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Wong PY, Mal J, Sandak A, Luo L, Jian J, Pradhan N. Advances in microbial self-healing concrete: A critical review of mechanisms, developments, and future directions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174553. [PMID: 38972424 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The self-healing bioconcrete, or bioconcrete as concrete containing microorganisms with self-healing capacities, presents a transformative strategy to extend the service life of concrete structures. This technology harnesses the biological capabilities of specific microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which are integral to the material's capacity to autonomously mend cracks, thereby maintaining structural integrity. This review highlights the complex biochemical pathways these organisms utilize to produce healing compounds like calcium carbonate, and how environmental parameters, such as pH, temperature, oxygen, and moisture critically affect the repair efficacy. A comprehensive analysis of recently published peer-reviewed literature, and contemporary experimental research forms the backbone of this review with a focus on microbiological aspects of the self-healing process. The review assesses the challenges facing self-healing bioconcrete, including the longevity of microbial spores and the cost implications for large-scale implementation. Further, attention is given to potential research directions, such as investigating alternative biological agents and optimizing the concrete environment to support microbial activity. The culmination of this investigation is a call to action for integrating self-healing bioconcrete in construction on a broader scale, thereby realizing its potential to fortify infrastructure resilience and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yan Wong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Joyabrata Mal
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj 211004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anna Sandak
- InnoRenew CoE, Livade 6a, 6310 Izola, Slovenia; Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Titov trg 4, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Lijun Luo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jianxiong Jian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Nirakar Pradhan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Chen Z, Liang Z, Li G, Das R, Chen P, An T. Online monitoring system for qualitative and quantitative analysis of bioaerosols by combined ATP bioluminescence assay with loop-mediated isothermal amplification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 937:173404. [PMID: 38797419 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Rapid detection of airborne pathogens is crucial in preventing respiratory infections and allergies. However, technologies aiming to real-time analysis of microorganisms in air remain limited due to the sparse and complex nature of bioaerosols. Here, we introduced an online bioaerosol monitoring system (OBMS) comprised of integrated units including a rotatable stainless-steel sintered filter-based sampler, a lysis unit for extracting adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and a single photon detector-based fluorescence unit. Through optimization of the ATP bioluminescence method and establishment of standard curves between relative luminescence units (RLUs) and ATP as well as microbial concentration, we achieved simultaneous detection of bioaerosols' concentration and activity. Testing OBMS with four bacterial and two fungal aerosols at a sampling flow rate of 10 to 50 L/min revealed an outstanding collection efficiency of 95 % at 30 L/min. A single OBMS measurement takes only 8 min (sampling: 5 min; lysis and detection: 3 min) with detection limits of 3 Pcs/ms photons (2.9 × 103 and 292 CFU/m3 for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans aerosol). In both laboratory and field tests, OBMS detected higher concentrations of bioaerosol compared to the traditional Andersen impactor and liquid biosampler. When combined OBMS with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), the bioaerosol can be qualitative and quantitative analyzed within 40 min without the cumbersome procedures of sample pretreatment and DNA extraction. These results offer a high compressive and humidity resistance membrane filtration sampler and validate the potential of OBMS for online measurement of bioaerosol concentration and composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhishu Liang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Guiying Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ranjit Das
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalyani, West Bengal 741245, India
| | - Pingan Chen
- Guangzhou Xiuming Environmental Protection Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511450, China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Hurraß J, Heinzow B, Walser-Reichenbach S, Aurbach U, Becker S, Bellmann R, Bergmann KC, Cornely OA, Engelhart S, Fischer G, Gabrio T, Herr CE, Joest M, Karagiannidis C, Klimek L, Köberle M, Kolk A, Lichtnecker H, Lob-Corzilius T, Mülleneisen N, Nowak D, Rabe U, Raulf M, Steinmann J, Steiß JO, Stemler J, Umpfenbach U, Valtanen K, Werchan B, Willinger B, Wiesmüller GA. AWMF mold guideline "Medical clinical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure" - Update 2023 AWMF Register No. 161/001. Allergol Select 2024; 8:90-198. [PMID: 38756207 PMCID: PMC11097193 DOI: 10.5414/alx02444e] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hurraß
- Section for Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Department, Cologne
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Birger Heinzow
- Formerly: State Agency for Social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
- Co-author
| | - Sandra Walser-Reichenbach
- Formerly: State Agency for Social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Ute Aurbach
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff
- ZfMK – Center for Environment, Hygiene and Mycology Cologne, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Sven Becker
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Co-author
| | - Romuald Bellmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Co-author
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Institute of Allergology Charité, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Institute for Translational Research, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department I for Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Steffen Engelhart
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Guido Fischer
- Baden-Württemberg State Health Office in the Stuttgart Regional Council, Stuttgart
- Co-author
| | - Thomas Gabrio
- Formerly: Baden-Württemberg State Health Office in the Stuttgart Regional Council, Stuttgart
- Co-author
| | - Caroline E.W. Herr
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich
- Environmental Health and Prevention, Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University of Munich Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Marcus Joest
- Allergological-Immunological Laboratory, Helios Lung and Allergy Center Bonn, Bonn
- Co-author
| | - Christian Karagiannidis
- Faculty of Health, Professorship for Extracorporeal Lung Replacement Procedures, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke
- Lung Clinic Cologne Merheim, Clinics of the City of Cologne, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Ludger Klimek
- Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Martin Köberle
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Annette Kolk
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Unit Biological Agents, Sankt Augustin
- Co-author
| | - Herbert Lichtnecker
- Medical Institute for Environmental and Occupational Medicine MIU GmbH Erkrath, Erkrath
- Co-author
| | - Thomas Lob-Corzilius
- Scientific working group of environmental medicine of the German Society of Pediatric Allergology (GPAU)
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Norbert Mülleneisen
- Asthma and Allergy Center Leverkusen, Leverkusen
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Uta Rabe
- Center for Allergology and Asthma, Johanniter Hospital Treuenbrietzen, Treuenbrietzen
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Statutory Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen
- Co-author
| | - Jens-Oliver Steiß
- Specialized Practice in Allergology and Pediatric Pulmonology in Fulda, Fulda
- Institute for Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Clinical Infectiology, Paracelsus Private Medical University Nuremberg Clinic, Nuremberg
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Jannik Stemler
- Institute for Translational Research, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department I for Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Ulli Umpfenbach
- Doctor for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Environmental Medicine, Classical Homeopathy, Asthma Trainer, Neurodermatitis Trainer, Viersen
- Co-author
| | - Kerttu Valtanen
- FG II 1.4 Microbiological Risks, German Environment Agency, Berlin
- Co-author
| | - Barbora Werchan
- German Pollen Information Service Foundation (PID), Berlin, Germany
- Co-author
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology – Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, and
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Gerhard A. Wiesmüller
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff
- ZfMK – Center for Environment, Hygiene and Mycology Cologne, Cologne
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Uniclinic RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
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Iqbal MA, Siddiqua SA, Faruk MO, Md Towfiqul Islam AR, Salam MA. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the potential threats to respiratory health from microbial Bioaerosol exposures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122972. [PMID: 37984479 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122972] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a part of everyday life, and acute respiratory diseases are the most common. Many agents carrying out respiratory infections are transmitted as bioaerosols through the air, usually, particulate matter containing living organisms. The purpose of the study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the likelihood that people exposed to bioaerosols may experience severe respiratory diseases. Nine digital databases and bibliographies were assessed for papers conducted between January 1960 and April 2021. A total of 35 health and exposure studies were included from 825 studies for the systematic review, while only 17 contented the meta-inclusion analysis's criteria. This systematic review found higher bacterial bioaerosol concentrations in poultry farms, waste dumpsites, composting plants, and paper industries. The meta-analysis's Standard Mean Difference (SMD) measurement indicates a substantially positive association between bioaerosol exposure and respiratory disease outcomes in targeted populations. The value is 0.955 [95% CI, range 0.673-1.238; p < 0.001]. As per the Risk of Bias (ROB) findings, most of findings (30 out of 35 [85.71%]) were judged to have low ROB. From the random effect probit model, the total relative risk is 1.477 (95% CI, range 0.987-2.211), indicating a higher risk of respiratory diseases from bioaerosol exposure than the control groups. The total risk difference is 0.121 (95% CI, -0.0229 to 0.264), which means intervention groups may have a higher risk of respiratory diseases from continuous bioaerosol exposure than the control groups. The dose-response relationship revealed a strong positive linear coefficient correlation between bacterial & fungal bioaerosol exposure to respiratory health. Based on self-reported outcomes in those studies, The systematic review and meta-analysis stated that bioaerosol exposure had an effect on pulmonary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Anwar Iqbal
- Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia Afrin Siddiqua
