demonstrated excellent antifungal efficiency: Mold growth was almost completely inhibited for 28 days at the low SLL of 0.5 μg/cm2 . Additionally, AgNPs/TiO2 exhibited higher antifungal activity on GB and CB than on S-PW. The stepwise regression results indicated that the TRT of AgNPs/TiO2 (β = -0.739 to -0.51), the SLL (β = -0.477 to -0.269), and the Ag0 level in the AgNPs (β = -0.379 to -0.136) were the major factors influencing antifungal activity and TRT might be the most significant one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y-C Chen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - K-P Yu
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - W-C Shao
- Department of Architecture, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C-H Tseng
- Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - W-C Pan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee WD, Fong JJ, Eimes JA, Lim YW. Diversity and abundance of human-pathogenic fungi associated with pigeon faeces in urban environments. Mol Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Won Dong Lee
- School of Biological Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
- Faculty of Biology; Technion-Israel Institute of Technology; Haifa Israel
| | | | - John A. Eimes
- School of Biological Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
- University College; Sungkyunkwan University; Suwon Korea
| | - Young Woon Lim
- School of Biological Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen AJ, Sun BD, Houbraken J, Frisvad JC, Yilmaz N, Zhou YG, Samson RA. New Talaromyces species from indoor environments in China. Stud Mycol 2016; 84:119-144. [PMID: 28070136 PMCID: PMC5219591 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Talaromyces contains both asexual and sexually reproducing species. This genus is divided in seven sections and currently has 105 accepted species. In this study we investigated the Talaromyces isolates that were obtained during a study of indoor air collected in Beijing, China. These indoor Talaromyces strains are resolved in four sections, seven of them are identified as T. islandicus, T. aurantiacus, T. siamensis and T. albobiverticillius according to BenA sequences, while 14 isolates have divergent sequences and are described here as nine new species. The new species are placed in four sections, namely sections Helici, Islandici, Talaromyces and Trachyspermi. They are described based on sequence data (ITS, BenA, CaM and RPB2) in combination with phenotypic and extrolite characters. Morphological descriptions and notes for distinguishing similar species are provided for each new species. The recently described T. rubrifaciens is synonymised with T. albobiverticillius based on presented phylogenetic results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, PR China; CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, NL-3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B D Sun
- China General Microbiological Culture Collection Centre, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - J Houbraken
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, NL-3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J C Frisvad
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - N Yilmaz
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, 230 Steacie Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Y G Zhou
- China General Microbiological Culture Collection Centre, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - R A Samson
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, NL-3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rathnayake CM, Metwali N, Baker Z, Jayarathne T, Kostle PA, Thorne PS, O'Shaughnessy PT, Stone EA. Urban Enhancement of PM 10 Bioaerosol Tracers Relative to Background Locations in the Midwestern United States. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. ATMOSPHERES : JGR 2016; 121:5071-5089. [PMID: 27672535 PMCID: PMC5034947 DOI: 10.1002/2015jd024538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols are well-known immune-active particles that exacerbate respiratory diseases. Human exposures to bioaerosols and their resultant health impacts depend on their ambient concentrations, seasonal and spatial variation, and co-pollutants, which are not yet widely characterized. In this study, chemical and biological tracers of bioaerosols were quantified in respirable particulate matter (PM10) collected at three urban and three background sites in the Midwestern United States across four seasons in 2012. Endotoxins from gram negative bacteria (and a few gram positive bacteria), water-soluble proteins, and tracers for fungal spores (fungal glucans, arabitol and mannitol) were ubiquitous and showed significant seasonal variation and dependence on temperature. Fungal spores were elevated in spring and peaked in summer, following the seasonal growing cycle, while endotoxins peaked in autumn during the row crop harvesting season. Paired comparisons of bioaerosols in urban and background sites revealed significant urban enhancements in PM10, fungal glucans, endotoxins and water-soluble proteins relative to background locations, such that urban populations have a greater outdoor exposure to bioaerosols. These bioaerosols contribute, in part, to the urban excesses in PM10. Higher bioaerosol mass fractions in urban areas relative to background sites indicate that urban areas serve as a source of bioaerosols. Similar urban enhancements in water-soluble calcium and its correlation with bioaerosol tracers point towards wind-blown soil as an important source of bioaerosols in urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nervana Metwali
- University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory, Coralville, IA, USA 52241, United States
| | - Zach Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| | | | - Pamela A Kostle
- University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory, Coralville, IA, USA 52241, United States
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| | - Patrick T O'Shaughnessy
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| | - Elizabeth A Stone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rathnayake CM, Metwali N, Baker Z, Jayarathne T, Kostle PA, Thorne PS, O'Shaughnessy PT, Stone EA. Urban Enhancement of PM 10 Bioaerosol Tracers Relative to Background Locations in the Midwestern United States. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. ATMOSPHERES : JGR 2016. [PMID: 27672535 DOI: 10.1002/2015jd024538.received] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols are well-known immune-active particles that exacerbate respiratory diseases. Human exposures to bioaerosols and their resultant health impacts depend on their ambient concentrations, seasonal and spatial variation, and co-pollutants, which are not yet widely characterized. In this study, chemical and biological tracers of bioaerosols were quantified in respirable particulate matter (PM10) collected at three urban and three background sites in the Midwestern United States across four seasons in 2012. Endotoxins from gram negative bacteria (and a few gram positive bacteria), water-soluble proteins, and tracers for fungal spores (fungal glucans, arabitol and mannitol) were ubiquitous and showed significant seasonal variation and dependence on temperature. Fungal spores were elevated in spring and peaked in summer, following the seasonal growing cycle, while endotoxins peaked in autumn during the row crop harvesting season. Paired comparisons of bioaerosols in urban and background sites revealed significant urban enhancements in PM10, fungal glucans, endotoxins and water-soluble proteins relative to background locations, such that urban populations have a greater outdoor exposure to bioaerosols. These bioaerosols contribute, in part, to the urban excesses in PM10. Higher bioaerosol mass fractions in urban areas relative to background sites indicate that urban areas serve as a source of bioaerosols. Similar urban enhancements in water-soluble calcium and its correlation with bioaerosol tracers point towards wind-blown soil as an important source of bioaerosols in urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nervana Metwali
