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Baboli Z, Hayati R, Mosavion K, Goudarzi M, Sadeghi-Nejad B, Ghanbari F, Maleki H, Yazdani M, Hayat Davoudi G, Goudarzi G. An evaluation of fungal contamination and its relationship with PM levels in public transportation systems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118901. [PMID: 38609068 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Transmission of fungi in the air and its impact on health are regarded as important public health issues. Bioaerosols play an important role in causing or exacerbating infectious diseases, acute toxic effects, allergies, and cardiopulmonary symptoms. As many people use the public transportation system daily, it is necessary to determine the type and manner of dispersal and abundance of airborne fungi in public transport places. Three public transportation systems including a bus station, a train station, and an airport in Ahvaz city (Iran) were examined. At each of these stations, the air samples were taken from inside and outside the hall stations, and in-vehicle. A bio-stage Anderson sampler was used by suctioning air and passing it over a Petri dish containing culture medium Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Relative humidity (RH, %), temperature (T, ◦C), and mass concentration of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, μg/m3) at the sampling points were measured. The highest concentration of airborne fungi was observed in the airport. The concentration of fungi in the ambient air was higher than that in the indoor air of halls and in-vehicle. In all sampling points, the ambient predominant airborne fungi were Cladosporium and Alternaria, while the indoor predominant airborne fungi were Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. The indoor to outdoor ratio showed that the fungi were of an external origin. Due to the influence of the ambient air on indoor air, it is recommended to use proper ventilation and enhance the hygiene level of vehicles in public transportation systems to reduce exposure to environmentally pathogenic bioaerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Baboli
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Hayati
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Kiana Mosavion
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahdis Goudarzi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Farshid Ghanbari
- Research Center for Environmental Contaminants (RCEC), Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Heydar Maleki
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Yazdani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Torbat Jam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran
| | - Golnaz Hayat Davoudi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghoalmreza Goudarzi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Zhang Q, Wang Y, Hou Y, Zhao Q, Yang L, Zhang Y, Zhou L. Metabarcode insights into the airborne fungal diversity in the indoor and outdoor environments in archives from Yunnan, Southwestern China. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:1601-1618. [PMID: 38587763 PMCID: PMC11153435 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01323-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring dynamics of airborne fungal species and controlling of harmful ones are of vital importance to conservation of cultural relics. However, the evaluation of air quality and the community structure characteristics of microorganisms, especially fungi, in the atmosphere of archives is in a stage of continuous exploration though more than 4,000 archives were constructed in China. Seventy-two air samples were collected in this study under different spatial and weather conditions from the archives of Kunming Medical University, located in the Kunming metropolitan area, Yunnan province, southwestern China. A total of 22 airborne fungal classes, 160 genera and 699 ASVs were identified, the species diversity is on the rise with the strengthening of air circulation with the outside space, and thus the intensive energy metabolism and activity were found in the spaces with window and sunny weather, except for the higher lipid synthesis of indoor samples than that of outdoor ones. Furthermore, there were significant differences in fungal community composition and abundance between sunny and rainy weathers. A considerable number of species have been identified as indicator in various environmental and weather conditions of the archives, and temperature and humidity were thought to have significant correlations with the abundance of these species. Meanwhile, Cladosporium and Alternaria were the dominant genera here, which may pose a threat to the health of archive professionals. Therefore, monitoring and controlling the growth of these fungal species is crucial for both conservation of paper records and health of archive professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Archives of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yutong Hou
- The School of Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350100, China
| | - Qingxue Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Liu Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Lu Zhou
- Archives of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
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Myung H, Joung YS. Contribution of Particulates to Airborne Disease Transmission and Severity: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6846-6867. [PMID: 38568611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has catalyzed great interest in the spread of airborne pathogens. Airborne infectious diseases are classified into viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Environmental factors can elevate their transmission and lethality. Air pollution has been reported as the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death worldwide. Notably, ambient particulates of various components and sizes are harmful pollutants. There are two prominent health effects of particles in the atmosphere: (1) particulate matter (PM) penetrates the respiratory tract and adversely affects health, such as heart and respiratory diseases; and (2) bioaerosols of particles act as a medium for the spread of pathogens in the air. Particulates contribute to the occurrence of infectious diseases by increasing vulnerability to infection through inhalation and spreading disease through interactions with airborne pathogens. Here, we focus on the synergistic effects of airborne particulates on infectious disease. We outline the concepts and characteristics of bioaerosols, from their generation to transformation and circulation on Earth. Considering that microorganisms coexist with other particulates as bioaerosols, we investigate studies examining respiratory infections associated with airborne PM. Furthermore, we discuss four factors (meteorological, biological, physical, and chemical) that may impact the influence of PM on the survival of contagious pathogens in the atmosphere. Our review highlights the significant role of particulates in supporting the transmission of infectious aerosols and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunji Myung
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, 100, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Joung
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, 100, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
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Yosief RHS, Lone IM, Nachshon A, Himmelbauer H, Gat‐Viks I, Iraqi FA. Identifying genetic susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus infection using collaborative cross mice and RNA-Seq approach. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:36-47. [PMID: 38356021 PMCID: PMC10961901 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is one of the most ubiquitous fungi and its infection potency is suggested to be strongly controlled by the host genetic background. The aim of this study was to search for candidate genes associated with host susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) using an RNAseq approach in CC lines and hepatic gene expression. METHODS We studied 31 male mice from 25 CC lines at 8 weeks old; the mice were infected with Af. Liver tissues were extracted from these mice 5 days post-infection, and next-generation RNA-sequencing (RNAseq) was performed. The GENE-E analysis platform was used to generate a clustered heat map matrix. RESULTS Significant variation in body weight changes between CC lines was observed. Hepatic gene expression revealed 12 top prioritized candidate genes differentially expressed in resistant versus susceptible mice based on body weight changes. Interestingly, three candidate genes are located within genomic intervals of the previously mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL), including Gm16270 and Stox1 on chromosome 10 and Gm11033 on chromosome 8. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the CC mouse model's power in fine mapping the genetic components underlying susceptibility towards Af. As a next step, eQTL analysis will be performed for our RNA-Seq data. Suggested candidate genes from our study will be further assessed with a human cohort with aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roa'a H. S. Yosief
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel‐AvivIsrael
| | - Iqbal M. Lone
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel‐AvivIsrael
| | - Aharon Nachshon
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Heinz Himmelbauer
- Institute of Computational Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 181190 ViennaAustria
| | - Irit Gat‐Viks
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Fuad A. Iraqi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel‐AvivIsrael
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Pyrri I, Stamatelopoulou A, Pardali D, Maggos T. The air and dust invisible mycobiome of urban domestic environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166228. [PMID: 37591388 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Air and dust harbor a dynamic fungal biome that interacts with residential environment inhabitants usually with negative implications for human health. Fungal air and dust synthesis were investigated in houses across the Athens Metropolitan area. Active and passive culture dependent methods were employed to sample airborne and dustborne fungi for two sampling periods, one in winter and the other in summer. A core mycobiome was revealed both in air and dust constituted of the dominant Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and yeasts and accompanied by several common and rare components. Penicillium and Aspergillus diversity included 22 cosmopolitan species, except the rarely found Penicillium citreonigrum, P. corylophilum, P. pagulum and Talaromyces albobiverticillius which are reported for the first time from Greece. Fungal concentrations were significantly higher during summer for both air and dust. Excessive levels of inhalable aerosol constituted mainly by certain Penicillium species were associated with indoor emission sources as these species are household molds related to food commodities rot. The ambient air fungal profile is a determinant factor of indoor fungal aerosol which subsequently shapes dustborne mycobiota. Indoor fungi can be useful bioindicators for indoor environment quality and at the same time provide insight to indoor fungal ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Pyrri
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Biology, Section of Ecology and Systematics, Panepistimioupoli, 15784 Athens, Greece.