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Omar Faruk
- Department of Statistics, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammed Abdus Salam
- Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
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Onwusereaka CO, Jalaludin J, Oluchi SE, Poh Choo VC. New generation sequencing: molecular approaches for the detection and monitoring of bioaerosols in an indoor environment: a systematic review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2024; 0:reveh-2023-0004. [PMID: 38214730 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2023-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The exposure of occupants to indoor air pollutants has increased in recent decades. The aim of this review is to discuss an overview of new approaches that are used to study fungal aerosols. Thus, this motivation was to compensate the gaps caused by the use of only traditional approaches in the study of fungal exposure. CONTENT The search involved various databases such as; Science Direct, PubMed, SAGE, Springer Link, EBCOHOST, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library. It was limited to full text research articles that reported the use of non-viable method in assessing bioaerosol, written in English Language, full text publications and published from year 2015-2022. SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK A total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and was included in this review. The use of next-generation sequencing, which is more commonly referred to as high-throughput sequencing (HTS) or molecular methods in microbial studies is based on the detection of genetic material of organisms present in a given sample. Applying these methods to different environments permitted the identification of the microorganisms present, and a better comprehension of the environmental impacts and ecological roles of microbial communities. Based on the reviewed articles, there is evidence that dust samples harbour a high diversity of human-associated bacteria and fungi. Molecular methods such as next generation sequencing are reliable tools for identifying and tracking the bacterial and fungal diversity in dust samples using 18S metagenomics approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Oluchi Onwusereaka
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sampson Emilia Oluchi
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Sajjad B, Hussain S, Rasool K, Hassan M, Almomani F. Comprehensive insights into advances in ambient bioaerosols sampling, analysis and factors influencing bioaerosols composition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122473. [PMID: 37659632 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
While the study of bioaerosols has a long history, it has garnered heightened interest in the past few years, focusing on both culture-dependent and independent sampling and analysis approaches. Observations have been made regarding the seasonal fluctuations in microbial communities and their connection to particular ambient atmospheric factors. The study of airborne microbial communities is important in public health and atmospheric processes. Nevertheless, the establishment of standardized protocols for evaluating airborne microbial communities and utilizing microbial taxonomy as a means to identify distinct bioaerosols sources and seasonal patterns remains relatively unexplored. This article discusses the challenges and limitations of ambient bioaerosols sampling and analysis, including the lack of standardized methods and the heterogeneity of sources. Future prospects in the field of bioaerosols, including the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies, omics studies, spectroscopy and fluorescence-based monitoring to provide comprehensive incite on metabolic capacity, and activity are also presented. Furthermore, the review highlights the factors that affect bioaerosols composition, including seasonality, atmospheric conditions, and pollution levels. Overall, this review provides a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in understanding and managing bioaerosols in various environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Sajjad
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar; Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabir Hussain
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Rasool
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Mujtaba Hassan
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fares Almomani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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Sztandera-Tymoczek M, Wdowiak-Wróbel S, Świderska U, Palusińska-Szysz M, Szuster-Ciesielska A. Potential Proallergenic Activity of Phytopathogenic Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli in in vitro Studies. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:5039-5060. [PMID: 37933334 PMCID: PMC10625751 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s425383] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Allergic diseases have reached epidemic proportions globally, affecting nearly 30% of the world's population. One of the most prominent sources of allergens is fungi, causing up to 6% of respiratory diseases in the general population. However, the cause of respiratory allergies is not always identifiable. Therefore, we studied the ability of two representatives of common powdery mildew (Erysiphales), Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli, to induce a proinflammatory response in in vitro models of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Materials and Methods Two cell lines, BEAS-2B and A549, were used to mimic upper and lower respiratory epithelial cells. The toxicity of fungal extracts was assessed with MTT and flow cytometry assay. The production of reactive oxygen species in the cells was measured with flow cytometry. ELISA tests were used to determine the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The presence of the cell integrity marker was assessed with the immunofluorescence method. Results In both cell lines, the extract of E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli microfungi induced marked production of proinflammatory IL-1β, TNF-α, and GM-CSF cytokines involved in developing allergic reactions. The higher levels of these cytokines with higher reactive oxygen species synthesis positively correlated with the disruption of epithelial cell junctions. Conclusion We conclude that E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli microfungi have strong proinflammatory and proallergenic potential, but this finding needs in vivo confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sztandera-Tymoczek
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Wdowiak-Wróbel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Urszula Świderska
- Department of Botany, Mycology and Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Palusińska-Szysz
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Fungal Catastrophe of a Specimen Room: Just One Week is Enough to Eradicate Traces of Thousands of Animals. J Microbiol 2023; 61:189-197. [PMID: 36745333 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-023-00017-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Indoor fungi obtain carbon sources from natural sources and even recalcitrant biodegradable materials, such as plastics and synthetic dye. Their vigorous activity may have negative consequences, such as structural damage to building materials or the destruction of precious cultural materials. The animal specimen room of the Seoul National University stocked 36,000 animal resources that had been well-maintained for over 80 years. Due to abandonment without the management of temperature and humidity during the rainy summer season, many stuffed animal specimens had been heavily colonized by fungi. To investigate the fungal species responsible for the destruction of the historical specimens, we isolated fungi from the stuffed animal specimens and identified them at the species level based on morphology and molecular analysis of the β-tubulin (BenA) gene. A total of 365 strains were isolated and identified as 26 species in Aspergillus (10 spp.), Penicillium (14 spp.), and Talaromyces (2 spp.). Penicillium brocae and Aspergillus sydowii were isolated from most sections of the animal specimens and have damaged the feathers and beaks of valuable specimens. Our findings indicate that within a week of mismanagement, it takes only a few fungal species to wipe out the decades of history of animal diversity. The important lesson here is to prevent this catastrophe from occurring again through a continued interest, not to put all previous efforts to waste.
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Kumar R, Gaur S, Agarwal M, Menon B, Goel N, Mrigpuri P, Spalgais S, Priya A, Kumar K, Meena R, Sankararaman N, Verma A, Gupta V, Sonal, Prakash A, Safwan MA, Behera D, Singh A, Arora N, Prasad R, Padukudru M, Kant S, Janmeja A, Mohan A, Jain V, Nagendra Prasad K, Nagaraju K, Goyal M. Indian Guidelines for diagnosis of respiratory allergy. INDIAN JOURNAL OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND IMMUNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/0972-6691.367373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Wang Y, Zhang S, Hong Q, Song H, Yang L, Yang K, Xu H, Yu F. Characteristics, non-carcinogenic risk assessment and prediction by HYSPLIT of bioaerosol released from Hospital and Municipal Sewage, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 246:114131. [PMID: 36193586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114131] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosol is a new type of pollutant, which is related to the spread of many diseases. In particular, the bioaerosol produced in the hospital sewage treatment process contains many pathogenic bacteria, which will impact patients and surrounding residents. In this study, the biochemical tank (BRT) of the hospital sewage treatment station (HSTS) and municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP) were used as sampling points. The results showed that the concentration of bacteria (1843 CFU/m3) in bioaerosol produced by BRT of HSTS was higher than that in the air at BRT of MWTP (1278 CFU/m3). The proportion of small-size bacteria (<3.3 µm) in the air of HSTS and MWTP was similar. However, the abundance of small-size pathogenic bacteria in HSTS was higher than that in MWTP, such as Acinetobacter and Arcobacter. The dominant bacteria in HSTS and MWTP were different under different particle sizes. The dominant bacterial genera of bioaerosol in HSTS under different particle sizes were similar (Acinetobacter, Arcobacter, Comamonas); There were significant differences in the dominant bacterial genera of bioaerosol in MWTP under different particle sizes. The dominant strains with particle sizes ranging from 0 ∼ 0.43 µm were Acinetobacter (23.22%). Kocuria (15.13%) accounted for a relatively high proportion in the aerosol of 0.43 µm ∼ 0.65 µm. The dominant strains with particle sizes of 0.65 µm ∼ 1.1 µm and 1.1 µm ∼ 2.1 µm were relatively single, and Exiguobacterium and Paenibacillus accounted for 51.51% and 60.15%, respectively. Source tracker showed that most of the pathogenic bacteria in bioaerosols came from sewage. One hour later, the concentration of particulate matter in the place 200 m away from BRT of HSTS (1 × 10-10 mg/m3) was higher than that in MWTP (1 × 10-11 mg/m3). The hazard quotient (HQ) of people around HSTS (HQmale: 1.70 × 10-1; HQfemale: 1.36 × 10-1) was higher than that of MWTP (HQmale: 1.18 × 10-1; HQfemale: 9.40 × 10-2). Pathogenic bacteria (Acinetobacter, Arcobacter) were detected in HSTS and MWTP and the BugBase phenotype prediction results showed potential pathogenicity. More attention should be paid to the protection of the people. It is suggested to strengthen the air sterilization treatment near HSTS according to the diffusion trajectory of bioaerosol, and the surrounding personnel should wear N95 and other protective masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China.