- University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory, Coralville, IA, USA 52241, United States
| | - Zach Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| | | | - Pamela A Kostle
- University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory, Coralville, IA, USA 52241, United States
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| | - Patrick T O'Shaughnessy
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| | - Elizabeth A Stone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Agarwal S, Mandal P, Srivastava A. Quantification and Characterization of Size-segregated Bioaerosols at Municipal Solid Waste Dumping Site in Delhi. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proenv.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
15
|
Singh A, Chandrasekharan Nair K, Kamal R, Bihari V, Gupta MK, Mudiam MKR, Satyanarayana GNV, Raj A, Haq I, Shukla NK, Khan AH, Srivastava AK. Assessing hazardous risks of indoor airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the kitchen and its association with lung functions and urinary PAH metabolites in kitchen workers. Clin Chim Acta 2016; 452:204-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
16
|
Sodeau J, O'Connor D. Bioaerosol Monitoring of the Atmosphere for Occupational and Environmental Purposes. THE QUALITY OF AIR 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.coac.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
17
|
He C, Salonen H, Ling X, Crilley L, Jayasundara N, Cheung HC, Hargreaves M, Huygens F, Knibbs LD, Ayoko GA, Morawska L. The impact of flood and post-flood cleaning on airborne microbiological and particle contamination in residential houses. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 69:9-17. [PMID: 24785990 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In January 2011, Brisbane, Australia, experienced a major river flooding event. We aimed to investigate its effects on air quality and assess the role of prompt cleaning activities in reducing the airborne exposure risk. A comprehensive, multi-parameter indoor and outdoor measurement campaign was conducted in 41 residential houses, 2 and 6 months after the flood. The median indoor air concentrations of supermicrometer particle number (PN), PM10, fungi and bacteria 2 months after the flood were comparable to those previously measured in Brisbane. These were 2.88 p cm(-3), 15 μg m(-3), 804 cf um(-3) and 177 cf um(-3) for flood-affected houses (AFH), and 2.74 p cm(-3), 15 μg m(-3), 547 cf um(-3) and 167 cf um(-3) for non-affected houses (NFH), respectively. The I/O (indoor/outdoor) ratios of these pollutants were 1.08, 1.38, 0.74 and 1.76 for AFH and 1.03, 1.32, 0.83 and 2.17 for NFH, respectively. The average of total elements (together with transition metals) in indoor dust was 2296 ± 1328 μg m(-2) for AFH and 1454 ± 678 μg m(-2) for NFH, respectively. In general, the differences between AFH and NFH were not statistically significant, implying the absence of a measureable effect on air quality from the flood. We postulate that this was due to the very swift and effective cleaning of the flooded houses by 60,000 volunteers. Among the various cleaning methods, the use of both detergent and bleach was the most efficient at controlling indoor bacteria. All cleaning methods were equally effective for indoor fungi. This study provides quantitative evidence of the significant impact of immediate post-flood cleaning on mitigating the effects of flooding on indoor bioaerosol contamination and other pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congrong He
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Heidi Salonen
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; Developing Indoor Environments, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Xuan Ling
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Leigh Crilley
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Nadeesha Jayasundara
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Hing Cho Cheung
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Megan Hargreaves
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Flavia Huygens
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Godwin A Ayoko
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Simon X, Duquenne P. Assessment of workers' exposure to bioaerosols in a French cheese factory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 58:677-92. [PMID: 24812257 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds of different cheeses are produced in France, where 23.9kg of cheese were consumed per inhabitant in 2009, when it was ranked the second cheese-consuming nation. To meet this considerable demand, a large number of cheese factories exist where many workers, especially cheese washers, may be exposed to fungal bioaerosols that can lead to adverse toxinic and allergic effects. Airborne bacteria, fragments, or microbial by-products (endotoxins) are also found and contribute to total worker exposure. However, there is almost no published data concerning worker exposure or characteristics of bioaerosols emitted during these activities. Here, we measured the parameters (concentrations, species present, and size distribution) of the culturable fungal bioaerosol emitted in a French natural-rind cheese-maturing cellar. Concentrations of airborne bacteria and endotoxins were also measured. The main tasks were investigated using stationary or personal sampling over three consecutive days. Depending on the work area, high concentrations of culturable mesophilic microorganisms were measured (using closed-face cassettes): from 10(4) to 2×10(8) CFU m(-3) for fungi and from 10(3) to 10(6) CFU m(-3) for bacteria. These concentrations are 10- to 100000-fold higher than those measured at two reference points (indoor and outdoor) that are assumed not to be contaminated by the plant's activities. Endotoxin concentrations were between 10 and 300 EU m(-3) in the plant. Exposure was further assessed by identifying the predominant culturable fungi (allergenic Mucor fuscus and Penicillium sp.) and by measuring particle size distributions (cascade impactor). Airborne fungal entities (spores, mycelium strands and fragments, agglomerates, etc.) were found with aerodynamic diameters from 3 to over 20 µm. A metrological approach was used to fully characterize the culturable fungal aerosols generated during cheese maturing in this plant. The results show that workers are exposed to concentrations of airborne culturable fungi, sometimes very high, throughout the manufacturing process. In addition to fungi, culturable bacteria and endotoxins are also present in the work atmosphere. All these microbial organisms thus contribute in a complex manner to total worker exposure. Despite the lack of both occupational exposure limit values and standardized measuring methods, our results suggest that an immunological risk may occur among workers, especially for cheese brushers, cheese washers, and packagers who are the most exposed workers in the factory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Simon