| | - Asimina Stamatelopoulou
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety, Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technology Laboratory, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Pardali
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Physics, Section of Applied Physics, Panepistimioupoli, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Maggos
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety, Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technology Laboratory, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
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Huang HC, Zou ML, Chen YH, Jiang CB, Wu CD, Lung SCC, Chien LC, Lo YC, Chao HJ. Effects of indoor air quality and home environmental characteristics on allergic diseases among preschool children in the Greater Taipei Area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165392. [PMID: 37423284 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality and home environmental characteristics are potential factors associated with the onset and exacerbation of allergic diseases. Our study examined the effects of these factors on allergic diseases (i.e., asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis) among preschool children. We recruited a total of 120 preschool children from an ongoing birth cohort study in the Greater Taipei Area. A comprehensive environmental evaluation was conducted at each participant's residence and included measurements of indoor and outdoor air pollutants, fungal spores, endotoxins, and house dust mite allergens. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the allergic diseases and home environments of participants. Land-use characteristics and points of interest in the surrounding area of each home were analyzed. Other covariates were obtained from the cohort data. Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between allergic diseases and covariates. We observed that all mean indoor air pollutant levels were below Taiwan's indoor air quality standards. After adjustment for covariates, the total number of fungal spores and the ozone, Der f 1, and endotoxin levels were significantly associated with increased risks of allergic diseases. Biological contaminants more significantly affected allergic diseases than other pollutants. Moreover, home environmental characteristics (e.g., living near power facilities and gas stations) were associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases. Regular and proper home sanitation is recommended to prevent the accumulation of indoor pollutants, especially biological contaminants. Living away from potential sources of pollution is also crucial for protecting the health of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Chun Huang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Zou
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Bin Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lo
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing Jasmine Chao
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Kato H, Kanno S, Fukuta M, Yaguchi T, Aoki Y. Cadavers found outdoor in whom fungal growth was observed on the body surface: Consideration of the role of mycology in forensic medicine. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 65:102301. [PMID: 37540926 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
In forensic case work, fungal growth is occasionally observed on decomposed cadavers, however, the isolation of these organisms is not always carried out routinely. The usefulness of investigating fungi isolated from corpses in forensic settings, has been reported, such as providing trace evidence, estimating the time since death, and ascertaining the time of deposition. A 32-year-old male missing for 4 months, was found in a car in a forest far from his home and had died from blood loss, having been stabbed with a kitchen knife in the left side of his chest. Whitish or white greenish colonies ranging 5 cm to 8 cm in size were observed over his whole body. Penicillium commune and Cladosporium cladosporioides were isolated from the colonies. A 49-year-old male missing for one month, and was found dead at 500 m elevation in the mountains. An autopsy was conducted, but the cause of death could not be determined. Dark greenish or whitish colonies were found on his face and neck, and Epicoccum nigrum, Mucor sp.. Cladosporium sp., and Pestalotiopsis sp. were isolated. Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp. are major indoor fungi, and Epicoccum sp. and Pestalotiopsis sp. are plant pathogens found in outdoor environments. There was no discrepancy between the police statement and findings of the corpse such as place discovered, types of isolated fungi, and estimated time since death. Identifying fungi on cadavers may aid in forensic casework, and further studies are needed to develop for the use of fungi as a forensic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Kato
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate of School Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Sanae Kanno
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate of School Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mamiko Fukuta
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate of School Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Yaguchi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Aoki
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate of School Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Nafis MMH, Quach ZM, Al-Shaarani AAQA, Muafa MHM, Pecoraro L. Pathogenicity of Aspergillus Airborne Fungal Species Collected from Indoor and Outdoor Public Areas in Tianjin, China. Pathogens 2023; 12:1154. [PMID: 37764962 PMCID: PMC10534727 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091154] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Airborne fungi play an important role in air pollution and may have various negative effects on human health. In particular, Aspergillus fungi are pathogenic to humans and several domestic animals. In this work, Aspergillus strains isolated from airborne fungal communities sampled from different indoor and outdoor environments in Tianjin University were tested for pathogenicity on Drosophila melanogaster. Airborne fungi were sampled using an HAS-100B air sampler, over a one-year sampling period. Isolated fungal strains were identified based on morphological and molecular analysis. The Aspergillus-centered study was conducted as part of a larger work focusing on the total airborne fungal community in the analyzed environments, which yielded 173 fungal species. In this context, the genus Aspergillus showed the second-highest species richness, with 14 isolated species. Pathogenicity tests performed on male adults of Drosophila melanogaster through a bodily contact bioassay showed that all analyzed airborne Aspergillus species were pathogenic to fruit flies, with high insect mortality rates and shortened lifespan. All the studied fungi induced 100% mortality of fruit flies within 30 culture days, with one exception constituted by A. creber (39 days), while the shortest lifespan (17 days) was observed in fruit flies treated with A. tubingensis. Our results allow us to hypothesize that the studied airborne fungal species may have a pathogenic effect on humans, given the affinity between fruit flies and the human immune system, and may help to explain the health risk linked with Aspergillus fungi exposure in densely populated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lorenzo Pecoraro
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
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Yang L, Li W, Qi S, Jiang Q, Huang N, Yang Y, Ma D, Zhang W, Chen H, Zhu R. A Survey of Airborne Fungi and Their Sensitization Profile in Wuhan, China. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 184:1153-1164. [PMID: 37611554 DOI: 10.1159/000531245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Airborne fungi induce allergic symptoms in 3-10% of the population worldwide. To better prevent and manage fungi-related allergic diseases, it is essential to identify the genus and the distribution profile of airborne fungi. METHODS With this purpose in mind, we carried out a 12-month volumetric sampling study to monitor the airborne fungi and retrospectively analyzed the sensitization profile of four dominant fungi (Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium) among respiratory allergies during the same study period in Wuhan, China. RESULTS A total of 29 different fungal genuses were identified, and the peak fungal concentration period was found to be in September and October, followed by May and June. The most prevalent fungi in this area were Cladosporium (36.36%), Ustilago (20.12%), and Alternaria (13.87%). In addition, the skin prick test data from 1,365 respiratory allergies patients showed that 202 (14.80%) of them were sensitized to fungi. The sensitization rates to Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium were 11.72%, 4.69%, 1.98%, and 4.76%, respectively. The seasonal fluctuation of Alternaria and Aspergillus correlated with their sensitization rates. Among the fungal sensitized patients, 76 (37.62%) were sensitized to two or more kinds of fungi. The serum-specific IgE tests suggested low to high correlations existed between these fungi; however, these correlations were not found between fungi and other allergens. CONCLUSION Our study provides the distribution profile and reveals the clinical significance of the airborne fungi in Wuhan, which will facilitate the precise management of fungal allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Qi
- Department of Allergy, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaqi Yang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongxia Ma
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongfei Zhu
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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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.
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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.)
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Zahradnik E, Sander I, Lotz A, Liebers V, Thullner I, Tacke S, Raulf M. Exposure levels of animal allergens, endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-glucan on a university campus of veterinary medicine. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288522. [PMID: 37440536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to determine the allergen, endotoxin and β-(1,3)-glucan concentrations at various areas on a university campus of veterinary medicine. METHODS Dust samples were collected four times a year for three years using electrostatic dust collectors (EDC) at 25 different locations on a campus of veterinary medicine and in laboratories of inorganic chemistry as a control area representing animal-free environment. Major animal allergens from dog, cat, horse, cattle and mouse, domestic mite (DM) allergens, and β-(1,3)-glucan were measured using enzyme immunoassays and endotoxin using the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Seasonal, annual and local influences on exposure levels were analyzed using Bayesian mixed models. RESULTS With the exception of mouse allergens, all other determinants were found in almost all locations on the campus and in the control area, but in up to 10.000-fold variable concentrations. By far the highest levels of feline, canine, equine and bovine allergens were detected in buildings where the respective species were examined. The highest levels of mouse and DM allergens, β-(1,3)-glucan and endotoxin occurred together and were associated with locations where large animals were present. In buildings without animals, allergen levels were considerably lower but still elevated at several locations compared to the control area, especially for dog and horse allergens, and β-(1,3)-glucan. Significant seasonal effects were observed for dog, cat, horse and DM allergens, and β-(1,3)-glucan. Variations between years were less apparent than between seasons (except for β-(1,3)-glucan). CONCLUSIONS The strongest influencing factor on the concentration of mammalian allergens was the presence of the corresponding animal at the collection site. Seasonal influence on allergen concentrations was observed, while the overall exposure remained constant over the years. At locations with horses, elevated levels of mite allergens, endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-glucan can be expected, probably due to passive transfer from stable environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zahradnik
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Ingrid Sander
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Anne Lotz
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Verena Liebers
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Sabine Tacke
- Veterinary Medicine Clinic, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
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12
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Dery M, Choe DH. Effect of Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Aldehydes on Efficacy of Fungal Biopesticides. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:40-46. [PMID: 36124973 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals. - Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) has been recently incorporated in the management of bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Bed bugs produce a set of aldehydes that are known to affect the growth of some fungi. Considering that bed bugs or their exuviae release these aldehydes, it was suspected that the bed bugs' aggregation sites would contain an increased level of the bed bug aldehydes. The current study examined if elevated levels of the bed bug aldehydes in the microhabitats would impact the efficacy of B. bassiana. Following a brief exposure to the residues of commercial products containing B. bassiana, the treated bed bugs were kept in a vial with or without a natural or artificial blend of bed bug aldehydes (i.e., exuviae or synthetic compounds). For a B. bassiana product that is not currently registered for bed bugs control, the presence of aldehydes significantly reduced 15-d mortality (61-62%) compared to the no aldehydes control (97.7%). However, when tested with a B. bassiana formulation designed for bed bug control, the aldehydes only caused delayed mortality for the treated bed bugs. When tested in culture, the growth rate of B. bassiana on a medium was significantly reduced when the bed bug aldehydes were provided in the headspace. Implications on practical bed bug management using fungal biopesticides are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Dery
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Dong-Hwan Choe
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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13
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Alija-Martínez B, Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo R, Sevillano Fernández D, González N, Losa Iglesias ME, Collado L, Espinosa-Rubio R, Alou L. Fungal bioaerosol as an occupational hazard in the podiatrist's workplace. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:180-191. [PMID: 34913768 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.2013451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported the potential emission of nail dust to the indoor air of the podiatrist's workplace during nail drilling procedures. The main objective of this study was to analyse the fungal bioaerosol present in the indoor air of podiatry rooms, including during the nail drilling procedure. Seventeen private clinics were sampled in Madrid during spring and summer. The most prevalent filamentous fungi detected were Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. in both seasons. The presence of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale was reported in samples during the drilling procedures, establishing a positive association with the clinical suspicion of onychomycosis (p = 0.002) and the utilization of aspiration systems (p=0.04). The present study concludes that airborne fungal concentrations in podiatrist's clinics are consistent with national and international guidance. Occupational exposure to dermatophytes may briefly occur during definite periods across the daily activity despite the use of dust aspiration systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Alija-Martínez
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia Y Podología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Natalia González
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Luis Collado
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Espinosa-Rubio
- Golder Associates Pty Ltd, Earth & Environment Division, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Luis Alou
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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14
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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.