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Qing Hong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China.
| | - Huiling Song
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Liying Yang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Hui Xu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Fangfang Yu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
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11
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Kiasat N, Takesh A, Fatahinia M. Identification and genetic diversity of Alternaria species recovered from the air of Ahvaz city, the Southwestern part of Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GENETICS 2022; 13:24-31. [PMID: 36189195 PMCID: PMC9520247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Alternaria genus has pathogenic, endophytic, and saprobic characteristics. Alternaria genus causes respiratory diseases, fungal allergenicity and the production of mycotoxin in food. Ahvaz city is one of the areas where the presence of dust and high humidity cause the growth and spread of fungal species in the air. Identification of Alternaria species is difficult based on morphology solely. For the first time in Ahvaz, the classification of this fungus was performed using ITS region, alta1 gene, and morphology. For the identification of Alternaria isolates in the Ahvaz city air using morphological and molecular characteristics, potato dextrose agar (PDA) media were used to culture 40 Alternaria isolates recovered from the Ahvaz city air. Afterward, the appearance of the colonies was examined. The DNAs of the isolates were extracted and amplified using the specific primers of the ITS and, Alt a1 regions. The amplified DNA products were sequenced. Then, they were compared with the sequences in the NCBI GeneBank. Based on the morphological results, the isolates included four different species and A. alternata had the highest frequency. Alt a1 gene was present in all the isolates of Alternaria species recovered in our research. Finally, identifying the varieties of Alternaria species based on morphological characteristics as well as ITS or Alt a1 regions is useful but difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Kiasat
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvaz, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvaz, Iran
| | - Ameneh Takesh
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvaz, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Fatahinia
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvaz, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvaz, Iran
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12
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Cook-Mills JM, Emmerson LN. Epithelial barrier regulation, antigen sampling, and food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:493-502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Hughes KM, Price D, Suphioglu C. Importance of allergen–environment interactions in epidemic thunderstorm asthma. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2022; 16:17534666221099733. [PMID: 35603956 PMCID: PMC9134402 DOI: 10.1177/17534666221099733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Australia is home to one of the highest rates of allergic rhinitis
worldwide. Commonly known as ‘hay fever’, this chronic condition
affects up to 30% of the population and is characterised by
sensitisation to pollen and fungal spores. Exposure to these
aeroallergens has been strongly associated with causing allergic
reactions and worsening asthma symptoms. Over the last few decades,
incidences of respiratory admissions have risen due to the increased
atmospheric concentration of airborne allergens. The fragmentation and
dispersion of these allergens is aided by environmental factors like
rainfall, temperature and interactions with atmospheric aerosols.
Extreme weather parameters, which continue to become more frequent due
to the impacts of climate change, have greatly fluctuated allergen
concentrations and led to epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) events
that have left hundreds, if not thousands, struggling to breathe.
While a link exists between airborne allergens, weather and
respiratory admissions, the underlying factors that influence these
epidemics remain unknown. It is important we understand the potential
threat these events pose on our susceptible populations and ensure our
health infrastructure is prepared for the next epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Morgan Hughes
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Dwan Price
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
- COVID-19 Response, Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cenk Suphioglu
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, 75 Pidgons Road, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
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14
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Hughes KM, Price D, Torriero AAJ, Symonds MRE, Suphioglu C. Impact of Fungal Spores on Asthma Prevalence and Hospitalization. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084313. [PMID: 35457129 PMCID: PMC9025873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite making up a significant proportion of airborne allergens, the relationship between fungal spores and asthma is not fully explored. Only 80 taxa of fungi have so far been observed to exacerbate respiratory presentations, with Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Alternaria spp. found to comprise the predominant allergenic airborne spores. Fungal spores have been found in indoor environments, such as hospitals and housing due to poor ventilation. Meanwhile, outdoor fungal spores exhibit greater diversity, and higher abundance and have been associated with hospitalizations from acute asthma presentations. In addition, fungal spores may be the underlying, and perhaps the “missing link”, factor influencing the heightened rate of asthma presentations during epidemic thunderstorm asthma events. To improve our knowledge gap on fungal spores, airborne allergen monitoring must be improved to include not only dominant allergenic fungi but also provide real-time data to accurately and quickly warn the general public. Such data will help prevent future asthma exacerbations and thus save lives. In this review, we examine the health risks of prominent allergenic fungal taxa, the factors influencing spore dispersal and distribution, and why improvements should be made to current sampling methods for public health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira M. Hughes
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia; (K.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Dwan Price
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia; (K.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- COVID-19 Response, Department of Health, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Angel A. J. Torriero
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia;
| | - Matthew R. E. Symonds
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia;
| | - Cenk Suphioglu
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia; (K.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-5227-2886
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15
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Omebeyinje MH, Adeluyi A, Mitra C, Chakraborty P, Gandee GM, Patel N, Verghese B, Farrance CE, Hull M, Basu P, Lee K, Adhikari A, Adivar B, Horney JA, Chanda A. Increased prevalence of indoor Aspergillus and Penicillium species is associated with indoor flooding and coastal proximity: a case study of 28 moldy buildings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:1681-1687. [PMID: 34596193 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00202c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Indoor flooding is a leading contributor to indoor dampness and the associated mold infestations in the coastal United States. Whether the prevalent mold genera that infest the coastal flood-prone buildings are different from those not flood-prone is unknown. In the current case study of 28 mold-infested buildings across the U.S. east coast, we surprisingly noted a trend of higher prevalence of indoor Aspergillus and Penicillium genera (denoted here as Asp-Pen) in buildings with previous flooding history. Hence, we sought to determine the possibility of a potential statistically significant association between indoor Asp-Pen prevalence and three building-related variables: (i) indoor flooding history, (ii) geographical location, and (iii) the building's use (residential versus non-residential). Culturable spores and hyphal fragments in indoor air were collected using the settle-plate method, and corresponding genera were confirmed using phylogenetic analysis of their ITS sequence (the fungal barcode). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Generalized linear model procedure (GLM) showed that Asp-Pen prevalence is significantly associated with indoor flooding as well as coastal proximity. To address the small sample size, a multivariate decision tree analysis was conducted, which ranked indoor flooding history as the strongest determinant of Asp-Pen prevalence, followed by geographical location and the building's use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayomi H Omebeyinje
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Adewale Adeluyi
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chandrani Mitra
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Bindhu Verghese
- Microbial Solutions, Charles River Laboratories, Newark, DE, USA
| | | | - Matthew Hull
- NanoSafe, Inc., Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech National Center for Earth and Environmental Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NanoEarth), Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Paramita Basu
- Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kwonmoo Lee
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Atin Adhikari
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Burcu Adivar
- Broadwell College of Business and Economics, Fayetteville State University, NC, USA.
| | | | - Anindya Chanda
- Broadwell College of Business and Economics, Fayetteville State University, NC, USA.
- Mycologics LLC, Alexandria, VA, USA.
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16
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Buelow LM, Hoji A, Tat K, Schroeder-Carter LM, Carroll DJ, Cook-Mills JM. Mechanisms for Alternaria alternata Function in the Skin During Induction of Peanut Allergy in Neonatal Mice With Skin Barrier Mutations. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2021; 2:677019. [PMID: 35387035 PMCID: PMC8974772 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.677019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal mice with heterozygous mutations in genes encoding the skin barrier proteins filaggrin and mattrin (flaky tail mice [FT+/-]) exhibit oral peanut-induced anaphylaxis after skin sensitization. As we have previously reported, sensitization in this model is achieved via skin co- exposure to the environmental allergen Alternaria alternata (Alt), peanut extract (PNE), and detergent. However, the function of Alt in initiation of peanut allergy in this model is little understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate candidate cytokines induced by Alt in the skin and determine the role of these cytokines in the development of food allergy, namely oncostatin M (Osm), amphiregulin (Areg), and IL-33. RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated that skin of FT+/- neonates expressed Il33 and Osm following Alt or Alt/PNE but not PNE exposure. By contrast, expression of Areg was induced by either Alt, PNE, or Alt/PNE sensitization in FT+/- neonates. In scRNAseq analyses, Osm, Areg, and Il33 were expressed by several cell types, including a keratinocyte cluster that was expanded in the skin of Alt/PNE-exposed FT+/- pups as compared to Alt/PNE-exposed WT pups. Areg and OSM were required for oral PNE-induced anaphylaxis since anaphylaxis was inhibited by administration of neutralizing anti-Areg or anti-OSM antibodies prior to each skin sensitization with Alt/PNE. It was then determined if intradermal injection of recombinant IL33 (rIL33), rAreg, or rOSM in the skin could substitute for Alt during skin sensitization to PNE. PNE skin sensitization with intradermal rIL33 was sufficient for oral PNE-induced anaphylaxis, whereas skin sensitization with intradermal rAreg or rOSM during skin exposure to PNE was not sufficient for anaphylaxis to oral PNE challenge. Based on these studies a pathway for IL33, Areg and OSM in Alt/PNE sensitized FT+/- skin was defined for IgE induction and anaphylaxis. Alt stimulated two pathways, an IL33 pathway and a pathway involving OSM and Areg. These two pathways acted in concert with PNE to induce food allergy in pups with skin barrier mutations.