- INRS-Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Aerosols Metrology Laboratory, Pollutants Metrology Division, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, 54519 Vandoeuvre les Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Duquenne
- INRS-Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Aerosols Metrology Laboratory, Pollutants Metrology Division, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, 54519 Vandoeuvre les Nancy Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
BAMBA IKUKO, AZUMA MICHIYO, HAMADA NOBUO, KUBO HIROKO, ISODA NORIO. Case Study of Airborne Fungi According to Air Temperature and Relative Humidity in Houses with Semi-Basements Adjacent to a Forested Hillside. Biocontrol Sci 2014; 19:1-9. [DOI: 10.4265/bio.19.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
|
20
|
Meng J, Barnes CS, Rosenwasser LJ. Identity of the fungal species present in the homes of asthmatic children. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 42:1448-58. [PMID: 22994342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.04001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal exposures are believed to play an important role in the development of asthma and atopy, accounting for increased asthmatic symptoms and severe asthma exacerbation. Indoor fungal species vary both in taxa and concentration in different residences and in different regions. OBJECTIVES We explored the fungal species spectrum in 88 homes with at least one asthmatic child in the Middle West region of the United States mostly during late spring and fall season in comparison with 85 homes that did not contain an asthmatic child during flu season. METHODS The average fungal spore counts per cubic metre of air in the bedroom of the enrolled child, the main living spaces and outdoor environments, and the culturable fungal colony-forming units per cubic metre of air samples in the main living space from each home were measured. RESULTS The results indicated that Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Basidiospores, Epicoccum and Pithomyces were found in more asthmatic homes than in homes without an asthmatic child or existed in higher concentration in asthmatic homes than in homes without an asthmatic child even after adjusting outdoor spore concentration. The results for culturable fungal species confirmed most of these findings even after adjusting for seasonal factors. Although Alternaria was commonly found in both kinds of homes, there was no significant difference in detection rate or concentration of Alternaria between asthmatic homes and homes without an asthmatic child by either spore counting or culturable airborne detection. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Since many allergens have been identified in these fungal species, identifying and controlling these fungal species in asthmatic homes might be expected to improve asthma care and benefit asthmatic children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Meng
- Department of Pediatric Immunology Research, The Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Awad AHA, Gibbs SG, Tarwater PM, Green CF. Coarse and fine culturable fungal air concentrations in urban and rural homes in Egypt. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:936-49. [PMID: 23466829 PMCID: PMC3709295 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10030936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of the present study was to assess culturable airborne fungal concentrations, and types in different seasons. Two-stage viable impactor samplers were used with malt extract agar medium as the collection media. Culturable airborne fungal concentrations were collected indoors and outdoors of 43 homes in urban and rural environments from November 2008 to October 2009 in Egypt. Fungal concentrations were significantly higher in the rural environment than the urban environment. The median indoor and outdoor total fungal concentrations were 608 and 675 CFU/m3 in the urban environment and 1,932 and 1,872 CFU/m3 in the rural environment, respectively. The greatest concentrations were found in the autumn and spring season. Indoor and outdoor concentrations were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). The highest concentrations were observed in the fungal size range of <8 µm (fine fraction). The indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios were not statistically different between seasons. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and yeasts were the predominant genera indoors and outdoors, and the abundance of genera varied by season and region. This study is of a potential interest as little reported research on the indoor fungal air quality from Egypt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Hameed A. Awad
- Air Pollution Department, National Research Centre, P.O. Box 12622, Giza 11787, Egypt; E-Mail:
- Department of Environmental and Health Research, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah Al Mukarramah, 21421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shawn G. Gibbs
- College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984355 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Patrick M. Tarwater
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Christopher F. Green
- Science, Math and Engineering Division, University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mentese S, Rad AY, Arisoy M, Güllü G. Multiple comparisons of organic, microbial, and fine particulate pollutants in typical indoor environments: diurnal and seasonal variations. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2012; 62:1380-1393. [PMID: 23362757 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2012.714717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study was performed to investigate the possible sources as well as seasonal and diurnal variations of indoor air pollutants in widely used four different environments (house, office, kindergarten, and primary school) in which people spend most of their time. Bioaerosol levels and species, volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, and PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < or = 2.5 microm) levels were determined in different parts of these environments in parallel with outdoor sampling. Air pollution samplings were carried out in each microenvironment during five subsequent days in both winter and summer in Ankara, Turkey. The results indicated that bioaerosol, VOC, and PM2.5 levels were higher in the winter than in the summer. Moreover PM2.5 and bioaerosol levels showed remarkable daily and diurnal variations, whereas a good correlation was found between the VOC levels measured in the morning and in the afternoon. Bacteria levels were, in general, higher than fungi levels. Among the VOCs, toluene was the most predominant, whereas elevated n-hexane levels were also observed in the kindergarten and the primary school, probably due to the frequent wet cleaning during school days. According to factor analysis, several factors were found to be significantly influencing the indoor air quality (IAQ), and amongst them, VOC-based products used indoors ranked first. The overall results indicate that grab sampling in naturally ventilated places may overestimate or underestimate the IAQ due to the inhomogeneous composition of indoor air caused by irregular exchanges with the outdoor air according to the season and/or occupants' habits. IMPLICATIONS Seasonal and diurnal variations of VOCs, PM2.5, bioaerosols in house, office, and schools were observed, in which PM2.5 and bioaeorosols showed marked both intra- and interday variability, but VOCs did not. VOC-containing products were the most common source of air pollutants affecting the indoor air quality. External factors affecting the indoor air quality were season and indirectly ventilation. A grab sample cannot be representative in evaluating the air quality of a naturally ventilated environment precisely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Mentese
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Passarini MRZ, Santos C, Lima N, Berlinck RGS, Sette LD. Filamentous fungi from the Atlantic marine sponge Dragmacidon reticulatum. Arch Microbiol 2012. [PMID: 23179657 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-012-0854-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Dragmacidon reticulatum is a marine sponge of wide occurrence in the Eastern and Western Atlantic. Little is known about D. reticulatum fungal diversity. Filamentous fungi recovered from D. reticulatum were assessed in the present study using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, including classical morphology, molecular biology and MALDI-TOF ICMS. Ninety-eight fungal strains were isolated from two D. reticulatum samples by using six different culture media, which were identified up to the genus level. Sixty-four distinct fungal ribotypes were obtained, distributed among twenty-four different genera belonging to the Ascomycota and Zygomycota. Representatives of Penicillium and Trichoderma were the most diverse and abundant fungi isolated. Amongst Penicillium spp. three isolates belonged to the same ribotype can be considered as a putative new species. Data derived from the present study highlight the importance of using a polyphasic approach to get an accurate identification in order to structure a reliable culture collection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel R Z Passarini
- Divisão de Recursos Microbianos-DRM, CPQBA, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Monitoring the occurrence of indoor fungi in a hospital. Rev Iberoam Micol 2012; 29:227-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
25
|
Nasir ZA, Colbeck I, Sultan S, Ahmed S. Bioaerosols in residential micro-environments in low income countries: a case study from Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 168:15-22. [PMID: 22584111 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2012.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Our knowledge of the concentrations of bioaerosols in residential micro-environments in low income countries is scanty. The present investigation was conducted to assess the culturable concentration and size distribution of bacteria, gram negative bacteria and fungi in two rural and an urban site in Pakistan. The highest indoor culturable bacteria concentration was found at Rural Site II (14,650 CFU/m3) while the outdoor maximum occurred at the urban site (16,416 CFU/m3). With reference to fungi, both indoor and outdoor concentrations were considerably higher at Rural Site I than the other sites. The size distribution of culturable bacteria at all sites showed greater variability than that of culturable fungi. At all sites more than the half (55-93%) of the culturable bacterial and fungal counts were observed in the respirable fraction (<4.7 μm) and so had the potential to penetrate into lower respiratory system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaheer Ahmad Nasir
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sharma R, Deval R, Priyadarshi V, Gaur SN, Singh VP, Singh AB. Indoor fungal concentration in the homes of allergic/asthmatic children in Delhi, India. ALLERGY & RHINOLOGY 2012; 2:21-32. [PMID: 22852111 PMCID: PMC3390125 DOI: 10.2500/ar.2011.2.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Allergy to fungi has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, including rhinitis and asthma. Therefore, exposure to fungi in home environment is an important factor for fungal allergy. The present study was aimed to investigate types of airborne fungi inside and outside the homes of asthmatic children and control subjects (nonasthmatic children). The dominant fungi were evaluated for their quantitative distribution and seasonal variation. The air samples were collected from indoors and immediate outdoors of 77 selected homes of children suffering from bronchial asthma/allergic rhinitis using Andersen volumetric air sampler. The isolated fungal genera/species were identified using reference literature, and statistical analysis of the dominant fungi was performed to study the difference in fungal concentration between indoor and immediate outdoor sites as well as in between different seasons. A total of 4423 air samples were collected from two indoor and immediate outdoor sites in a 1-year survey of 77 homes. This resulted in the isolation of an average of 110,091 and 107,070 fungal colonies per metric cube of air from indoor and outdoor sites, respectively. A total of 68 different molds were identified. Different species of Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were found to be the most prevalent fungi in Delhi homes, which constituted 88.6% of the total colonies indoors. Highest concentration was registered in autumn and winter months. Total as well as dominant fungi displayed statistically significant differences among the four seasons (p < 0.001). The largest number of isolations were the species of Aspergillus (>40% to total colony-forming units in indoors as well as outdoors) followed by Cladosporium spp. Annual concentration of Aspergillus spp. was significantly higher (p < 0.05) inside the homes when compared with outdoors. Most of the fungi also occurred at a significantly higher (p < 0.001) rate inside the homes when compared with immediate outdoors. Asthmatic children in Delhi are exposed to a substantial concentration of mold inside their homes as well as immediate outdoor air. The considerable seasonal distributions of fungi provide valuable data for investigation of the role of fungal exposure as a risk for respiratory disorders among patients suffering from allergy or asthma in Delhi.