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Gamaletsou MN, Rammaert B, Brause B, Bueno MA, Dadwal SS, Henry MW, Katragkou A, Kontoyiannis DP, McCarthy MW, Miller AO, Moriyama B, Pana ZD, Petraitiene R, Petraitis V, Roilides E, Sarkis JP, Simitsopoulou M, Sipsas NV, Taj-Aldeen SJ, Zeller V, Lortholary O, Walsh TJ. Osteoarticular Mycoses. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0008619. [PMID: 36448782 PMCID: PMC9769674 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00086-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarticular mycoses are chronic debilitating infections that require extended courses of antifungal therapy and may warrant expert surgical intervention. As there has been no comprehensive review of these diseases, the International Consortium for Osteoarticular Mycoses prepared a definitive treatise for this important class of infections. Among the etiologies of osteoarticular mycoses are Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucorales, dematiaceous fungi, non-Aspergillus hyaline molds, and endemic mycoses, including those caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Coccidioides species. This review analyzes the history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, inflammatory biomarkers, diagnostic imaging modalities, treatments, and outcomes of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by these organisms. Candida osteomyelitis and Candida arthritis are associated with greater events of hematogenous dissemination than those of most other osteoarticular mycoses. Traumatic inoculation is more commonly associated with osteoarticular mycoses caused by Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus molds. Synovial fluid cultures are highly sensitive in the detection of Candida and Aspergillus arthritis. Relapsed infection, particularly in Candida arthritis, may develop in relation to an inadequate duration of therapy. Overall mortality reflects survival from disseminated infection and underlying host factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N. Gamaletsou
- Laiko General Hospital of Athens and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Blandine Rammaert
- Université de Poitiers, Faculté de médecine, CHU de Poitiers, INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France
| | - Barry Brause
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marimelle A. Bueno
- Far Eastern University-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Manilla, Philippines
| | | | - Michael W. Henry
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aspasia Katragkou
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Matthew W. McCarthy
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andy O. Miller
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Zoi Dorothea Pana
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ruta Petraitiene
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Roilides
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Maria Simitsopoulou
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V. Sipsas
- Laiko General Hospital of Athens and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Valérie Zeller
- Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses-Croix Saint-Simon, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, APHP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 2000, Paris, France
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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16
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Infant Mode of Delivery Shapes the Skin Mycobiome of Prepubescent Children. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0226722. [PMID: 36073919 PMCID: PMC9603757 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02267-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the skin mycobiome is necessary to define its association with the host immune system, particularly in children. In this study, we describe the skin mycobiome on the face, ventral forearm, and calf of 72 prepubescent children (aged 1 to 10 years) and their mothers, based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequencing. The age and delivery mode at birth are the most influential factors shaping the skin mycobiome. Compared with that of the vaginally born children, the skin mycobiome of caesarean-born children is assembled by predominantly deterministic niche-based processes and exhibits a more fragile microbial network at all three sampling sites. Moreover, vaginal delivery leads to clearer intra- and interindividual specialization of fungal structures with increasing age; this phenomenon is not observed in caesarean-born children. The maternal correlation with children also differs based on the mode of delivery; specifically, the mycobiomes of vaginally born children at younger ages are more strongly correlated with vagina-associated fungal genera (Candida and Rhodotorula), whereas those of caesarean-delivered children at elder age include more skin-associated and airborne fungal genera (Malassezia and Alternaria). Based on this ecological framework, our results suggest that the delivery mode is significantly associated with maturation of the skin fungal community in children. IMPORTANCE Human skin is permanently colonized by microbes starting at birth. The hygiene hypothesis suggests that a lack of early-life immune imprinting weakens the body's resilience against atopic disorders later in life. To better understand fungal colonization following early-life periods affected by interruption, we studied the skin mycobiomes of 73 children and their mothers. Our results suggest a differentiation of the skin mycobiomes between caesarean-born and vaginally born children. Caesarean-born children exhibit a mycobiome structure with more fitted deterministic niche-based processes, a fragile network, and an unchanged microbial dissimilarity over time. In vaginally born children, this dissimilarity increases with age. The results indicate that initial microbial colonization has a long-term impact on a child's skin mycobiome. We believe that these findings will inspire further investigations of the "hygiene hypothesis" in the human microbiome, especially in providing novel insights into influences on the development of the early-life microbiome.
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Addor YS, Baumgardner D, Hughes D, Newman N, Jandarov R, Reponen T. Assessing residential indoor and outdoor bioaerosol characteristics using the ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence-based wideband integrated bioaerosol sensor. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1790-1804. [PMID: 36056699 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00177b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We assessed and compared indoor and outdoor residential aerosol particles in a third-floor apartment from August through September 2020. The measurements were conducted using a direct-reading ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) wideband integrated bioaerosol spectrometer (WIBS). It measures individual particle light scattering and fluorescence from which particle properties can be derived. The number concentrations of total aerosol particles (TAP) and total fluorescent aerosol particles (TFAP) were significantly higher indoors. Daily and hourly TFAP mean concentrations followed the same trends as the TAP, both indoors and outdoors. The daily mean rank of the TFAP fraction (TFAP/TAP) was significantly higher indoors (23%) than outdoors (19%). Particles representing bacteria dominated indoors while particles representing fungi and pollen dominated outdoors. The mean volume-weighted median diameters for TFAP were 1.67 μm indoors and 2.09 μm outdoors. Higher TFAP fraction indoors was likely due to occupants' activities that generated or resuspended particles. This study contributes to understanding the characteristics of residential aerosol particles in situations when occupants spend most of their time indoors. Based on our findings, a large portion of all indoor aerosol particles could be biological (15-20%) and of respirable particle size (≥95%). Using a novel direct reading UV-LIF-based sensor can help quickly assess aerosol exposures relevant to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao S Addor
- University of Cincinnati, Department of the Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Darrel Baumgardner
- Droplet Measurement Technologies LLC., 2400 Trade Centre Avenue, Longmont, CO 80503, USA
| | - Dagen Hughes
- Droplet Measurement Technologies LLC., 2400 Trade Centre Avenue, Longmont, CO 80503, USA
| | - Nicholas Newman
- University of Cincinnati, Department of the Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- University of Cincinnati, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Roman Jandarov
- University of Cincinnati, Department of the Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Tiina Reponen
- University of Cincinnati, Department of the Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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18
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Tokarski D, Ickiewicz I, Żukiewicz-Sobczak W, Woliński P. The Impact of Biochar Used in Repairs to Historical Buildings on Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12996. [PMID: 36293577 PMCID: PMC9601903 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192012996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The subject matter of this manuscript concerns the analysis and identification of microorganisms that pose a threat to human health and, in particular, mold fungi occurring in historical buildings. Surfaces infected by fungal spores pose a threat to the structure and the health of both visitors to historical buildings and professionals working in them. Research was undertaken to fill in the defects in building partitions with a supplementary layer of biochar in order to eliminate, or partially reduce, the possibility of contamination with and development of harmful mold fungi. In the designed cement mixture, biochar was used as a filler, the task of which was to eliminate the causes that lead to the development of harmful mold fungi. Microbiological analyses of the surface of walls and air in selected buildings were carried out before and after the application of supplementary biochar layers. The inhibitory properties of the material used against the presence and growth of mold fungi were observed. The average number of microorganisms isolated on the tested partitions decreased by between 70 and 100%. As a consequence, the use of this material significantly influenced the air quality of the rooms, which is important for protecting the health of people at work, as well as those visiting historical buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tokarski
- Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Irena Ickiewicz
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Paweł Woliński
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, Collegium Mazovia Innovative School, University in Siedlce, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
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Chakravarty P. Mycobiota and mycotoxin-producing fungi in southern California: their colonisation and in vitro interactions. Mycology 2022; 13:293-304. [PMID: 36405333 PMCID: PMC9673783 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2022.2104950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal contamination in water-damaged houses has become a major concern because of their potential health effects. During our survey in 100 water-damaged houses in southern California, we have reported 42 outdoor and 14 indoor fungal species throughout the year. Six commonly occurring indoor fungal species are Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Stachybotrys chartarum. In the damp building materials, S. chartarum was found to be associated with A. niger, C. globosum and P. chrysogenum but not with A. alternata and C. herbarum. Stachybotrys chartarum showed strong antagonistic effect against A. alternata and C. herbarum and significantly inhibited in vitro growth of A. alternata and C. herbarum but had no effect on A. niger, C. globosum and P. chrysogenum. Two trichothecenes, produced by Stachybotrys sp., trichodermin and trichodermol, significantly inhibited spore germination and in vitro growth of A. alternata and C. herbarum but had no effect on A. niger, C. globosum, P. chrysogenum and S. chartarum. In the damp building materials (drywall, ceiling tile, and oak wood), S. chartarum significantly inhibited the growth of A. alternata and C. herbarum and had no effect on A. niger, C. globosum and P. chrysogenum in these substrata.