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17
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Insect-fungal-interactions: A detailed review on entomopathogenic fungi pathogenicity to combat insect pests. Microb Pathog 2021; 159:105122. [PMID: 34352375 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Global food security is threatened by insect pests of economically important crops. Chemical pesticides have been used frequently for the last few decades to manage insect pests throughout the world. However, these chemicals are hazardous for human health as well as the ecosystem. In addition, several pests have evolved resistance to many chemicals. Finding environment friendly alternatives lead the researchers to introduce biocontrol agents such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). These fungi include various genera that can infect and kill insects efficiently. Moreover, EPFs have considerable host specificity with a mild effect on non-target organisms and can be produced in bulk quantity quickly. However, insights into the biology of EPF and mechanism of action are of prime significance for their efficient utilization as a biocontrol agent. This review focuses on EPF-mediated insect management by explaining particular EPF strains and their general mode of action. We have comprehensively discussed which criteria should be used for the selection of pertinent EPF, and which aspects can impact the EPF efficiency. Finally, we have outlined various advantages of EPF and their limitations. The article summarizes the prospects related to EPF utilization as biocontrol agents. We hope that future strategies for the management of insects will be safer for our planet.
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18
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Kumar P, Singh AB, Singh R. Seasonal variation and size distribution in the airborne indoor microbial concentration of residential houses in Delhi and its impact on health. AEROBIOLOGIA 2021; 37:719-732. [PMID: 34248257 PMCID: PMC8254435 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-021-09718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of microbial agents in the air of indoor dwellings is associated with effects on respiratory and general health. The current study was conducted in the urban area of Delhi Metropolis for the seasonal quantitative assessment of viable microbial indoor air quality. Bioaerosol measurement was conducted by using Anderson six stage impactor with cut-off diameters of 7.0, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1, and 0.65 µm) throughout the all the seasons (April 2019 to March 2020). Meteorological parameters such as temperature and relative humidity were measured to check their effect on microbial survival. Air quality index data of the sampling area were recorded by DPCC air quality monitoring system, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. The highest (1654 ± 876.87 CFU/m3) and lowest (738 ± 443.59 CFU/m3) mean bacterial concentration in houses was recorded in August and December, respectively. Similarly, the highest fungal concentration (1275 ± 645.22 CFU/m3) was found in August and the lowest in (776 ± 462.46 CFU/m3) in January. Bacterial respirable fraction shows an irregular pattern in different seasons. In the case of fungi, the respirable fraction of 2.1 and 1.1 contributes more than 60% of total culturable bioaerosols in all seasons. Bacterial genera including Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, and Streptobacillus were most dominant, and Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria were the most dominant fungal genera observed indoors. The results of this study suggest that higher respirable fungal fraction might penetrate deeper into the lungs and cause various health effects. A higher concentration of bioaerosols in outdoor areas than indoor shows that the source of indoor bioaerosols is outdoor air. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10453-021-09718-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - A. B. Singh
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi University Campus, Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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A Summary on Up-To-Date Research on Fungal Siderophores on Disease, Treatment and Pathogenicity Based on Text Mining, Bioinformatics and Experts’ Opinion. Fungal Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-53077-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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20
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Gusareva ES, Gaultier NPE, Premkrishnan BNV, Kee C, Lim SBY, Heinle CE, Purbojati RW, Nee AP, Lohar SR, Yanqing K, Kharkov VN, Drautz-Moses DI, Stepanov VA, Schuster SC. Taxonomic composition and seasonal dynamics of the air microbiome in West Siberia. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21515. [PMID: 33299064 PMCID: PMC7726148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78604-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe taxonomical composition, as well as seasonal and diel dynamics of airborne microbial communities in West Siberia. A total of 78 airborne biomass samples from 39 time intervals were analysed, within a temperature range of 48 °C (26 °C to - 22 °C). We observed a 5-170-fold decrease in DNA yield extracted from the airborne biomass in winter compared to summer, nevertheless, yielding sufficient material for metagenomic analysis. The airborne microbial communities included Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota fungi as major components, as well as some Streptophyta plants. In summer, bacterial and fungal plant pathogens, and wood-rotting saprophytes were predominant. In winter, Ascomycota moulds and cold-related or stress environment bacterial species were enriched, while the fraction of wood-rotting and mushroom-forming Basidiomycota fungi was largely reduced. As recently reported for the tropical climate, the airborne microbial communities performed a diel cycle in summer, however, in winter diel dynamics were not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena S Gusareva
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Nicolas P E Gaultier
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Balakrishnan N V Premkrishnan
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Carmon Kee
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Serene Boon Yuean Lim
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Cassie E Heinle
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Rikky W Purbojati
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Ang Poh Nee
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Sachin R Lohar
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Koh Yanqing
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Vladimir N Kharkov
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russian Federation, 634050
| | - Daniela I Drautz-Moses
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Vadim A Stepanov
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russian Federation, 634050
| | - Stephan C Schuster
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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21
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Ščevková J, Dušička J, Tropeková M, Kováč J. Summer storms and their effects on the spectrum and quantity of airborne bioparticles in Bratislava, Central Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:537. [PMID: 32696086 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08497-7] [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: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A thunderstorm is a risk factor for severe respiratory allergy or asthma attacks in patients suffering from pollen/spore allergy. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the spectrum and quantity of pollen and fungal spores in the air of Bratislava during summer storms as well as the impact of selected environmental parameters on these changes. Pollen/spore samples were collected using a Burkard volumetric aerospore trap during summer 2016. To identify those types of pollen/spores that may harm human health during the storm episodes, we analysed how the concentration of individual bioparticles in the air changed during pre-storm/storm/post-storm periods. The effect of environmental variables on the concentration of selected pollen/spore types was evaluated through Spearman's correlation analysis. The results of our study suggest that thunderstorm-related respiratory allergy symptoms in the study area may be caused by (1) spores of Myxomycetes, the airborne concentration of which increases due to an increase in wind speed during the pre-storm period; (2) ruptured pollen and Diatripaceae spores, the concentration of which increases due to increase in precipitation and relative air humidity, respectively, during the storm period; and (3) spores of Fusarium and Leptosphaeria, the concentration of which increases due to increase in precipitation and air temperature, respectively, during the post-storm period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ščevková
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Comenius University, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Jozef Dušička
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Comenius University, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Tropeková
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Comenius University, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Kováč
- Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Norouzian Baghani A, Sorooshian A, Delikhoon M, Nabizadeh R, Nazmara S, Bakhtiari R. Pollution characteristics and noncarcinogenic risk assessment of fungal bioaerosol in different processing units of waste paper and cardboard recycling factory. TOXIN REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1769135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Norouzian Baghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mahdieh Delikhoon
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ramin Nabizadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Nazmara
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rounak Bakhtiari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health and Institute Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Diversity of Soil Filamentous Fungi Influenced by Marine Environment in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. ScientificWorldJournal 2020; 2020:3727453. [PMID: 32410905 PMCID: PMC7211247 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3727453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In recent decades, there has been an intensification of environmental problems, which are becoming increasingly critical and frequent due to population growth. Microorganisms, including soilborne fungi, play an essential role in maintaining and balancing the environment. One of the most impacted ecosystems in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, is the Jansen Lagoon State Park, an important tourist spot, which has suffered anthropogenic actions such as the dumping of household waste (sewage) in its body of water. As a consequence, these pollutants can accumulate in the adjacent soil, since the body of water is near this substrate. The objectives were to isolate and identify filamentous fungi from the soil of the Jansen Lagoon State Park. Methods Monthly soil samples were collected and later processed using the modified suspension technique according to Clark (1965). Results The isolated genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Absidia, and Fusarium. Aspergillus is the fungal genus of greater dominance in the soil of the Jansen Lagoon State Park. Aspergillus niger was the dominant species (37%), followed by A. tamarii (21.6%). Conclusion The main isolated fungi from the Jansen Lagoon State Park were Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tamrii. These fungi can be used as biological markers of pollution and as biodegraders and/or bioremediators to improve the area studied.