Collapse
|
27
|
Chen BY, Chan CC, Han YY, Wu HP, Guo YL. The risk factors and quality of life in children with allergic rhinitis in relation to seasonal attack patterns. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2012; 26:146-55. [PMID: 22324501 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2011.01203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine whether risk factors and allergic rhinitis (AR)-related quality of life (QOL) were different among children with different seasonal patterns of AR. Participants were students enrolled in elementary and middle schools in Taipei County, Taiwan. Using moving average and principal component analysis, children with current AR were grouped by attack seasons. The effects of personal and environmental factors on AR seasonality were assessed by logistic regression models. AR severity and AR-related QOL were compared within AR seasonal subtypes. Among 4221 children who completed the questionnaire, 1144 and 1605 children were current AR cases and healthy controls, respectively. Four AR subtypes were categorised as follows: perennial, spring, summer/fall, and winter. Age, gender, parental education, maternal passive smoking during pregnancy, breast feeding, and mouldy walls were found to contribute differentially to different AR subtypes. Children suffering from perennial and winter AR were found to have more severe symptoms and significantly lower QOL score compared with other subtypes. Specific personal and environmental risk factors could contribute to different AR seasonal subtypes. Active allergen avoidance and symptomatic treatment should be the focus of management aiming to improve the QOL among children with perennial and winter subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Yu Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Indoor Exposure to Mould AllergensHumid indoor environments may be colonised by allergenic filamentous microfungi (moulds),Aspergillusspp.,Penicilliumspp.,Cladosporiumspp., andAlternariaspp. in particular. Mould-induced respiratory diseases are a worldwide problem. In the last two decades, mould allergens and glucans have been used as markers of indoor exposure to moulds. Recently, mould allergens Alt a 1 (Alternaria alternata) and Asp f 1 (Aspergillus fumigatus) have been analysed in various environments (residential and occupational) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, which use monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. Household Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 levels were usually under the limit of the method detection. By contrast, higher levels of mould allergens were found in environments with high levels of bioaerosols such as poultry farms and sawmills. Data on allergen Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 levels in agricultural settings may provide information on possible colonisation of respective moulds and point out to mould-related diseases in occupants.
Collapse
|
29
|
Volumetric Assessment of Airborne Indoor and Outdoor Fungi at Poultry and Cattle Houses in the Mazandaran Province, Iran. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2011; 62:243-8. [DOI: 10.2478/10004-1254-62-2011-2099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Volumetric Assessment of Airborne Indoor and Outdoor Fungi at Poultry and Cattle Houses in the Mazandaran Province, IranThe aim of this study was to assess the volume of airborne fungi in the indoor and outdoor environment of poultry and cattle houses in the Mazandaran Province in Iran. Indoor and outdoor air of twenty cattle houses and twenty-five poultry houses were sampled using a single-stage impactor, which draws air at 20 L min-1and impacts sampled material onto Petri plates containing malt extract agar. The plates were incubated at 30 °C for seven days, after which the resulting colonies were counted. The fungi were identified and counted microscopically and macroscopically. A total of 4,662 fungal colonies were isolated from 90 plates collected from indoor and outdoor air of cattle and poultry houses.Cladosporium(55.3 %), yeast (10.0 %), andAspergillus(9.4 %) were the most common findings. The concentration of airborne fungi in cattle and poultry houses ranged from 10 CFU m-3to 1700 CFU m-3in indoor and 10 CFU m-3to 2170 CFU m-3in outdoor environments.Cladosporiumhad the highest mean indoor (424.5 CFU m-3) and outdoor (449.7 CFU m-3) air concentration in the cattle houses. In the poultry houses, the highest mean concentrations were measured forCladosporium(551.0 CFU m-3) outdoors and yeast (440.7 CFU m-3) indoors. These levels might present an occupational risk, but threshold levels for these environments have yet to be established worldwide.
Collapse
|
30
|
Kim KY, Kim YS, Kim D, Kim HT. Exposure level and distribution characteristics of airborne bacteria and fungi in Seoul metropolitan subway stations. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2010; 49:242-248. [PMID: 21173524 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.ms1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The exposure level and distribution characteristics of airborne bacteria and fungi were assessed in the workers' activity areas (station office, bedroom, ticket office and driver's seat) and passengers' activity areas (station precinct, inside the passenger carriage, and platform) of the Seoul metropolitan subway. Among investigated areas, the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi in the workers' bedroom and station precincts were relatively high. No significant difference was found in the concentration of airborne bacteria and fungi between the underground and above ground activity areas of the subway. The genera identified in all subway activity areas with a 5% or greater detection rate were Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Bacillus and Corynebacterium for airborne bacteria and Penicillium, Cladosporium, Chrysosporium, Aspergillus for airborne fungi. Staphylococcus and Micrococcus comprised over 50% of the total airborne bacteria and Penicillium and Cladosporium comprised over 60% of the total airborne fungi, thus these four genera are the predominant genera in the subway station.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki Youn Kim
- Institute of Industrial and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kim KY, Kim YS, Kim D. Distribution characteristics of airborne bacteria and fungi in the general hospitals of Korea. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2010; 48:236-43. [PMID: 20424357 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.48.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to provide fundamental data related to size-based characteristics of bioaerosol distributed in the general hospital. Measurement sites are main lobby, ICU, surgical ward and biomedical laboratory and total five times were sampled with six-stage cascade impactor. Mean concentrations of airborne bacteria and fungi were the highest in main lobby as followed by an order of surgical ward, ICU and biomedical laboratory. The predominant genera of airborne bacteria identified in the general hospital were Staphylococcus spp. (50%), Micrococcus spp. (15-20%), Corynebacterium spp. (5-20%), and Bacillus spp. (5-15%). On the other hand, the predominant genera of airborne fungi identified in the general hospital were Cladosporium spp. (30%), Penicillium spp. (20-25%), Aspergillus spp. (15-20%), and Alternaria spp. (10-20%). The detection rate was generally highest on stage 5 (1.1-2.1 microm) for airborne bacteria and on stage 1 (>7.0 microm) for airborne fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki Youn Kim
