Aeromycological analysis of allergenic airborne fungi in Qazvin, Iran

Background and Purpose: Airborne fungi are one of the most important agents responsible for triggering allergic reactions such as rhinitis and severe asthma. This study was conducted to analyze and monitor the prevalence and distribution patterns of atmospheric fungal aerosols in the air of Qazvin during winter of ۲۰۱۲. Materials and Methods: In the current descriptive study, the incidence and diversity of potentially allergenic airborne fungi were determined using two times sampling interval in ۲۵ different locations of Qazvin city by Petri dish trapping technique and exposure of ۱۰- cm diameter plates of Sabouraud’s dextrose agar medium plus chloramphenicol to the air. Results: A total of ۲۸۶۷ fungal colonies were counted on ۱۵۶ Petri dishes. Of the identified ۱۸ microfungi genera, Cladosporium spp. was the most frequently isolated genera representing ۳۰.۹% of isolates, followed by ۳۰.۹% Penicillium spp. (۲۷.۳%), Aspergillus spp %) . (۲۴.۵ , Alternaria spp. (۳.۳%), Rhizopus spp. (۳.۱%), and other fungal genera. Conclusion: The high prevalence, high quantity and variety of allergenic airborne fungi in the air of Qazvin showed that people residing in this area are exposed to health hazards. Furthermore, reduction of exposure to bio-aerosols containing these outdoor fungi is necessary to improve the health of individuals, especially those sensitive to fungal-induced diseases like asthma.

کلیدواژه ها:

Airborne fungi ، Aspergillus ، Bioaerosol ، Cladosporium ، Fungal allergy ، Outdoor fungal spores ، Penicillium