A Fairs1, A J Wardlaw, C H Pashley. 1. Aerobiology Unit, Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To generate baseline data for indoor airborne fungal spores in noncomplaint residential properties (with no moisture/mold-related problems) and to identify home characteristics indicative of elevated fungal levels. METHODS: Air samples were collected onto petroleum jelly-coated slides from living rooms of 100 residential properties in Leicestershire, United Kingdom, using a Burkard continuous recording air sampler. The slides were examined by microscopy to determine fungal spore concentrations (spores/m3 air/day). RESULTS: Total indoor fungal spore concentrations were approximately 16% of outdoor concentrations. Abundant indoor fungal genera include Cladosporium, Sporobolomyces, Tilletiopsis, and Didymella, all of which followed seasonal patterns of release and detection. No clear association was shown between outdoor-predominant fungi and home characteristics. In contrast, Aspergillus/Penicillium-type (Asp/ Pen-type) spores were common indoors and exceeded outdoor levels, with the highest concentrations detected in properties over 90 years old (P = .006) and terraced properties (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Asp/Pen-type spores are found in noncomplaint UK residential properties and mostly in old terraced houses. This study provides guidelines on acceptable levels of Asp/Pen-type spores and other abundant indoor fungal taxa that can be comparatively used in clinical evaluations of fungal exposure-related disease.
OBJECTIVES: To generate baseline data for indoor airborne fungal spores in noncomplaint residential properties (with no moisture/mold-related problems) and to identify home characteristics indicative of elevated fungal levels. METHODS: Air samples were collected onto petroleum jelly-coated slides from living rooms of 100 residential properties in Leicestershire, United Kingdom, using a Burkard continuous recording air sampler. The slides were examined by microscopy to determine fungal spore concentrations (spores/m3 air/day). RESULTS: Total indoor fungal spore concentrations were approximately 16% of outdoor concentrations. Abundant indoor fungal genera include Cladosporium, Sporobolomyces, Tilletiopsis, and Didymella, all of which followed seasonal patterns of release and detection. No clear association was shown between outdoor-predominant fungi and home characteristics. In contrast, Aspergillus/Penicillium-type (Asp/ Pen-type) spores were common indoors and exceeded outdoor levels, with the highest concentrations detected in properties over 90 years old (P = .006) and terraced properties (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Asp/Pen-type spores are found in noncomplaint UK residential properties and mostly in old terraced houses. This study provides guidelines on acceptable levels of Asp/Pen-type spores and other abundant indoor fungal taxa that can be comparatively used in clinical evaluations of fungal exposure-related disease.
Authors: Eva Lena F Estensmo; Luis Morgado; Sundy Maurice; Pedro M Martin-Sanchez; Ingeborg B Engh; Johan Mattsson; Håvard Kauserud; Inger Skrede Journal: Microbiome Date: 2021-11-09 Impact factor: 14.650
Authors: J Agbetile; A Fairs; D Desai; B Hargadon; M Bourne; K Mutalithas; R Edwards; J P Morley; W R Monteiro; N S Kulkarni; R H Green; I D Pavord; P Bradding; C E Brightling; A J Wardlaw; C H Pashley Journal: Clin Exp Allergy Date: 2012-05 Impact factor: 5.018
Authors: Michael Oberle; Markus Reichmuth; Reto Laffer; Cornelia Ottiger; Hans Fankhauser; Thomas Bregenzer Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2015-10-28 Impact factor: 3.390