- Institute of Industrial and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cordeiro RA, Brilhante RS, Pantoja LD, Moreira Filho RE, Vieira PR, Rocha MF, Monteiro AJ, Sidrim JJ. Isolation of pathogenic yeasts in the air from hospital environments in the city of Fortaleza, northeast Brazil. Braz J Infect Dis 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1413-8670(10)70007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
|
33
|
Tang JW. The effect of environmental parameters on the survival of airborne infectious agents. J R Soc Interface 2009. [PMID: 19773291 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2009.0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful transmission of infection via the airborne route relies on several factors, including the survival of the airborne pathogen in the environment as it travels between susceptible hosts. This review summarizes the various environmental factors (particularly temperature and relative humidity) that may affect the airborne survival of viruses, bacteria and fungi, with the aim of highlighting specific aspects of environmental control that may eventually enhance the aerosol or airborne infection control of infectious disease transmission within hospitals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian W Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Republic of Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Han YY, Lee YL, Guo YL. Indoor environmental risk factors and seasonal variation of childhood asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009; 20:748-56. [PMID: 19236600 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2009.00871.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Seasonality of asthma may result from varying exposures. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the relationship between indoor environmental factors and seasonal childhood asthma. Study subjects were participants from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) in 2004, a population-based surveillance, which included school children aged 6-15 yr in south Taiwan. Cases included 1725 children who experienced asthma symptoms in the past 12 months and the references consisted of 19,646 children who reportedly have no asthma history. By using a moving average and principal component analysis, asthmatic children were grouped into four asthma subtypes: winter, spring, summer/fall, and perennial. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of indoor environmental factors on seasonality of childhood asthma. For all asthma prevalence, a peak occurred in the winter and a nadir appeared in summer. Contributing factors of asthma for children, regardless of seasonality, included younger age, parental atopy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, breast feeding, and perceived air pollution. After adjusted for salient risk factors, water damage was significantly associated with all subtypes of asthma. Presence of cockroaches was related to the summer/fall asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-2.55). Visible mold on the walls was associated with an increased occurrence of winter and spring asthma (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.26-1.85 and aOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.10-1.62, respectively). Passive smoking was shown to be related to spring and summer/fall asthma. Water damage is a possible risk for childhood asthma year-round. Cockroaches and visible mold on the walls may play essential roles for seasonality of childhood asthma in Taiwan. Plausible mechanisms and allergic effects should be further determined. Elimination of these allergens is necessary to help prevent the development of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Ying Han
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tang JW. The effect of environmental parameters on the survival of airborne infectious agents. J R Soc Interface 2009; 6 Suppl 6:S737-46. [PMID: 19773291 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2009.0227.focus] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful transmission of infection via the airborne route relies on several factors, including the survival of the airborne pathogen in the environment as it travels between susceptible hosts. This review summarizes the various environmental factors (particularly temperature and relative humidity) that may affect the airborne survival of viruses, bacteria and fungi, with the aim of highlighting specific aspects of environmental control that may eventually enhance the aerosol or airborne infection control of infectious disease transmission within hospitals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian W Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Republic of Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Curtis L, Lieberman A, Stark M, Rea W, Vetter M. Adverse Health Effects of Indoor Molds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/13590840400010318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
37
|
Sen B, Asan A. Fungal flora in indoor and outdoor air of different residential houses in Tekirdag City (Turkey): seasonal distribution and relationship with climatic factors. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2009; 151:209-19. [PMID: 18509736 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-008-0262-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2007] [Accepted: 02/29/2008] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study was investigated the density and monthly distribution of indoor and outdoor microfungi in six different residential houses in Tekirdag City through the exposure of Petri dishes containing Rose-Bengal Streptomycin Agar media. Samples were collected in 1-month intervals over a period of 12 months between March, 2001, and February, 2002. We used 432 Petri dishes and counted a total of 4,205 microfungi colonies, 1,790 from indoor air and 2,415 from outdoor air. As a result, 42 species belonging to 12 genera were identified. The most frequent fungal genera were Penicillium (28.61%), Cladosporium (16.08%) and Alternaria (15.98%). While Penicillium (40.61%) and Cladosporium (15.92%) were the dominant genera of indoor air, Alternaria (20.62%) and Penicillium (19.71%) were isolated most frequently from outdoor air (Table 3). Alternaria citri (10.15%) and Penicillium brevicompactum (10.15%) were found to be the most frequent among the 42 identified species. While P. brevicompactum (19.55%) and Aspergillus niger (6.37%) were the most frequent indoor species, A. citri (13.37%) and Cladosporium cladosporioides (8.20%) were the most frequent outdoor species. Linear Regression Analysis was applied to determine whether or not there was a relationship between the number of colonies of isolated fungal genera and meteorological factors during the research period. Correlations between the presence of Aspergillus and temperature, relative humidity, duration of sunny periods and agents of air pollution such as SO(2) and PM were statistically significant. No significant correlations, however, were found between other fungal genera and environmental variables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burhan Sen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Trakya University, Gullapoglu Yerleskesi, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Aydogdu H, Asan A. Airborne fungi in child day care centers in Edirne City, Turkey. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2008; 147:423-444. [PMID: 18264791 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-007-0130-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration, in terms of monthly and seasonal distribution and in relation to meteorological factors, of indoor and outdoor microfungi at selected sites in several child day care centers in the city of Edirne, Turkey. Samples were collected at one month intervals over a period of 12 months between January-December 2004, by exposing petri plates containing Peptone Dextrose Agar with Rose-Bengal and Streptomycin medium to the air for 10-15 min. A total of 2,071 microfungal colonies were counted on 192 petri plates. Thirty microfungal genera (Acremonium, Alternaria, Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Bahusakala, Beauveria, Ceuthospora, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Drechslera, Epicoccum, Eurotium, Fusarium, Mycotypha, Myrotechium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Pestalotiopsis, Phoma, Ramichloridium, Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis, Stachybotrys, Stemphylium, Torula, Trichoderma, Trichothecium, Ulocladium, Verticillium) and 75 microfungal species were isolated from the air indoor and outdoor of the day care centers. The dominant microfungal genera were Cladosporium, Penicillium and Alternaria (44.11%, 18.94%, 14.67% of the total respectively), while the genus with the most species richness was Penicillium (26 species). Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium and non-sporulating microfungi were found every month. Cladosporium was the dominant genus in both indoor and outdoor air. Although the predominant genus was the same in both indoor and outdoor air, Cladosporium was followed by Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus genera in indoor air and by Alternaria, Penicillium and Aspergillus genera in outdoor air. While a positive correlation was found between the concentration of monthly outdoor microfungi and monthly average temperature, a negative correlation was found between the concentration of monthly outdoor microfungi and monthly average wind velocity. Also, some relationships were found between the monthly concentrations of the most predominant microfungal genera (Cladosporium, Penicillium and Alternaria) and various meteorological factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halide Aydogdu
- Arda Vocational College, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dassonville C, Demattei C, Detaint B, Barral S, Bex-Capelle V, Momas I. Assessment and predictors determination of indoor airborne fungal concentrations in Paris newborn babies' homes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 108:80-85. [PMID: 18571639 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Revised: 04/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Indoor mould growth can affect health, especially in early childhood. As part of a birth cohort follow-up, the purpose of this study was firstly to examine spectrum and levels of airborne fungi in 190 Paris newborns' dwellings, and secondly to identify predictors of these levels. Sequential duplicate air samples were collected twice a year in the newborn's bedroom and outside the building. A single-stage multi-holed impactor (Air Ideal) was used with chloramphenicol/MEA agar. Housing characteristics were assessed using a questionnaire administered by a trained interviewer. Cladosporium and Penicillium were isolated in, respectively, 77% and 93% of homes in the cold season, and in 95% and 83% of homes in the hot season. Aspergillus and Alternaria were recovered from indoor air in, respectively, 60% and less than 20% of homes. Geometric means (geometric standard deviation) of indoor total airborne fungal concentrations at two different visits were, respectively, 232.4 (3.2) and 186.7 (2.7)cfu/m(3). In the GEE multivariate analysis, outdoor fungal concentrations were the best predictors for variability of indoor total fungal and Cladosporium concentrations (respectively, R(2)=32% and 31%). Levels of total airborne fungal and Cladosporium concentrations were significantly higher during the hot season (respectively, p=0.003 and p<0.001) and were positively correlated with the duration of bedroom aeration (respectively, p=0.004 and p<0.001). Signs of dampness were associated with higher total airborne fungi (p=0.031) and Aspergillus levels (p=0.055). This study provides for the first time indoor airborne fungal spectrum and concentrations in Paris. Outdoor levels and season largely contributed to the variability of indoor total airborne fungal concentrations, which also depended on aeration and signs of dampness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Dassonville
- Université Paris Descartes, Laboratoire Santé Publique et Environnement-EA 4064, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Inal A, Karakoc GB, Altintas DU, Guvenmez HK, Aka Y, Gelisken R, Yilmaz M, Kendirli SG. Effect of indoor mold concentrations on daily symptom severity of children with asthma and/or rhinitis monosensitized to molds. J Asthma 2007; 44:543-6. [PMID: 17885857 DOI: 10.1080/02770900701496130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the contribution of indoor molds to the symptoms of asthma and/or rhinitis in children monosensitized to molds. We aimed to investigate the effect of indoor mold spore concentrations on daily symptoms of asthma and/or rhinitis in children monosensitized to molds. Nineteen children with asthma and/or rhinitis sensitized only to molds recorded their daily symptoms and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values to the diaries, from February 2005 to January 2006. In this study period, indoor mold concentrations were measured monthly from the living rooms/bedrooms. The median indoor mold concentration was 37.5 CFU/m(3). Most commonly recovered indoor molds were Cladosporium (26.4%), Penicillium (24.7%), and Aspergillus (7%). Significant correlation was not found between indoor mold concentrations and daily rhinitis score (r = -0.021, p = 0.932), daily asthma score (r = 0.155, p = 0.554), daily morning PEF (r = -0.056, p = 0.475), and evening PEF (r = -0.057, p = 0.471). The effect of indoor molds is not evident on the symptoms of our patients with asthma and/or rhinitis monosensitized to molds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayfer Inal
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Fracchia L, Pietronave S, Rinaldi M, Martinotti MG. The assessment of airborne bacterial contamination in three composting plants revealed site-related biological hazard and seasonal variations. J Appl Microbiol 2006; 100:973-84. [PMID: 16629998 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.02846.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of bacterial contamination generated by three Italian composting plants (1, 2 and 3) in two different seasons and to assess the health risk for the employees. METHODS AND RESULTS Aerosols samples were collected with an agar impact sampler. Several plant sites and external upwind and downwind controls were examined. Total colony-forming counts of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria, actinomycetes and streptomycetes, Gram-negatives, coliforms and sulfite-reducers were determined. Selective media were used in order to isolate pathogenic bacteria. The levels of total mesophilic and thermophilic micro-organisms ranged between 33 and >40,000 CFU m(-3) in plant 1, 39 and 18,700 CFU m(-3) in plant 2 and 261 and 6278 CFU m(-3) in plant 3. Strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens were also found. CONCLUSIONS The plants monitored in this study have proved to be sources of aerosolized bacteria. The activities involving mechanical movement of the composting mass and the indoor activities were of greatest potential risk. In all the studied plants, a statistically significant dependence was found between the bacterial contamination and the season for some or almost all the analysed parameters, but a clear seasonal trend could not be observed. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study provides broad evidence of bacterial aerosol dispersion and site-related biological hazards that may be useful to the regional government to implement regulations on worker safety in composting plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Fracchia