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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.
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21
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Ejdys E, Kulesza K, Wiśniewski P, Pajewska M, Sucharzewska E. Window seals as a source of yeast contamination. Lett Appl Microbiol 2022; 75:1021-1027. [DOI: 10.1111/lam.13757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Ejdys
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - K. Kulesza
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - P. Wiśniewski
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - M.S. Pajewska
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - E. Sucharzewska
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
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Environmental Factors Affecting Diversity, Structure, and Temporal Variation of Airborne Fungal Communities in a Research and Teaching Building of Tianjin University, China. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050431. [PMID: 35628687 PMCID: PMC9144611 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Airborne fungi are widely distributed in the environment and may have adverse effects on human health. A 12-month survey on the diversity and concentration of culturable airborne fungi was carried out in a research and teaching building of Tianjin University. Indoor and outdoor environments were analyzed using an HAS-100B air sampler. A total of 667 fungal strains, belonging to 160 species and 73 genera were isolated and identified based on morphological and molecular analysis. The most abundant fungal genera were Alternaria (38.57%), Cladosporium (21.49%), and Aspergillus (5.34%), while the most frequently appearing species was A. alternata (21%), followed by A. tenuissima (12.4%), and C. cladosporioides (9.3%). The concentration of fungi in different environments ranged from 0 to 150 CFU/m3 and was significantly higher outdoor than indoor. Temperature and sampling month were significant factors influencing the whole building fungal community, while relative humidity and wind speed were highly correlated with fungal composition outdoor. Variations in the relative abundance of major airborne fungal taxa at different heights above-ground could lead to different community structures at different floors. Our results may provide valuable information for air quality monitoring and microbial pollution control in university building environments.
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23
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Long-Term Studies of Biological Components of Atmospheric Aerosol: Trends and Variability. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13050651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Biological components of atmospheric aerosol affect the quality of atmospheric air. Long-term trends in changes of the concentrations of total protein (a universal marker of the biogenic component of atmospheric aerosol) and culturable microorganisms in the air are studied. Methods: Atmospheric air samples are taken at two locations in the south of Western Siberia and during airborne sounding of the atmosphere. Sample analysis is carried out in the laboratory using standard culture methods (culturable microorganisms) and the fluorescence method (total protein). Results: Negative trends in the average annual concentration of total protein and culturable microorganisms in the air are revealed over more than 20 years of observations. For the concentration of total protein and culturable microorganisms in the air, intra-annual dynamics is revealed. The ratio of the maximum and minimum values of these concentrations reaches an order of magnitude. The variability of concentrations does not exceed, as a rule, two times for total protein and three times for culturable microorganisms. At the same time, for the data obtained in the course of airborne sounding of the atmosphere, a high temporal stability of the vertical profiles of the studied concentrations was found. The detected biodiversity of culturable microorganisms in atmospheric air samples demonstrates a very high variability at all observation sites. Conclusions: The revealed long-term changes in the biological components of atmospheric aerosol result in a decrease in their contribution to the atmospheric air quality index.
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Abstract
Solid wood can serve multifunctionality for energy savings in buildings. The study reveals the results of biodeterioration and degradation of solid Scots pine wood used to incorporate single or multicomponent fatty acid mixtures as bio-based phase change materials (BPCMs). The sapwood samples were impregnated with capric acid (CA), methyl palmitate (MP), lauryl alcohol (LA) and a mixture of coconut oil fatty acids and linoleic acid (CoFA-LA). The samples were tested against subterranean termites by an Italian species (Reticulitermes lucifugus), the wood boring beetle Hylotrupes bajulus and mold through a discoloration test. Tested against termites, the impregnated samples were significantly less susceptible to the attack than the controls, i.e., the tested BPCMs were resistant to R. lucifugus. The only test with MP terminated at the moment against H. bajulus showed positive results with no larvae surviving. The mold discoloration test revealed that the wood impregnated with CoFA-LA was identically susceptible to mold discoloration when compared to the control, nonimpregnated samples. This pioneer study verifies that solid wood employed for the encapsulation of BPCMs for building purposes can serve identically or somewhat better than similar wooden building elements regarding attacks of the above microorganisms and insects. Such multifunctional building elements will be tested further in a pilot scale building to characterize better the durability aspects of the new materials.
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Pfeiffer S, Raith M, Pascal M, Munoz‐Cano RM, San Bartolome C, Nöbauer K, Quirce S, Razzazi‐Fazeli E, Focke‐Tejkl M, Sterflinger K, Swoboda I. The emerging pathogen Paecilomyces variotii - a novel and important fungal allergen source. Allergy 2022; 77:1045-1048. [PMID: 34773271 PMCID: PMC9299467 DOI: 10.1111/all.15176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pfeiffer
- The Molecular Biotechnology Section FH Campus Wien University of Applied Sciences Vienna Austria
| | - Marianne Raith
- The Molecular Biotechnology Section FH Campus Wien University of Applied Sciences Vienna Austria
| | - Mariona Pascal
- Hospital Clinic de Barcelona Immunology Department CDB IDIBAPSUniversity of Barcelona Barcelona Spain
- Spanish Network for Allergy – RETIC de AsmaReacciones adversas y Alérgicas (ARADYAL) Madrid Spain
| | - Rosa Maria Munoz‐Cano
- Spanish Network for Allergy – RETIC de AsmaReacciones adversas y Alérgicas (ARADYAL) Madrid Spain
- Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Allergy UnitIDIBAPSUniversity of BarcelonaARADyAL Barcelona Spain
| | - Clara San Bartolome
- Hospital Clinic de Barcelona Immunology Department CDB IDIBAPSUniversity of Barcelona Barcelona Spain
- Spanish Network for Allergy – RETIC de AsmaReacciones adversas y Alérgicas (ARADYAL) Madrid Spain
| | - Katharina Nöbauer
- VetCORE Facility for Research University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Austria
| | - Santiago Quirce
- Department of Allergy La Paz University HospitalIdiPAZUniversidad Autonoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | | | - Margarete Focke‐Tejkl
- Division of Immunopathology Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Institute of Natural Sciences and Technology in the ArtsAcademy of Fine Arts Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Ines Swoboda
- The Molecular Biotechnology Section FH Campus Wien University of Applied Sciences Vienna Austria
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Abstract
Many children spend considerable time in daycare centers and may be influenced by the indoor microorganisms there, including fungi. In this study, we investigate the indoor mycobiomes of 125 daycare centers distributed along strong environmental gradients throughout Norway. Dust samples were collected from doorframes outside and inside buildings using a community science sampling approach. Fungal communities in the dust samples were analyzed using DNA metabarcoding of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. We observed a marked difference between the outdoor and indoor mycobiomes. The indoor mycobiomes included considerably more yeasts and molds than the outdoor samples, with Saccharomyces, Mucor, Malassezia, and Penicillium being among the most dominant fungal genera. Changes in the indoor fungal richness and composition correlated with numerous variables related to both outdoor and indoor conditions; there was a clear geographic structure in the indoor mycobiome composition that mirrored the outdoor climate, ranging from humid areas in western Norway to drier and colder areas in eastern Norway. Moreover, the number of children in the daycare centers, as well as various building features, influenced the indoor mycobiome composition. We conclude that the indoor mycobiomes in Norwegian daycare centers are structured by multiple factors and are dominated by yeasts and molds. This study exemplifies how community science sampling enables DNA-based analyses of a high number of samples covering wide geographic areas. IMPORTANCE With an alarming increase in chronic diseases like childhood asthma and allergies, there is an increased focus on the exposure of young children to indoor biological and chemical air pollutants. Our study of 125 daycares throughout Norway demonstrates that the indoor mycobiome not only reflects cooccurring outdoor fungi but also includes a high abundance of yeast and mold fungi with an affinity for indoor environments. A multitude of factors influence the indoor mycobiomes in daycares, including the building type, inhabitants, as well as the outdoor environment. Many of the detected yeasts and molds are likely associated with the human body, where some have been coupled with allergies and respiratory problems. Our results call for further studies investigating the potential impact of the identified daycare-associated mycobiomes on children’s health.