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The Complications of Aspergillus fumigatus Sensitization in Patients with Asthma. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.99833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Andualem Z, Gizaw Z, Dagne H. Indoor Culturable Fungal Load and Associated Factors among Public Primary School Classrooms in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018: A Cross-sectional Study. Ethiop J Health Sci 2020; 29:623-630. [PMID: 31666784 PMCID: PMC6813266 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v29i5.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fungi are heavy threats to public health in indoor environments, particularly in residential buildings, offices, and schools where people spend a lot of time indoors. This study was conducted to investigate the load of culturable fungi and associated factors in a school indoor environment. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in eight public primary school classrooms in Gondar City from March to April 2018. Settle plate technique was used to determine the culturable fungal load. Log transformed linear regression analysis was employed. The beta-coefficient with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the degree and direction of the association with a p-value less than 0.05. Results The highest and the lowest mean culturable fungal loads recorded were 1140.29 CFU/m3 and 211.25 CFU/m3, respectively. Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium, Candida, Microsporum, Trichophyton, Rhizopus, Alternaria and Fusarium species were isolated. Age of buildings (β= -0.122, 95%CI -0.238,-0.007), area of classroom (β= 0.639, 95% CI 0.285, 0.993), temperature (β= -0.189, 95% CI -0.325,-0.047), humidity (β= -0.023, 95% CI -0.043, -0.002) and PM10 (β= -0.01, 95% CI -0.015,-0.005) were associated with culturable fungal load. Conclusions High culturable fungal load was found in school classrooms in Gondar City. Age of buildings, area of classrooms, temperature, humidity, and PM10 were predictors of the culturable fungal load. Therefore, proficient corrective methods are needed to combat the problem of indoor air quality in a school indoor environment by controlling factors contributing to growth of fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewudu Andualem
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Madhwal S, Prabhu V, Sundriyal S, Shridhar V. Ambient bioaerosol distribution and associated health risks at a high traffic density junction at Dehradun city, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:196. [PMID: 32086610 PMCID: PMC7087893 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Traffic junctions are one of the crowded places where commuters are at high risk of developing respiratory infections, due to their greater exposure to airborne and human transmitted microbial pathogens. An airborne bioaerosol assessment study was carried out at a high traffic density junction focusing on their concentration, contribution in respirable particulate matter (PM), and factors influencing the distribution and microbial diversity. Andersen six-stage viable cascade impactor and a wide-range aerosol spectrometer were used for microbial and particulate matter measurements, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between bioaerosol concentration, vehicular count, PM concentration, and meteorological parameters. The mean bacteria concentration (1962.95 ± 651.85 CFU/m3) was significantly different than fungi (1118.95 ± 428.34 CFU/m3) (p < 0.05). The temporal distribution showed maximum concentration for bacteria and fungi during monsoon and postmonsoon seasons, respectively. In terms of bioaerosol loading, a considerable fraction of fungi (3.25%) and bacteria (5.65%) contributed to the total airborne PM. Most abundant bioaerosols were Aspergillus (27.58%), Penicillium (23%), and Cladosporium (14.05%) (fungi), and Micrococcus (25.73%), Staphylococcus (17.98%), and Bacillus (13.8%) (bacteria). Traffic-induced roadside soil resuspension and microbial aerosolizations from the human body were identified as the chief sources of bioaerosol emissions. The risk of lower respiratory tract infections caused by anthroponotic (human transmitted) transfer of bacterial pathogens is very high. The results of the study can be used to trace sources of microbial mediated communicable diseases, and to recommend appropriate safety measures to avoid pathogenic bioaerosol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Madhwal
- Environmental Pollution Assessment Laboratory, School of Environment & Natural Resources, Doon University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
| | - Vignesh Prabhu
- Environmental Pollution Assessment Laboratory, School of Environment & Natural Resources, Doon University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
| | - Sangeeta Sundriyal
- Environmental Pollution Assessment Laboratory, School of Environment & Natural Resources, Doon University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
| | - Vijay Shridhar
- Environmental Pollution Assessment Laboratory, School of Environment & Natural Resources, Doon University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India.
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Pfavayi LT, Sibanda EN, Mutapi F. The Pathogenesis of Fungal-Related Diseases and Allergies in the African Population: The State of the Evidence and Knowledge Gaps. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2020; 181:257-269. [PMID: 32069461 DOI: 10.1159/000506009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic diseases in the African continent has received limited attention with the allergic diseases due to fungal allergens being among the least studied. This lead to the opinion being that the prevalence of allergic disease is low in Africa. Recent reports from different African countries indicate that this is not the case as allergic conditions are common and some; particularly those due to fungal allergens are increasing in prevalence. Thus, there is need to understand both the aetiology and pathogenies of these diseases, particularly the neglected fungal allergic diseases. This review addresses currently available knowledge of fungal-induced allergy, disease pathogenesis comparing findings from human versus experimental mouse studies of fungal allergy. The review discusses the potential role of the gut mycobiome and the extent to which this is relevant to fungal allergy, diagnosis and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Tsitsi Pfavayi
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom, .,Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,
| | - Elopy Nimele Sibanda
- Asthma Allergy and Immunology Clinic, Twin Palms Medical Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Pathology, National University of Science and Technology Medical School, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Bruni E, Simonetti G, Bovone B, Casagrande C, Castellani F, Riccardi C, Pomata D, Di Filippo P, Federici E, Buiarelli F, Uccelletti D. Evaluation of Bioaerosol Bacterial Components of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Through an Integrate Approach and In Vivo Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010273. [PMID: 31906026 PMCID: PMC6981557 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater carries different pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms that can be dispersed in the surrounding environment. Workers who frequent sewage treatment plants can therefore be exposed to aerosols that contain a high concentration of potentially dangerous biological agents, or they can come into direct contact with contaminated material. This can lead to allergies, infections and occupational health-associated diseases. A characterization of biological risk assessment of bioaerosol exposure is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of an interdisciplinary method that combines chemical and biological approaches for the analysis of a bioaerosol derived from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) situated in Italy. Sampled filters were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS spectroscopy that searched for different chemical biomarkers of airborne microorganisms. The analytical quantification was compared to the biological cultural method that revealed an underrated microbial concentration. Furthermore, next generation sequencing analysis was used also to identify the uncultivable species that were not detected by the culture dependent-method. Moreover, the simple animal model Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate the pathogenicity of two isolates—Acinetobacter iwoffii and Micrococcus luteus—that showed multidrug-resistance. This work represents a starting point for the development of a multidisciplinary approach for the validation of bioaerosol exposure on WWTP workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Bruni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Giulia Simonetti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
| | - Beatrice Bovone
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Chiara Casagrande
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (E.F.)
| | - Federica Castellani
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
| | - Carmela Riccardi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
- Inail DIT, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Pomata
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
- Inail DIT, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Di Filippo
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
- Inail DIT, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Ermanno Federici
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (E.F.)
| | - Francesca Buiarelli
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Oretti G, Castellana G, Manuguerra R, Silini EM, Ferri T. Isolated fronto-ethmoidal allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: case report and review of the literature. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2019; 90:563-567. [PMID: 31910185 PMCID: PMC7233786 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i4.7832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background and aim of the work: Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is a clinical entity characterized by the presence of fungi within sino-nasal cavities that may occur in patients with normal or defective immunity. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a form of non-invasive FRS that affects patients with an abnormal immuno-mediated response to fungal antigens. This article describes a case of isolated fronto-ethmoidal AFRS. Methods: A 20-year old male patient presented with a history of a left nasal respiratory obstruction and allergic oculorhinitis. CT scans showed a polypoid mass in the left nasal cavity and opacification of the left ethmoid sinus, frontal recess and frontal sinus with hyperdense component. The patient underwent functional endonasal sinus surgery (FESS) with removal of nasal polyps from the left nasal cavity and of cheesy-like material and dense mucus from the left ethmoid and frontal sinus. Histological examination showed presence of fungal hyphae within the allergic mucus; a diagnosis of AFRS was made. Results: Follow up at 14 months showed no signs of recurrence. Conclusions: The AFRS case reported herein is characterized by isolated unilateral fronto-ethmoid involvement, a rare presentation. Endoscopic nasal treatment was effective with complete patient recovery. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Oretti
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Parma - Departement of Otolaryngology.