- Department of Chemical, Food, Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences (DiSCAFF), University of Eastern Piedmont Amedeo Avogadro, Novara, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lange JH. Respiratory Protection for Mold Remediation. J Occup Environ Med 2005; 47:545-6; author reply 546. [PMID: 15951712 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000163608.55674.dd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
43
|
Wu PC, Li YY, Chiang CM, Huang CY, Lee CC, Li FC, Su HJ. Changing microbial concentrations are associated with ventilation performance in Taiwan's air-conditioned office buildings. INDOOR AIR 2005; 15:19-26. [PMID: 15660566 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2004.00313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Our study conducted serial environmental measurements in 12 large office buildings with two different ventilation designs to obtain airborne microbial concentrations in typical office buildings, and to examine the effects of occupant density, ventilation type and air exchange efficiency on indoor microbial concentrations. Duplicate samples of airborne fungi and bacteria, a total of 2477 measurements, were collected based on a scheme of conducting sampling three times a day for at least seven consecutive days at every study building. Air change rates (ACHs) were also estimated by tracer gas concentration decay method, and measured by continuous Multi-Gas monitor for each building. Most sampling sites were with total fungal and bacteria concentrations higher than 1000 CFU/m(3), an often-quoted guideline in earlier research. Significantly higher concentrations of fungi and bacteria, as well as higher indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios across most groups of airborne microbes, were identified in buildings with fan coil unit (FCU) system than those with air-handling unit (AHU) system (Student's t test, P < 0.0001). Older buildings and higher air exchange rates were statistically associated with greater indoor bacteria levels in FCU ventilated buildings (R(2) = 0.452); a pattern not found in AHU buildings. Increasing ACH seemed to be the determinant factor for rising indoor fungal and Cladosporium concentrations in those FCU buildings (R(2) = 0.346; 0.518). Our data indicated that FCU ventilated buildings might have provided more outdoor matters into indoor environments through direct penetration of outdoor air. Results also demonstrated a quantitative association between rising numbers of occupants and increasing indoor levels of yeast in both FCU and AHU ventilated buildings. The regression model identified in this study may be considered a reference value for proposing an optimal ACH, while with adequate filtration of fresh air, as an effective strategy in lowering indoor microbial concentrations in air-conditioned buildings. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS As control of indoor microbial contamination has become an increasing concern around the world, feasibility and effectiveness of adopting ventilation approach has attracted a significant interest. This field investigation demonstrated, quantitatively, critical variables to be taken into consideration while applying such a measure, including the kinds of microbes to be removed and the types of ventilation system already in place.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P-C Wu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Li DW, Yang CS. Fungal Contamination as a Major Contributor to Sick Building Syndrome. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2004; 55:31-112. [PMID: 15350790 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2164(04)55002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- De-Wei Li
- P & K Microbiology Services, Inc., 1936 Olney Ave Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chen WY, Tseng HI, Wu MT, Hung HC, Wu HT, Chen HL, Lu CC. Synergistic effect of multiple indoor allergen sources on atopic symptoms in primary school children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2003; 93:1-8. [PMID: 12865042 DOI: 10.1016/s0013-9351(03)00070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating data show that the complex modern indoor environment contributes to increasing prevalence of atopic diseases. However, the dose-response relationship between allergic symptoms and complexity of indoor environmental allergen sources (IEAS) has not been clearly evaluated before. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate the overall effect of multiple IEAS on appearance of asthma (AS), allergic rhinitis (AR), and eczema (EC) symptoms in 1472 primary school children. Among various IEAS analyzed, only stuffed toys, cockroaches, and mold patches fit the model of 'more IEAS, higher odds ratio (OR) of association'. The association of IEAS and AR increased stepwise as more IEAS appeared in the environment (1.71, 2.47, to 2.86). In AS and EC, the association was significant only when all three IEAS were present (1.42, 1.98, to 4.11 in AS; 1.40, 1.76, to 2.95 in EC). These results showed that different IEAS had a synergistic effect on their association with atopic symptoms and also suggest that there is a dose-response relationship between kinds of IEAS and risk of appearance of atopic diseases.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Air Pollution, Indoor/adverse effects
- Allergens/adverse effects
- Allergens/immunology
- Animals
- Asthma/epidemiology
- Asthma/etiology
- Asthma/immunology
- Child
- Cockroaches/immunology
- Eczema/epidemiology
- Eczema/etiology
- Eczema/immunology
- Female
- Fungi/immunology
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/epidemiology
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/etiology
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/immunology
- Logistic Models
- Male
- Play and Playthings
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/epidemiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/etiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/immunology
- Taiwan/epidemiology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wu-Yuan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shu-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 100, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Shelton BG, Kirkland KH, Flanders WD, Morris GK. Profiles of airborne fungi in buildings and outdoor environments in the United States. Appl Environ Microbiol 2002; 68:1743-53. [PMID: 11916692 PMCID: PMC123871 DOI: 10.1128/aem.68.4.1743-1753.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 444] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined 12,026 fungal air samples (9,619 indoor samples and 2,407 outdoor samples) from 1,717 buildings located across the United States; these samples were collected during indoor air quality investigations performed from 1996 to 1998. For all buildings, both indoor and outdoor air samples were collected with an Andersen N6 sampler. The culturable airborne fungal concentrations in indoor air were lower than those in outdoor air. The fungal levels were highest in the fall and summer and lowest in the winter and spring. Geographically, the highest fungal levels were found in the Southwest, Far West, and Southeast. The most common culturable airborne fungi, both indoors and outdoors and in all seasons and regions, were Cladosporium, Penicillium, nonsporulating fungi, and Aspergillus. Stachybotrys chartarum was identified in the indoor air in 6% of the buildings studied and in the outdoor air of 1% of the buildings studied. This study provides industrial hygienists, allergists, and other public health practitioners with comparative information on common culturable airborne fungi in the United States. This is the largest study of airborne indoor and outdoor fungal species and concentrations conducted with a standardized protocol to date.
Collapse
|