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Culturable Filamentous Fungi in the Air of Recreational Areas and Their Relationship with Bacteria and Air Pollutants during Winter. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13020207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the greatest environmental health problems to arise in recent years is air pollution. Inorganic and organic particles are important components of air aerosol. The potential of air microbiota as an indicator of air quality is gaining increasing research interest. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between the level of fungal contamination and the levels of bacteria and smog particles in outdoor air in recreational areas during the heating season. A quantitative and qualitative mycological evaluation and quantitative bacteriological evaluation of air quality in 10 selected parks were performed. The numbers of microorganisms in the air were correlated with smog levels. The mean prevalence of fungi was 18.96 ± 15.43–23.30 ± 26.70 CFU/m3 of air and the mean bacterial count was 74.06 ± 130.89–268.04 ± 126.10 CFU/m3. Among the isolated fungi, clinically significant species were identified: four species belonged to Risk Group 2, and 17 to Risk Group 1. The predominant genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium and Alternaria. The total number of bacteria demonstrated a positive correlation with the size of the park, air temperature and ozone level during sampling, and a negative correlation with humidity, pressure and smog parameters (CO, NO, NO2 and NOx). The qualitative and quantitative composition of bioaerosols can be used as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring. There is a need for more efficient monitoring of airborne pollutants and microorganisms to learn about the structure of the air biota, the mechanisms regulating their occurrence, and to identify potential threats to human health.
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Salazar F, Bignell E, Brown GD, Cook PC, Warris A. Pathogenesis of Respiratory Viral and Fungal Coinfections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0009421. [PMID: 34788127 PMCID: PMC8597983 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals suffering from severe viral respiratory tract infections have recently emerged as "at risk" groups for developing invasive fungal infections. Influenza virus is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. Fungal infections complicating influenza pneumonia are associated with increased disease severity and mortality, with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis being the most common manifestation. Strikingly, similar observations have been made during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The copathogenesis of respiratory viral and fungal coinfections is complex and involves a dynamic interplay between the host immune defenses and the virulence of the microbes involved that often results in failure to return to homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms underlying susceptibility to invasive fungal disease following respiratory viral infections. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions will aid the development of therapeutic modalities against newly identified targets to prevent and treat these emerging coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Salazar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C. Cook
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Yan D, Zhang T, Bai JL, Su J, Zhao LL, Wang H, Fang XM, Zhang YQ, Liu HY, Yu LY. Isolation, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Bacterial and Fungal Representatives Associated With Particulate Matter During Haze and Non-haze Days. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:793037. [PMID: 35087495 PMCID: PMC8787346 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.793037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) has been a threat to the environment and public health in the metropolises of developing industrial countries such as Beijing. The microorganisms associated with PM have an impact on human health if they are exposed to the respiratory tract persistently. There are few reports on the microbial resources collected from PM and their antimicrobial activities. In this study, we greatly expanded the diversity of available commensal organisms by collecting 1,258 bacterial and 456 fungal isolates from 63 PM samples. A total of 77 bacterial genera and 35 fungal genera were included in our pure cultures, with Bacillus as the most prevalent cultured bacterial genus, Aspergillus, and Penicillium as the most prevalent fungal ones. During heavy-haze days, the numbers of colony-forming units (CFUs) and isolates of bacteria and fungi were decreased. Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Chaetomium were found to be enriched during haze days, while Kocuria, Microbacterium, and Penicillium were found to be enriched during non-haze days. Antimicrobial activity against common pathogens have been found in 40 bacterial representatives and 1 fungal representative. The collection of airborne strains will provide a basis to greatly increase our understanding of the relationship between bacteria and fungi associated with PM and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yan
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Lin Bai
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Su
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Li Zhao
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Fang
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qin Zhang
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Yu Liu
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Yan Yu
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Brunner-Mendoza C, Guerrero-Guerra C, Villagómez-Figueroa O, Navarro-Barranco H, Pérez-Mejía A, Toriello C. A review of described cases of mycotic keratitis and sclerokeratitis related to entomopathogenic fungi from 1984 to 2021. J Mycol Med 2022; 32:101249. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Nieto-Caballero M, Gomez OM, Shaughnessy R, Hernandez M. Aerosol fluorescence, airborne hexosaminidase, and quantitative genomics distinguish reductions in airborne fungal loads following major school renovations. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12975. [PMID: 34897813 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent aerosol cytometry (FAC) was compared to concurrent recovery of airborne β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for the respective ability of these methods to detect significant changes in airborne fungal loads in response to building renovations. Composite, site-randomized indoor aerosol samples for airborne fungi measurements were acquired from more than 70 occupied classrooms in 26 different public schools in the Colorado Rocky Mountain Front Range region of the United States. As judged by ANOVA and Pearson's correlation test, statistically significant associations were observed between real-time FAC and airborne NAHA levels, which detected significant reductions in airborne fungal loads immediately following building rehabilitations. With lower confidence, a statistically significant association was also resolved between fluorescing aerosols, NAHA levels, and the recovery of fungal 18S rRNA gene copies by qPCR from simultaneous, collocated aerosol samples. Quantitative differences encountered between the recovery of common genomic markers for airborne fungi and that of optical and biochemical methods are attributed to the variance in 18S rRNA target gene copies that different fungal species can host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nieto-Caballero
- Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, Environmental Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Odessa M Gomez
- Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, Environmental Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Richard Shaughnessy
- Chemical Engineering Department, Indoor Air Program, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Mark Hernandez
- Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, Environmental Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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Álvarez Castelló M, Almaguer Chávez M. Climate Change and Allergies. Fungal Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89664-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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33
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van Rhijn N, Coleman J, Collier L, Moore C, Richardson MD, Bright-Thomas RJ, Jones AM. Meteorological Factors Influence the Presence of Fungi in the Air; A 14-Month Surveillance Study at an Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:759944. [PMID: 34900752 PMCID: PMC8662344 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.759944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that predisposes to progressive lung damage. Cystic fibrosis patients are particularly prone to developing pulmonary infections. Fungal species are commonly isolated in lower airway samples from patients with cystic fibrosis. Fungal spores are prevalent in the air. Methods We performed environmental air sampling surveillance at the Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, UK (MACFC) over a 14-month period to assess fungal growth inside and outside the CF center. Results Airborne counts of fungal spores peaked from May to October, both in outdoor and indoor samples. Collection of meteorological data allowed us to correlate fungal presence in the air with elevated temperatures and low wind speeds. Additionally, we demonstrated patient rooms containing windows had elevated fungal counts compared to rooms not directly connected to the outdoors. Conclusions This study suggests that airborne Aspergillus fumigatus spores were more abundant during the summer months of the survey period, which appeared to be driven by increased temperatures and lower wind speeds. Indoor counts directly correlated to outdoor A. fumigatus levels and were elevated in patient rooms that were directly connected to the outdoor environment via an openable window designed for ventilation purposes. Further studies are required to determine the clinical implications of these findings for cystic fibrosis patients who are predisposed to Aspergillus related diseases, and in particular whether there is seasonal influence on incidence of Aspergillus related conditions and if screening for such complications such be increased during summer months and precautions intensified for those with a known history of Aspergillus related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James Coleman
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Collier
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Moore
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm D Richardson
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rowland J Bright-Thomas
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Jones
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Mosalaei S, Amiri H, Rafiee A, Abbasi A, Baghani AN, Hoseini M. Assessment of fungal bioaerosols and particulate matter characteristics in indoor and outdoor air of veterinary clinics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1773-1780. [PMID: 34900306 PMCID: PMC8617105 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Veterinary staff are frequently exposed to various occupational hazards. The present study was aimed to investigate the air characteristics of veterinary clinics in terms of fungal bioaerosols and particulate matters. Air samples were taken every six days from the operating room, examination room and outdoor air of three veterinary clinics in Shiraz, southwest Iran. The concentrations of fungal bio-aerosols ranged from 8.05 CFU/m 3 in the outdoor air of clinic B to 47.21 CFU/m 3 in the operating room of clinic A. The predominant fungal genera identified in the studied clinics were Penicillium and Aspergillus niger, respectively. The concentrations of PM2.5 ranged from 41.88 μg/m 3 in the operating room of clinic C to 60.31 μg/m 3 in the outdoor air of the same clinic. The corresponding values for PM10 ranged from 114.40 μg/m 3 in the operating room of clinic C to 256.70 μg/m 3 in the outdoor air of the same clinic. The results of this study showed a positive correlation between the concentration of fungal bioaerosols and relative humidity (p < 0.05; r = 0.622). Besides, a negative correlation was found between the concentration of fungal bioaerosols and temperature (p < 0.05; r = 0.369). To better assess the individual exposure of veterinarians and staff in veterinary clinics, tests including nasopharyngeal sampling are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Mosalaei
- Department of environmental health, School of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hoda Amiri
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ata Rafiee
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Alireza Abbasi
- Department of environmental health, School of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Norouzian Baghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Misalignment between Clinical Mold Antigen Extracts and Airborne Molds Found in Water-Damaged Homes. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2021; 19:746-755. [PMID: 34788190 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202101-096oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that exposure to molds and other fungi can play a role in a variety of allergic and pulmonary diseases in susceptible individuals. Species-specific mold antigen extracts are used in the clinical evaluation of suspected mold-related conditions, however alignment between these extracts and the species of molds identified in the indoor environment of water-damaged homes has not been rigorously evaluated. OBJECTIVES To identify the predominant genera and species of mold in the air of homes with water damage, mold growth, and/or occupants with respiratory complaints (complaint homes), and to assess their alignment with the mold antigen extracts used in clinical practice. METHODS The genera and species of molds identified in culture-type outdoor and indoor air samples collected from complaint homes throughout the U.S. and Canada from 2002-2017 were examined. Mold antigen extracts available and utilized for skin and serum testing in clinical practice were assessed and alignment between these data were evaluated. RESULTS Culture data from 24,455 indoor air samples from 7,547 complaint homes and 29,493 outdoor samples was evaluated. Mean exposure values (CFU/m3) were calculated for each genus and species, and indoor vs outdoor values compared. Penicillium was the predominant genus identified in water-damaged homes, with a mean exposure (233.3 CFU/m3) 2.9 times higher than that of the Aspergillus genus (81.4 CFU/m3). Five Penicillium (P. aurantiogriseum, P. brevicompactum, P. citrinum, P. crustosum, and P. variabile) and three Aspergillus (A. versicolor, A. sydowii, and A. niger) species were identified as the predominant indoor water-damage related fungi. However, none of these Penicillium species and only one of the Aspergillus species is currently available as an antigen extract for use in skin testing or serum testing panels. CONCLUSIONS Significant misalignment exists between the currently available mold antigen extracts and the predominant species of molds found in water-damaged homes. Improving alignment has the potential to enhance diagnosis of mold-related diseases including allergic asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis and to improve patient outcomes via interventions including antigen avoidance through building remediation and occupant relocation, consistent with the findings of a recent ATS Workshop Report.