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Molva V, Nesvorna M, Hubert J. Feeding Interactions Between Microorganisms and the House Dust Mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae (Astigmata: Pyroglyphidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1669-1677. [PMID: 31145461 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The feeding interactions between house dust mites (HDM) and microorganisms are key factors in the survival of mites in human environments. The suitability of different microbes for HDM is not known. Here, microbial species isolated from HDM cultures were offered to HDM in food preference tests under laboratory conditions. The microbial species were added to the rearing diet of mites to reach 7% of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 10% of each tested microorganism. The suitability of each microbe-supplemented diet for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae was compared in terms of mite population growth and mite preference in a cafeteria test. The effect of mite feeding on the respiration of microorganisms in the diet was observed in microcosms. HDM were able to feed and reproduce on some bacterial and fungal species, but the suitability of microbial species differed. Increasing the yeast Sa. cerevisiae in the diet from 7 to 17% appeared the most suitable for both mite species. Staphylococcus spp. bacteria were preferred for D. farinae and were suitable for reproduction. The population growth and feeding preferences of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae with respect to microorganisms indicate that D. farinae can develop on a diet with bacterial (Staphylococcus nepalensis and Staphylococcus kloosii) additions, whereas D. pteronyssinus was successful on a diet with fungal (Aspergillus jensenii and Aspergillus ruber) additions. The bacteria Kocuria rhizophila and Bacillus cereus decreased population growth in D. pteronyssinus, whereas the yeasts Hyphopichia pseudoburtonii, Hyphopichia burtonii, and Candida ciferrii decreased population growth in D. farinae. These results indicate that some microorganisms are an important food source for HDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vit Molva
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska, Prague, Czechia
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Vinicna, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Jan Hubert
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska, Prague, Czechia
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Tignat-Perrier R, Dommergue A, Thollot A, Keuschnig C, Magand O, Vogel TM, Larose C. Global airborne microbial communities controlled by surrounding landscapes and wind conditions. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14441. [PMID: 31595018 PMCID: PMC6783533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The atmosphere is an important route for transporting and disseminating microorganisms over short and long distances. Understanding how microorganisms are distributed in the atmosphere is critical due to their role in public health, meteorology and atmospheric chemistry. In order to determine the dominant processes that structure airborne microbial communities, we investigated the diversity and abundance of both bacteria and fungi from the PM10 particle size (particulate matter of 10 micrometers or less in diameter) as well as particulate matter chemistry and local meteorological characteristics over time at nine different meteorological stations around the world. The bacterial genera Bacillus and Sphingomonas as well as the fungal species Pseudotaeniolina globaosa and Cladophialophora proteae were the most abundant taxa of the dataset, although their relative abundances varied greatly based on sampling site. Bacterial and fungal concentration was the highest at the high-altitude and semi-arid plateau of Namco (China; 3.56 × 106 ± 3.01 × 106 cells/m3) and at the high-altitude and vegetated mountain peak Storm-Peak (Colorado, USA; 8.78 × 104 ± 6.49 × 104 cells/m3), respectively. Surrounding ecosystems, especially within a 50 km perimeter of our sampling stations, were the main contributors to the composition of airborne microbial communities. Temporal stability in the composition of airborne microbial communities was mainly explained by the diversity and evenness of the surrounding landscapes and the wind direction variability over time. Airborne microbial communities appear to be the result of large inputs from nearby sources with possible low and diluted inputs from distant sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romie Tignat-Perrier
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Univ Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France. .,Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Ecully, France.
| | - Aurélien Dommergue
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Univ Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | - Alban Thollot
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Univ Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | - Christoph Keuschnig
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Ecully, France
| | - Olivier Magand
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Univ Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | - Timothy M Vogel
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Ecully, France
| | - Catherine Larose
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Ecully, France
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Waldron R, McGowan J, Gordon N, McCarthy C, Mitchell EB, Fitzpatrick DA. Proteome and allergenome of the European house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216171. [PMID: 31042761 PMCID: PMC6493757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The European house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is of significant medical importance as it is a major elicitor of allergic illnesses. In this analysis we have undertaken comprehensive bioinformatic and proteomic examination of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus airmid, identified 12,530 predicted proteins and validated the expression of 4,002 proteins. Examination of homology between predicted proteins and allergens from other species revealed as much as 2.6% of the D. pteronyssinus airmid proteins may cause an allergenic response. Many of the potential allergens have evidence for expression (n = 259) and excretion (n = 161) making them interesting targets for future allergen studies. Comparative proteomic analysis of mite body and spent growth medium facilitated qualitative assessment of mite group allergen localisation. Protein extracts from house dust contain a substantial number of uncharacterised D. pteronyssinus proteins in addition to known and putative allergens. Novel D. pteronyssinus proteins were identified to be highly abundant both in house dust and laboratory cultures and included numerous carbohydrate active enzymes that may be involved in cuticle remodelling, bacteriophagy or mycophagy. These data may have clinical applications in the development of allergen-specific immunotherapy that mimic natural exposure. Using a phylogenomic approach utilising a supermatrix and supertree methodologies we also show that D. pteronyssinus is more closely related to Euroglyphus maynei than Dermatophagoides farinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Waldron
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Trinity Enterprise Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jamie McGowan
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Natasha Gordon
- Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Trinity Enterprise Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Charley McCarthy
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - David A. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Andreev EA, Komkova MA, Nikitina VN, Karyakin AA. Reagentless Impedimetric Sensors Based on Aminophenylboronic Acids. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061934819010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Nazari Z, Ghaffari J, Ghaffari N, Ahangarkani F. A review on hypersensitivity reactions to fungal aeroallergens in patients with allergic disorders in Iran. Curr Med Mycol 2019; 5:42-47. [PMID: 31049458 PMCID: PMC6488288 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.5.1.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal agents account for the clinical manifestation of allergic disorders. The aim of the present study was to review the prevalence of hypersensitivity reactions to fungal aeroallergens in patients with allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, and eczema, in Iran. The initial literature search resulted in the identification of 50 records, 26 cases of which met the inclusion criteria. Regarding the methods adopted for the detection of fungal allergens, serum-specific IgE and skin prick tests were used in 6 and 20 studies, respectively. Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata sensitization was the most common allergic sensitization among the patients with allergic disorders. According to the reviewed studies, despite the humid climate of the north of Iran, fungal sensitization has a prevalence range of 5-70% in this region. In other regions, such as central and southern Iran, which have a dry and warm climate, fungal sensitization reportedly has a prevalence range of 5-65%. The prevalence of fungal sensitizations varies in different allergic disorders due to the factors related to geographic and genetic issues, gender, sample size, test operator, and assessment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Nazari
- Department of Gynecology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Javad Ghaffari
- Pediatric Infecious Diseases Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Ahangarkani
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Morakinyo OM, Mokgobu MI, Mukhola MS, Godobedzha T. Biological Composition of Respirable Particulate Matter in an Industrial Vicinity in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E629. [PMID: 30795513 PMCID: PMC6406656 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern that exposure to particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) with biological composition (bioaerosols) may play a key role in the prevalence of adverse health outcomes in humans. This study determined the bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 and their inhalation health risks in an industrial vicinity in South Africa. Samples of PM2.5 collected on a 47-mm glass fiber filter during winter and summer months were analysed for bacterial and fungal content using standard methods. The health risks from inhalation of bioaerosols were done by estimating the age-specific dose rate. The concentration of bacteria (168⁻378 CFU/m³) was higher than fungi (58⁻155 CFU/m³). Bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 were lower in winter than in the summer season. Bacteria identified in summer were similar to those identified in winter: Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Flavobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Moreover, the fungal floras identified include Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. Children inhaled a higher dose of bacterial and fungal aerosols than adults. Bacteria and fungi are part of the bioaerosol components of PM2.5. Bioaerosol exposure may present additional health risks for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria.
| | - Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Tshifhiwa Godobedzha
- Air Quality Management, Environment and Agriculture Management Department, City of Tshwane Municipality Private Bag 440, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Pulit-Prociak J, Chwastowski J, Siudek M, Banach M. Incorporation of Metallic Nanoparticles into Cosmetic Preparations and Assessment of Their Physicochemical and Utility Properties. J SURFACTANTS DETERG 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jsde.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Pulit-Prociak
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Inorganic Technology; Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24; Cracow 31-155 Poland
| | - Jarosław Chwastowski
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Inorganic Technology; Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24; Cracow 31-155 Poland
| | - Mateusz Siudek
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Inorganic Technology; Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24; Cracow 31-155 Poland
| | - Marcin Banach
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Inorganic Technology; Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24; Cracow 31-155 Poland
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Viegas C, Coggins AM, Faria T, Caetano LA, Gomes AQ, Sabino R, Verissimo C, Roberts N, Watterson D, MacGilchrist C, Fleming GTA. Fungal burden exposure assessment in podiatry clinics from Ireland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2018; 28:167-177. [PMID: 29577752 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1453053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fungi are amongst the bioaerosols of most importance, as indicated by the growing interest in this field of research. The aim was to characterize the exposure to fungal burden in podiatry clinics using culture-based and molecular methods. METHODS Airborne fungi were collected using an impaction air sampler and surface samples were also performed. Fourteen air samples were collected for direct detection of fungal DNA from filamentous fungi and dermatophytes. Overall, 63.6 % of the evening samples and 46 % of the morning samples surpassed the threshold values (150 CFU/m3). Molecular detection, by real time PCR, of the target fungal species/strains (Aspergillus and Stachybotrys species) was negative for all samples collected. Trichophyton rubrum was detected by PCR analysis in one DNA sample collected on day six. Results suggest the use of both culture-based and molecular methodologies are desirable for a complete evaluation of fungal burden in this particular health care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- b Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Ann Marie Coggins
- c School of Physics , National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
| | - Tiago Faria
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- d Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares , Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- e Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) , University of Lisbon , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Anita Quintal Gomes
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- f Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa , Instituto de Medicina Molecular , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Raquel Sabino
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- g Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas , Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Cristina Verissimo
- g Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas , Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Nigel Roberts
- h Discipline of Podiatric Medicine, School of Health Sciences , National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
| | - David Watterson
- h Discipline of Podiatric Medicine, School of Health Sciences , National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
- i CHO Area 2 , Galway , Ireland
| | - Claire MacGilchrist
- h Discipline of Podiatric Medicine, School of Health Sciences , National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
| | - Gerard T A Fleming
- j School of Natural Sciences , National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
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Andreev EA, Komkova MA, Shavokshina VA, Presnov DE, Krupenin VA, Karyakin AA. Reagentless Microsensor Based on Conducting Poly(3-aminophenylboronic Acid) for Rapid Detection of Microorganisms in Aerosol. ELECTROANAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.201700664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Egor A. Andreev
- Chemistry Faculty; M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University; 119991 Moscow Russia
| | - Maria A. Komkova
- Chemistry Faculty; M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University; 119991 Moscow Russia
| | - Vera A. Shavokshina
- Chemistry Faculty; M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University; 119991 Moscow Russia
| | - Denis E. Presnov
- Physics Faculty; M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University; 119991 Moscow Russia
| | | | - Arkady A. Karyakin
- Chemistry Faculty; M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University; 119991 Moscow Russia
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Ogórek R, Kozak B, Višňovská Z, Tančinová D. Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of airborne fungal spores in Demänovská Ice Cave (Low Tatras, Slovakia). AEROBIOLOGIA 2017; 34:13-28. [PMID: 29497240 PMCID: PMC5818623 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-017-9491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper is the first aero-mycological report from Demänovská Ice Cave. Fungal spores were sampled from the internal and external air of the cave in June, 2014, using the impact method with a microbiological air sampler. Airborne fungi cultured on PDA medium were identified using a combination of classical phenotypic and molecular methods. Altogether, the presence of 18 different fungal spores, belonging to 3 phyla, 9 orders and 14 genera, was detected in the air of the cave. All of them were isolated from the indoor samples, and only 9 were obtained from the outdoor samples. Overall, airborne fungal spores belonging to the genus Cladosporium dominated in this study. However, the spores of Trametes hirsuta were most commonly found in the indoor air samples of the cave and the spores of C. herbarum in the outdoor air samples. On the other hand, the spores of Alternaria abundans, Arthrinium kogelbergense, Cryptococcus curvatus, Discosia sp., Fomes fomentarius, Microdochium seminicola and T. hirsuta were discovered for the first time in the air of natural and artificial underground sites. The external air of the cave contains more culturable airborne fungal spores (755 colony-forming units (CFU) per 1 m3 of air) than the internal air (from 47 to 273 CFU in 1 m3), and these levels of airborne spore concentration do not pose a threat to the health of tourists. Probably, the specific microclimate in the cave, including the constant presence of ice caps and low temperature, as well as the location and surrounding environment, contributes to the unique species composition of aeromycota and their spores in the cave. Thus, aero-mycological monitoring of underground sites seems to be very important for their ecosystems, and it may help reduce the risk of fungal infections in humans and other mammals that may arise in particular due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Ogórek
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego Street 63/77, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kozak
- Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 24a, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Zuzana Višňovská
- Slovak Caves Administration, State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, Hodžova 11, 031-01 Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia
| | - Dana Tančinová
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. Hlinku 2, 949-76 Nitra, Slovakia
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Viegas C, Faria T, Pacífico C, Dos Santos M, Monteiro A, Lança C, Carolino E, Viegas S, Cabo Verde S. Microbiota and Particulate Matter Assessment in Portuguese Optical Shops Providing Contact Lens Services. Healthcare (Basel) 2017; 5:healthcare5020024. [PMID: 28505144 PMCID: PMC5492027 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare5020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to assess the microbiota (fungi and bacteria) and particulate matter in optical shops, contributing to a specific protocol to ensure a proper assessment. Air samples were collected through an impaction method. Surface and equipment swab samples were also collected side-by-side. Measurements of particulate matter were performed using portable direct-reading equipment. A walkthrough survey and checklist was also applied in each shop. Regarding air sampling, eight of the 13 shops analysed were above the legal requirement and 10 from the 26 surfaces samples were overloaded. In three out of the 13 shops fungal contamination in the analysed equipment was not detected. The bacteria air load was above the threshold in one of the 13 analysed shops. However, bacterial counts were detected in all sampled equipment. Fungi and bacteria air load suggested to be influencing all of the other surface and equipment samples. These results reinforce the need to improve air quality, not only to comply with the legal requirements, but also to ensure proper hygienic conditions. Public health intervention is needed to assure the quality and safety of the rooms and equipment in optical shops that perform health interventions in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Faria
- GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Cátia Pacífico
- GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Mateus Dos Santos
- GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana Monteiro
- GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Carla Lança
- GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Susana Viegas
- GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Sandra Cabo Verde
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Loures, Portugal.
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Villa F, Cappitelli F, Cortesi P, Kunova A. Fungal Biofilms: Targets for the Development of Novel Strategies in Plant Disease Management. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:654. [PMID: 28450858 PMCID: PMC5390024 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The global food supply has been facing increasing challenges during the first decades of the 21st century. Disease in plants is an important constraint to worldwide crop production, accounting for 20-40% of its annual harvest loss. Although the use of resistant varieties, good water management and agronomic practices are valid management tools in counteracting plant diseases, there are still many pathosystems where fungicides are widely used for disease management. However, restrictive regulations and increasing concern regarding the risk to human health and the environment, along with the incidence of fungicide resistance, have discouraged their use and have prompted for a search for new efficient, ecologically friendly and sustainable disease management strategies. The recent evidence of biofilm formation by fungal phytopathogens provides the scientific framework for designing and adapting methods and concepts developed by biofilm research that could be integrated in IPM practices. In this perspective paper, we provide evidence to support the view that the biofilm lifestyle plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of plant diseases. We describe the main factors limiting the durability of single-site fungicides, and we assemble the current knowledge on pesticide resistance in the specific context of the biofilm lifestyle. Finally, we illustrate the potential of antibiofilm compounds at sub-lethal concentrations for the development of an innovative, eco-sustainable strategy to counteract phytopathogenic fungi. Such fungicide-free solutions will be instrumental in reducing disease severity, and will permit more prudent use of fungicides decreasing thus the selection of resistant forms and safeguarding the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrea Kunova
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilan, Italy
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Marquinez JIA, Lopez MA. Food Allergy and Food Poisoning. PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1762-7.ch023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Taken into account data from which is considered a product not safe, estimate the safe level of a contaminant on food, for example, always have many unavoidable uncertainties. It cannot be overemphasized enough, that this also happens as in any other human activity. In most cases, we hope, to define as clearly as possible the eventual risk associated with particular conditions of exposure to a given substance in food. There are numerous toxic compounds that reside naturally in certain foods that unable these to be consumed above certain limits or even are fully prohibited in some other countries. Chapter starts with a clear explanation of differences and relationships between food allergy and food poisoning, continued with main allergens in food and main toxics. Finally, authors summarize different origins of toxins and allergens (natural from foods, from additives, pollutants and food processing).
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Marquinez JIA, Lopez MA. Food Allergy and Food Poisoning. EXAMINING THE DEVELOPMENT, REGULATION, AND CONSUMPTION OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS 2017. [DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-0607-2.ch009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Taken into account data from which is considered a product not safe, estimate the safe level of a contaminant on food, for example, always have many unavoidable uncertainties. It cannot be overemphasized enough, that this also happens as in any other human activity. In most cases, we hope, to define as clearly as possible the eventual risk associated with particular conditions of exposure to a given substance in food. There are numerous toxic compounds that reside naturally in certain foods that unable these to be consumed above certain limits or even are fully prohibited in some other countries. Chapter starts with a clear explanation of differences and relationships between food allergy and food poisoning, continued with main allergens in food and main toxics. Finally, authors summarize different origins of toxins and allergens (natural from foods, from additives, pollutants and food processing).