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Peng X, Gat D, Paytan A, Rudich Y. The Response of Airborne Mycobiome to Dust Storms in the Eastern Mediterranean. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:802. [PMID: 34682226 PMCID: PMC8540267 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne microbial communities directly impact the health of humans, animals, plants, and receiving ecosystems. While airborne bacterial and fungal communities have been studied by both cultivation-based methods and metabarcoding surveys targeting specific molecular markers, fewer studies have used shotgun metagenomics to study the airborne mycobiome. We analyzed the diversity and relative abundance of fungi in nine airborne metagenomes collected on clear days ("background") and during dust storms in the Eastern Mediterranean. The negative correlation between the relative abundance of fungal reads and the concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter having an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10) indicate that dust storms lower the proportion of fungi in the airborne microbiome, possibly due to the lower relative abundance of fungi in the dust storm source regions and/or more effective transport of bacteria by the dust. Airborne fungal community composition was altered by the dust storms, particularly those originated from Syria, which was enriched with xerophilic fungi. We reconstructed a high-quality fungal metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) from the order Cladosporiales, which include fungi known to adapt to environmental extremes commonly faced by airborne microbes. The negative correlation between the relative abundance of Cladosporiales MAG and PM10 concentrations indicate that its origin is dominated by local sources and likely includes the indoor environments found in the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Peng
- School of Earth, Ocean and Environment, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Daniela Gat
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC) of Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 81379 Munich, Germany
| | - Adina Paytan
- Institute of Marine Science, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Yinon Rudich
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
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An assessment of the air quality in apple warehouses: new records of Aspergillus europaeus, Aspergillus pulverulentus, Penicillium allii and Penicillium sumatraense as decay agents. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:5975-5992. [PMID: 34535810 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Airborne fungi are one of the major components of aeromycobiota known to produce several fungal diseases in fruits. Their presence in indoor environment of warehouses may limit the storage period of apples. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of airborne fungal spores were conducted using gravity settling techniques to detect fungal airspora present in the atmosphere of two apple warehouses in Tunisia. In this study, 375 fungal isolates were obtained and purified. Phylogenetic analysis of calmodulin, beta-tubulin and ITS regions coupled with phenotypic characterization helped to identify 15 fungal species. Penicillium exhibited the highest diversity with ten species detected (Penicillium allii, P. chrysogenum, P. citrinum, P. expansum, P. italicum, P. polonicum, P. solitum, P. steckii, P. sumatraense and P. viridicatum), followed by four species of Aspergillus genus (Aspergillus europaeus, A. flavus, A. niger and A. pulverulentus) and Alternaria alternata. In vivo experiments confirmed the pathogenicity of 13 species at room temperature and under cold-storage conditions. Among them, A. europaeus, A. pulverulentus, P. allii and P. sumatraense were described for the first time as pathogens on apples. The present study identified the major airborne fungi associated with postharvest rot in apple storage facilities in Tunisia and may help in efficient control of postharvest and storage fruit diseases.
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Yin G, Zhao H, Pennerman KK, Jurick WM, Fu M, Bu L, Guo A, Bennett JW. Genomic Analyses of Penicillium Species Have Revealed Patulin and Citrinin Gene Clusters and Novel Loci Involved in Oxylipin Production. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:743. [PMID: 34575780 PMCID: PMC8464941 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Blue mold of apple is caused by several different Penicillium species, among which P. expansum and P. solitum are the most frequently isolated. P. expansum is the most aggressive species, and P. solitum is very weak when infecting apple fruit during storage. In this study, we report complete genomic analyses of three different Penicillium species: P. expansum R21 and P. crustosum NJ1, isolated from stored apple fruit; and P. maximae 113, isolated in 2013 from a flooded home in New Jersey, USA, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Patulin and citrinin gene cluster analyses explained the lack of patulin production in NJ1 compared to R21 and lack of citrinin production in all three strains. A Drosophila bioassay demonstrated that volatiles emitted by P. solitum SA and P. polonicum RS1 were more toxic than those from P. expansum and P. crustosum strains (R27, R11, R21, G10, and R19). The toxicity was hypothesized to be related to production of eight-carbon oxylipins. Putative lipoxygenase genes were identified in P. expansum and P. maximae strains, but not in P. crustosum. Our data will provide a better understanding of Penicillium spp. complex secondary metabolic capabilities, especially concerning the genetic bases of mycotoxins and toxic VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Yin
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (H.Z.); (M.F.)
- Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Hui Zhao
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (H.Z.); (M.F.)
| | - Kayla K. Pennerman
- Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), Athens, GA 30605, USA;
| | - Wayne M. Jurick
- Food Quality Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
| | - Maojie Fu
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (H.Z.); (M.F.)
| | - Lijing Bu
- Center for Evolutionary & Theoretical Immunology (CETI), Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Anping Guo
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (H.Z.); (M.F.)
| | - Joan W. Bennett
- Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
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Lee BG, Yang JI, Kim E, Geum SW, Park JH, Yeo MK. Investigation of bacterial and fungal communities in indoor and outdoor air of elementary school classrooms by 16S rRNA gene and ITS region sequencing. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1553-1562. [PMID: 33780050 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The advent of high-throughput sequencing methods allowed researchers to fully characterize microbial community in environmental samples, which is crucial to better understand their health effects upon exposures. In our study, we investigated bacterial and fungal community in indoor and outdoor air of nine classrooms in three elementary schools in Seoul, Korea. The extracted bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS regions were sequenced, and their taxa were identified. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction for total bacteria DNA was also performed. The bacterial community was richer in outdoor air than classroom air, whereas fungal diversity was similar indoors and outdoors. Bacteria such as Enhydrobacter, Micrococcus, and Staphylococcus that are generally found in human skin, mucous membrane, and intestine were found in great abundance. For fungi, Cladosporium, Clitocybe, and Daedaleopsis were the most abundant genera in classroom air and mostly related to outdoor plants. Bacterial community composition in classroom air was similar among all classrooms but differed from that in outdoor air. However, indoor and outdoor fungal community compositions were similar for the same school but different among schools. Our study indicated the main source of airborne bacteria in classrooms was likely human occupants; however, classroom airborne fungi most likely originated from outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong Gu Lee
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
| | - Jun Il Yang
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
| | - Euna Kim
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
| | - Sun Woo Geum
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Min-Kyeong Yeo
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Korea
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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.
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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:
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Brandão J, Gangneux JP, Arikan-Akdagli S, Barac A, Bostanaru AC, Brito S, Bull M, Çerikçioğlu N, Chapman B, Efstratiou MA, Ergin Ç, Frenkel M, Gitto A, Gonçalves CI, Guégan H, Gunde-Cimerman N, Güran M, Irinyi L, Jonikaitė E, Kataržytė M, Klingspor L, Mares M, Meijer WG, Melchers WJG, Meletiadis J, Meyer W, Nastasa V, Babič MN, Ogunc D, Ozhak B, Prigitano A, Ranque S, Rusu RO, Sabino R, Sampaio A, Silva S, Stephens JH, Tehupeiory-Kooreman M, Tortorano AM, Velegraki A, Veríssimo C, Wunderlich GC, Segal E. Mycosands: Fungal diversity and abundance in beach sand and recreational waters - Relevance to human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 781:146598. [PMID: 33812107 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The goal of most studies published on sand contaminants is to gather and discuss knowledge to avoid faecal contamination of water by run-offs and tide-retractions. Other life forms in the sand, however, are seldom studied but always pointed out as relevant. The Mycosands initiative was created to generate data on fungi in beach sands and waters, of both coastal and freshwater inland bathing sites. A team of medical mycologists and water quality specialists explored the sand culturable mycobiota of 91 bathing sites, and water of 67 of these, spanning from the Atlantic to the Eastern Mediterranean coasts, including the Italian lakes and the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas. Sydney (Australia) was also included in the study. Thirteen countries took part in the initiative. The present study considered several fungal parameters (all fungi, several species of the genus Aspergillus and Candida and the genera themselves, plus other yeasts, allergenic fungi, dematiaceous fungi and dermatophytes). The study considered four variables that the team expected would influence the results of the analytical parameters, such as coast or inland location, urban and non-urban sites, period of the year, geographical proximity and type of sediment. The genera most frequently found were Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., Fusarium spp. and Cryptococcus spp. both in sand and in water. A site-blind median was found to be 89 Colony-Forming Units (CFU) of fungi per gram of sand in coastal and inland freshwaters, with variability between 0 and 6400 CFU/g. For freshwater sites, that number was 201.7 CFU/g (0, 6400 CFU/g (p = 0.01)) and for coastal sites was 76.7 CFU/g (0, 3497.5 CFU/g). For coastal waters and all waters, the median was 0 CFU/ml (0, 1592 CFU/ml) and for freshwaters 6.7 (0, 310.0) CFU/ml (p < 0.001). The results advocate that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use and better management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Brandão
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) - Department of Animal Biology, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - J P Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - S Arikan-Akdagli
- Mycology Laboratory at Department of Medical Microbiology of Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - A Barac
- Clinical Centre of Serbia, Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - A C Bostanaru
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Romania
| | - S Brito
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M Bull
- Quantal Bioscience, North Parramatta, Australia
| | - N Çerikçioğlu
- Mycology Laboratory at Department of Medical Microbiology of Marmara University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - B Chapman
- Quantal Bioscience, North Parramatta, Australia
| | - M A Efstratiou
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, University Hill, Mytilene, Greece
| | - Ç Ergin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - M Frenkel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - A Gitto
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Ireland; UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - C I Gonçalves
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - H Guégan
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - N Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Güran
- Faculty of Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Northern Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - L Irinyi
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - E Jonikaitė
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipėda University, Klaipėda, Lithuania
| | - M Kataržytė
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipėda University, Klaipėda, Lithuania
| | - L Klingspor
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicin, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Mares
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Romania
| | - W G Meijer
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Ireland; UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - W J G Melchers
- Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc), Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - W Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - V Nastasa
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Romania
| | - M Novak Babič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - D Ogunc
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey
| | - B Ozhak
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey
| | - A Prigitano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Ranque
- Aix Marseille Univ, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, AP-HM, IRD, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - R O Rusu
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Romania
| | - R Sabino
- Reference Unit for Parasitic and Fungal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A Sampaio
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - S Silva
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J H Stephens
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Ireland; UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Tehupeiory-Kooreman
- Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc), Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - A M Tortorano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Velegraki
- Mycology Research Laboratory and UOA/HCPF Culture Collection, Microbiology Department, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece and Mycology Laboratory, BIOMEDICINE S.A., Athens, Greece
| | - C Veríssimo
- Reference Unit for Parasitic and Fungal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G C Wunderlich
- Quantal Bioscience, North Parramatta, Australia; Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - E Segal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Xin TK, Azman NM, Firdaus RBR, Ismail NA, Rosli H. Airborne fungi in Universiti Sains Malaysia: knowledge, density and diversity. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:504. [PMID: 34296330 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09238-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Airborne fungi are among common contaminants in indoor and outdoor environments, leading to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), and to some extent, implicate health risks to humans worldwide. In Malaysia, fungal contamination in institutional buildings is rarely documented although these places are frequently visited by many. This study was conducted to assess the density and diversity of airborne fungi in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) main campus, Penang. A total of 11 sampling sites were assessed. Fungi were collected by using Andersen Single Stage Impact Air Sampler N-6 and MEA plates. Two separate trials, namely Trial 1 and Trial 2, were conducted in 2008 and 2019, respectively. The recovered fungi were identified up to the genus level-based morphological features. A survey involving 400 respondents among USM staff and students in relation to fungal contamination in indoor air environment was also conducted to evaluate the knowledge on indoor fungi among USM community. The densities of indoor air fungi in Trial 1 were higher; ranging from 81 to 1743 CFU/m3, exceeding the recommended level set by the Malaysia Industry Code of Practice (MCPIAQ) in some sampling sites, compared to that of in Trial 2 where the densities ranged from 229 to 699 CFU/m3. A total of 154 isolates and 230 isolates of airborne fungi were recovered in Trial 1 and Trial 2, respectively. In total, 11 fungal genera were identified in both trials, and three genera were predominant: Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium. The survey also revealed that knowledge of IAQ among staff and students was limited and that they were unaware of fungal contamination and IAQ. A continuous and wide-spread awareness should be implemented at USM main campus for safer and healthier indoor air environments, particularly university students where productivity and efficiency are of the utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tham Khai Xin
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nur Munira Azman
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - R B Radin Firdaus
- School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azliza Ismail
- Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang, Jengka Campus, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Hafizi Rosli
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.
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Fakunle AG, Jafta N, Naidoo RN, Smit LAM. Association of indoor microbial aerosols with respiratory symptoms among under-five children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health 2021; 20:77. [PMID: 34210330 PMCID: PMC8252236 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the recognition of the importance of indoor microbial exposures on children's health, the role of different microbial agents in development and aggravation of respiratory symptoms and diseases is only poorly understood. This study aimed to assess whether exposure to microbial aerosols within the indoor environment are associated with respiratory symptoms among children under-5 years of age. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, GreenFILE, ScienceDirect, EMBASE and Cochrane library through February 2020. Studies that investigated the exposure-response relationship between components of the indoor microbial communities and respiratory symptoms among under-five children were eligible for inclusion. A random-effect meta-analysis was applied to estimate pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for study specific high versus low microbial exposures. The potential effect of individual studies on the overall estimate was evaluated using leave-one-out analysis, while heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistics using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The pooled risk estimate suggested that increased microbial exposure was associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms [pooled relative risk (RR): 1.24 (1.09, 1.41), P = 0.001]. The association was strongest with exposure to a combination of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Alternaria species [pooled RR: 1.73 (1.30, 2.31), P = 0.0002]. Stratified analysis revealed an increased risk of wheeze [pooled RR: 1.20 (1.05, 1.37), P = 0.007 and allergic rhinitis [RR: 1.18 (0.94, 1.98), P = 0.16] from any microbial exposure. CONCLUSIONS Microbial exposures are, in general, associated with risk of respiratory symptoms. Future studies are needed to study the indoor microbiome more comprehensively, and to investigate the mechanism of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adekunle Gregory Fakunle
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200284 Nigeria
| | - Nkosana Jafta
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajen N. Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lidwien A. M. Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Environmental Epidemiology Division (IRAS-EEPI), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Naeimi B, Mohsenifard I, Ansari S, Sadeghzadeh F, Khamisipour G, Dobaradaran S, Faraji Ghasemi F, Ahmadi B. Phenotypic features and molecular study of airborne Penicillium species isolated in the northern part of the Persian Gulf, Bushehr, Iran. Curr Med Mycol 2021; 7:22-28. [PMID: 35028481 PMCID: PMC8740856 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.7.2.7035] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The main environmental saprobes, such as Penicillium, play an essential role in natural ecosystems as economically, ecologically, and medically important microorganisms. Biodiversity of this genus has not been described in Bushehr city, Iran. The present study is based on air biodiversity of Penicillium species on culture-dependent approach and culture-independent technique using partial b-tubulin sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS By using active sampling with a high volume air sampler, a total of 157 Penicillium isolates were selected and screened for phenotypic characters. For the purposes of the study, 46 strains representative of 11 morphological species were selected and identified by molecular analysis. RESULTS Based on the findings, P. crustosum (18 isolates, 39.1%) and P. chrysogenum (15 isolates, 32.6%) were the most common isolated species, followed by P. brevicompactum, P. rubens, P. citrinum, P. italicum (each 2 isolates, 4.3%), P. olsonii, P. expansum, P. griseofulvum, P. palitans, and P. polonicum (each 1 isolate, 2.1%). Except for P. chrysogenum and P. expansum with floccose colony texture, the rest of the isolated species had velutinous texture. CONCLUSION This is the first report in southern Iran to identify a large number of Penicillium strains isolated from air samples, showing P. crustosum and P. chrysogenum as the most common isolated species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Naeimi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Iman Mohsenifard