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Metaproteomic analysis of atmospheric aerosol samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:6337-48. [PMID: 27411545 PMCID: PMC5009178 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Metaproteomic analysis of air particulate matter provides information about the abundance and properties of bioaerosols in the atmosphere and their influence on climate and public health. We developed and applied efficient methods for the extraction and analysis of proteins from glass fiber filter samples of total, coarse, and fine particulate matter. Size exclusion chromatography was applied to remove matrix components, and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was applied for protein fractionation according to molecular size, followed by in-gel digestion and LC-MS/MS analysis of peptides using a hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap MS. Maxquant software and the Swiss-Prot database were used for protein identification. In samples collected at a suburban location in central Europe, we found proteins that originated mainly from plants, fungi, and bacteria, which constitute a major fraction of primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) in the atmosphere. Allergenic proteins were found in coarse and fine particle samples, and indications for atmospheric degradation of proteins were observed. Workflow for the metaproteomic analysis of atmospheric aerosol samples ![]()
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Lin WR, Chen YH, Lee MF, Hsu LY, Tien CJ, Shih FM, Hsiao SC, Wang PH. Does Spore Count Matter in Fungal Allergy?: The Role of Allergenic Fungal Species. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2016; 8:404-11. [PMID: 27334778 PMCID: PMC4921694 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2016.8.5.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Revised: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Fungi have been known to be important aeroallergens for hundreds of years. Most studies have focused on total fungal concentration; however, the concentration of specific allergenic fungi may be more important on an individual basis. Methods Ten fungal allergic patients and 2 non-fungal allergic patients were enrolled. The patients with a decrease in physician or patient global assessment by more than 50% of their personal best were considered to have an exacerbation of allergic symptoms and to be in the active stage. Those who maintained their physician and patient global assessment scores at their personal best for more than 3 months were considered to be in the inactive stage. The concentrations of dominant fungi in the patients' houses and outdoors were measured by direct and viable counts at active and inactive stages. Results The exacerbation of allergic symptoms was not correlated with total fungal spore concentration or the indoor/outdoor ratio (I/O). Specific fungi, such as Cladosporium oxysporum (C. oxyspurum), C. cladosporioides, and Aspergillus niger (A. niger), were found to be significantly higher concentrations in the active stage than in the inactive stage. Presumed allergenic spore concentration threshold levels were 100 CFU/m3 for C. oxysporum, and 10 CFU/m3 for A. niger, Penicillium brevicompactum and Penicillium oxalicum. Conclusions The major factor causing exacerbation of allergic symptoms in established fungal allergic patients may be the spore concentration of specific allergenic fungi rather than the total fungal concentration. These results may be useful in making recommendations as regards environmental control for fungal allergic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Rou Lin
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi Hsing Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mey Fann Lee
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ling Yi Hsu
- The Environmental Analysis Laboratory, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih Jen Tien
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Feng Ming Shih
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih Ching Hsiao
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pi Han Wang
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Damialis A, Mohammad AB, Halley JM, Gange AC. Fungi in a changing world: growth rates will be elevated, but spore production may decrease in future climates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2015; 59:1157-67. [PMID: 25414142 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-014-0927-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Very little is known about the impact of climate change on fungi and especially on spore production. Fungal spores can be allergenic, thus being important for human health. The aim of this study was to investigate how climate change influences the responsive ability of fungi by simulating differing environmental regimes. Fungal species with high spore allergenic potential and atmospheric abundance were grown and experimentally examined under a variety of temperatures and different nutrient availability. Each represented the average decadal air temperature of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s in the UK, along with an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate change scenario for 2100. All tests were run on six fungal species: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium oxysporum and Epicoccum purpurascens. Mycelium growth rate and spore production were examined on each single species and competitive capacity among species combinations in pairs. All fungal species grew faster at higher temperatures, and this was more pronounced for the temperature projection in 2100. Most species grew faster when there was lower nutrient availability. Exceptions were the species with the highest growth rate (E. purpurascens) and with the highest competition capacity (A. alternata). Most species (except for E. purpurascens) produced more spores in the richer nutrient medium but fewer as temperature increased. C. cladosporioides was an exception, exponentially increasing its spore production in the temperature of the 2100 scenario. Regarding competitive capacity, no species displayed any significant alterations within the environmental range checked. It is suggested that in future climates, fungi will display dramatic growth responses, with faster mycelium growth and lower spore production, with questions risen on relevant allergen potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Damialis
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK,
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Blais-Lecours P, Perrott P, Duchaine C. Non-culturable bioaerosols in indoor settings: Impact on health and molecular approaches for detection. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT (OXFORD, ENGLAND : 1994) 2015; 110:45-53. [PMID: 32288547 PMCID: PMC7108366 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite their significant impact on respiratory health, bioaerosols in indoor settings remain understudied and misunderstood. Culture techniques, predominantly used for bioaerosol characterisation in the past, allow for the recovery of only a small fraction of the real airborne microbial burden in indoor settings, given the inability of several microorganisms to grow on agar plates. However, with the development of new tools to detect non-culturable environmental microorganisms, the study of bioaerosols has advanced significantly. Most importantly, these techniques have revealed a more complex bioaerosol burden that also includes non-culturable microorganisms, such as archaea and viruses. Nevertheless, air quality specialists and consultants remain reluctant to adopt these new research-developed techniques, given that there are relatively few studies found in the literature, making it difficult to find a point of comparison. Furthermore, it is unclear as to how this new non-culturable data can be used to assess the impact of bioaerosol exposure on human health. This article reviews the literature that describes the non-culturable fraction of bioaerosols, focussing on bacteria, archaea and viruses, and examines its impact on bioaerosol-related diseases. It also outlines available molecular tools for the detection and quantification of these microorganisms and states various research needs in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Blais-Lecours
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Phillipa Perrott
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bioinformatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Metagenomic insights into the bioaerosols in the indoor and outdoor environments of childcare facilities. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126960. [PMID: 26020512 PMCID: PMC4447338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Airborne microorganisms have significant effects on human health, and children are more vulnerable to pathogens and allergens than adults. However, little is known about the microbial communities in the air of childcare facilities. Here, we analyzed the bacterial and fungal communities in 50 air samples collected from five daycare centers and five elementary schools located in Seoul, Korea using culture-independent high-throughput pyrosequencing. The microbial communities contained a wide variety of taxa not previously identified in child daycare centers and schools. Moreover, the dominant species differed from those reported in previous studies using culture-dependent methods. The well-known fungi detected in previous culture-based studies (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium) represented less than 12% of the total sequence reads. The composition of the fungal and bacterial communities in the indoor air differed greatly with regard to the source of the microorganisms. The bacterial community in the indoor air appeared to contain diverse bacteria associated with both humans and the outside environment. In contrast, the fungal community was largely derived from the surrounding outdoor environment and not from human activity. The profile of the microorganisms in bioaerosols identified in this study provides the fundamental knowledge needed to develop public health policies regarding the monitoring and management of indoor air quality.
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Sharpe R, Thornton CR, Osborne NJ. Modifiable factors governing indoor fungal diversity and risk of asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2014; 44:631-41. [PMID: 24471926 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to dampness and fungi in the home is a known risk factor for individuals with allergic asthma. Inadequate heating and ventilation may lead to dampness and concomitant increased exposure to spores of allergenic fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi have been cultured from sputum of asthmatic and non-asthmatic individuals, and implicated in the initiation or exacerbation of asthma. Indoor environmental factors influence the presence and concentrations of fungal propagules and, in turn, risk of asthma outcomes. This review aims to identify modifiable risk factors in the built environment that have been shown to influence fungal composition indoors, and to examine this association with the risk of asthma development and/or exacerbation. A complex interaction between residential characteristics, the built environment and the behaviour of people regulate the diversity and concentrations of indoor fungi. Modifiable factors include build age, architectural design, level of maintenance, variations in construction materials, presence of pets, heating and ventilation patterns. Risk of fungal contamination and asthma outcomes are also influenced by low occupant awareness concerning potential health effects and socio-economic factors. Addressing these factors provides an opportunity to improve future housing interventions, though it is not clear how the built environment and occupant behaviours interact to modify the diversity of indoor fungi and resultant risk of asthma. A combination of housing improvements combined with awareness programmes and the alleviation of fuel poverty can be used to lower the allergen burden associated with damp homes. Further research is needed to identify factors that regulate the concentration and diversity of indoor fungi and how this may act as a modifier for asthma outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sharpe
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
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The occurrence of molds in patients with chronic sinusitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 271:1143-8. [PMID: 24121778 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-013-2737-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory condition of nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa. Although pathogenic bacteria were postulated as main etiological factor responsible for most cases of CRS, the involvement of molds was recently proved in some cases. The aim of the study was to conduct mycological analysis of material obtained from patients operated on due to chronic sinusitis. The study included 107 patients, 45 women and 62 men. During the surgery, a fragment of mucosa from the region of the ethmoid bulla was obtained as microbiological characteristics of this material closely resemble those of sinus mucosa. In addition, maxillary sinus lavage was obtained. The control group comprised patients without chronic sinusitis. The dithiothreitol solution method was used for the lavage examination. The tissue material (mucosal fragment from the region of the ethmoid bulla) was incubated in 2% liquid Sabouraud medium for 24 h. The material was inoculated onto culture media. The presence of molds was detected in 67% of examined samples. Overall, 41 species belonging to 12 genera were isolated. The most frequently detected genera included Penicillium spp. (46%) and Aspergillus spp. (16%). In addition, Cladosporium spp. (11%), Fusarium spp. (7%), Acremonium spp. (4%), Eurotium spp. (4%), Alternaria spp. (2%), Chaetomium spp. (1%), Geotrichum spp. (1%), Verticillium spp. (1%), Rhizopus spp. (1%), and some unidentified colonies (5%) were isolated. Penicillium crustosum, Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Fusarium verticillioides were the most prevalent species.
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