- The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Saham Ansari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Sadeghzadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Khamisipour
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji Ghasemi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Bahram Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Calderón-Ezquerro MDC, Serrano-Silva N, Brunner-Mendoza C. Aerobiological study of bacterial and fungal community composition in the atmosphere of Mexico City throughout an annual cycle. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116858. [PMID: 33740598 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The atmosphere as a temporary habitat for airborne microbial communities is a valuable topic to explore, and it is through aerobiological studies that the diversity of biological particles and their release, emission, transport, deposition, and impact are assessed. Specific microorganisms are involved in meteorological processes, and phytosanitary and public health concerns. Airborne microbial composition is related to factors such as geographic region and weather conditions. In this study a metagenomic approach was used to determine the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the air of two different land-use areas (urban area and semi-rural area), during dry and rainy seasons in Mexico City. Air sampling was carried out with a Hirst-type spore trap, collecting the samples simultaneously in both study areas. Forty-two bioaerosol samples were collected, and the DNA obtained was sequenced using Next-Generation Sequencing. The results indicated that the bacterial communities were represented mainly by the phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and the fungal communities by the phyla Ascomycota followed by Basidiomycota. The evident changes in microbial composition were related more to seasonality than to locality, since both UA and SRA showed a high degree of urbanization, despite some differences in land use. Continuous monitoring of atmospheric bioaerosols is essential to determine the influence of meteorological factors on the composition of the aerial microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Carmen Calderón-Ezquerro
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Nancy Serrano-Silva
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carolina Brunner-Mendoza
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
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46
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Martin-Sanchez PM, Estensmo ELF, Morgado LN, Maurice S, Engh IB, Skrede I, Kauserud H. Analysing indoor mycobiomes through a large-scale citizen science study in Norway. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2689-2705. [PMID: 33830574 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the built environment, fungi can cause important deterioration of building materials and have adverse health effects on occupants. Increased knowledge about indoor mycobiomes from different regions of the world, and their main environmental determinants, will enable improved indoor air quality management and identification of health risks. This is the first citizen science study of indoor mycobiomes at a large geographical scale in Europe, including 271 houses from Norway and 807 dust samples from three house compartments: outside of the building, living room and bathroom. The fungal community composition determined by DNA metabarcoding was clearly different between indoor and outdoor samples, but there were no significant differences between the two indoor compartments. The 32 selected variables, related to the outdoor environment, building features and occupant characteristics, accounted for 15% of the overall variation in community composition, with the house compartment as the key factor (7.6%). Next, climate was the main driver of the dust mycobiomes (4.2%), while building and occupant variables had significant but minor influences (1.4% and 1.1%, respectively). The house-dust mycobiomes were dominated by ascomycetes (⁓70%) with Capnodiales and Eurotiales as the most abundant orders. Compared to the outdoor samples, the indoor mycobiomes showed higher species richness, which is probably due to the mixture of fungi from outdoor and indoor sources. The main indoor indicator fungi belonged to two ecological groups with allergenic potential: xerophilic moulds and skin-associated yeasts. Our results suggest that citizen science is a successful approach for unravelling the built microbiome at large geographical scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Martin-Sanchez
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva-Lena F Estensmo
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Luis N Morgado
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sundy Maurice
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Inger Skrede
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håvard Kauserud
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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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.
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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.
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Yang L, Shen Z, Wang D, Wei J, Wang X, Sun J, Xu H, Cao J. Diurnal Variations of Size-Resolved Bioaerosols During Autumn and Winter Over a Semi-Arid Megacity in Northwest China. GEOHEALTH 2021; 5:e2021GH000411. [PMID: 34036209 PMCID: PMC8137277 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols have a major negative effect on air quality and on public health by causing the spread of diseases. This study evaluated the bioaerosol composition and variation in a semi-arid megacity of northwest China from October 2019 to January 2020 using an Andersen six-stage impactor sampler. The size distribution, diurnal variations of the concentrations of airborne bacteria, airborne fungi, and total airborne microbes (TAM) were investigated in autumn and winter. The mean concentrations of airborne bacteria, fungi, and TAM were 523.5 ± 301.1 colony-forming units (CFU)/m3, 1318.9 ± 447.8 CFU/m3, and (7.25 ± 1.90) × 106 cells/m3, respectively, in autumn and 581 ± 305.4 CFU/m3, 1234.4 ± 519.9 CFU/m3, and (5.96 ± 1.65) × 106 cells/m3, respectively, in winter. The mean bioaerosol concentrations were slightly higher on nonhaze days than on haze days, but the difference was not statistically significant. Higher ambient particulate matter levels and atmospheric oxidation capacity inhibited bacteria survival. The diurnal maximum bioaerosol concentration was observed in the morning in autumn, whereas in winter, bioaerosols did not exhibit such a distribution, the impact of human activities on bioaerosols was still uncertain. The size of airborne bacteria exhibited a bimodal distribution, whereas a unimodal pattern was observed for fungi and TAM. Most bacteria, fungi, and TAM were distributed in the respirable ranges from trachea and primary bronchi to alveoli, indicating that bioaerosols have a high risk of being inhaled and causing respiratory diseases in Xi'an.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Department of Environmental Science and EngineeringXi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
- Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & PhysicsSKLLQGInstitute of Earth EnvironmentChinese Academy of SciencesXi’anChina
| | - Zhenxing Shen
- Department of Environmental Science and EngineeringXi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
- Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & PhysicsSKLLQGInstitute of Earth EnvironmentChinese Academy of SciencesXi’anChina
| | - Diwei Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and EngineeringXi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Junqiang Wei
- Department of Environmental Science and EngineeringXi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Environmental Science and EngineeringXi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Environmental Science and EngineeringXi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Junji Cao
- Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & PhysicsSKLLQGInstitute of Earth EnvironmentChinese Academy of SciencesXi’anChina
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Peccia J, Haverinen-Shaughnessy U, Täubel M, Gentner DR, Shaughnessy R. Practitioner-driven research for improving the outcomes of mold inspection and remediation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:144190. [PMID: 33360468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This commentary is intended to provide a research roadmap for utilizing recent chemical and molecular-biological technological advances for addressing dampness and mold in buildings. The perspective is unique in that both the mold industry practitioners and academic researchers drive the questions. Research needs were derived from a 2018 international workshop attended by practitioners, researchers and governmental representatives, where challenges and opportunities in the mold remediation and restoration field were discussed focusing on the need to develop new tools that improve building diagnosis and clearance certification for mold inspectors and remediators. Suggestions are made on how new technologies surrounding DNA-based sequence analysis for fungal and bacterial identification and real-time chemical sensor technology can be leveraged by practitioners to improve inspection and remediation. The workshop put into effect a logical progression to distill and extract practice-based implications and encourage the process of transfer of the science to practice. Goals for the workshop, and this subsequent paper, are also centered on encouraging US government-funding agencies to better position and define research on the built environment geared for end-user scientists and practitioners to better explore practical solutions to dampness and mold in indoor environments. By facilitating the workshop forum and targeting industry, field practitioners, and government agencies, a sharing of needed commonalities may be infused into future research agendas and outreach efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Peccia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, USA
| | - Ulla Haverinen-Shaughnessy
- Indoor Air Program, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tulsa, USA; Faculty of Technology, Structures and Construction Technology, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Martin Täubel
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Drew R Gentner
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, USA
| | - Richard Shaughnessy
- Indoor Air Program, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tulsa, USA.
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MYERS NIRMALAT, Calderón L, Pavilonis B, Wang Z, Xiong Y, Sorensen-Allacci M, Plotnik D, Senick J, Gong J, Krogmann U, Andrews CJ, Mainelis G. Presence and variability of culturable bioaerosols in three multi-family apartment buildings with different ventilation systems in the Northeastern US. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:502-523. [PMID: 32931080 PMCID: PMC7904568 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosol concentrations in residential buildings located in the Northeastern US have not been widely studied. Here, in 2011-2015, we studied the presence and seasonal variability of culturable fungi and bacteria in three multi-family apartment buildings and correlated the bioaerosol concentrations with building ventilation system types and environmental parameters. A total of 409 indoor and 86 outdoor samples were taken. Eighty-five percent of investigated apartments had indoor-outdoor (I/O) ratios of culturable fungi below 1, suggesting minimal indoor sources of fungi. In contrast, 56% of the apartments had I/O ratios for culturable bacteria above 1, indicating the prominence of indoor sources of bacteria. Culturable fungi I/O ratios in apartments serviced by central heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system were lower than those in apartments with window AC. The type of ventilation system did not have a significant effect on the presence of indoor culturable bacteria. A significant positive association was determined between indoor dew point (DP) levels and indoor culturable fungi (P < .001) and bacteria (P < .001), regardless of ventilation type. Also, residents in apartments with central HVAC did not experience extreme DP values. We conclude that building ventilation systems, seasonality, and indoor sources are major factors affecting indoor bioaerosol levels in residential buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- NIRMALA T. MYERS
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Leonardo Calderón
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Brian Pavilonis
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Zuocheng Wang
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Youyou Xiong
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - MaryAnn Sorensen-Allacci
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Deborah Plotnik
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jennifer Senick
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jie Gong
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Uta Krogmann
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Clinton J. Andrews
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Gediminas Mainelis
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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