TABLE 8 - uploaded by De-Wei Li
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This chapter reviews existing literature on airborne fungi, with emphasis on indoor fungal growth and contamination as well as the health effects of mycotoxins and fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A wealth of literature on outdoor airborne fungi can also be found in reviews by various researchers. The majority of airborne fungi collected o...
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Context 1
... complaints and clinical findings in patients liv- ing or working in wet and moldy buildings often cannot be explained as allergic reactions in otherwise healthy individu- als. An overview of clinically important health disorders based on various case reports and results of disease cluster investigations are presented for the most important myco- toxin producers (Table 8) (215)(216)(217). ...
Similar publications
Fungi are a group of microbes that are found with
particular incidence in the indoor environment. Their direct
toxicity or capability of generating toxic compounds
has been associated with a large number of adverse health
effects, such as infectious diseases and allergies. Given
that in modern society people spend a large part of their
time indoors...
Citations
... Since β-glucans also occur in other organisms, the assays may be less specific; however, exposure to these compounds has been associated with pulmonary inflammation [64]. Mycotoxins are a large group of secondary compounds produced by microfungi and are specific to individual fungi [65]. Although mycotoxins are not routinely assayed, various mycotoxins have been isolated from water damaged buildings, schools, and agricultural environments [22,[66][67][68]. ...
Purpose of Review
To review current air sampling instruments and analysis methods and to describe new approaches being developed.
Recent Findings
Spore trap sampling with analysis by microscopy remains the most widely used methods for aeroallergen determination even though there are often long delays from sample acquisition to data availability, as well as a need for specially-trained staff for sample analysis. The use of immunoassays and molecular biology to analyze outdoor or indoor samples has expanded in recent years and has provided valuable data on allergen exposure. New automated sampling devices capture pollen, analyze, and identify pollen grains by light scattering, laser-induced fluorescence, microscopy, or holography using signal or image processing to classify the pollen in real time or near real time.
Summary
Air sampling data from current methods provide valuable information on aeroallergen exposure. The automated devices in use and under development show great potential but are not ready to replace existing aeroallergen networks.
... The association of pollen with asthma and other allergies has long been reported by Taketomi et al. (2006) and Xie et al. (2019). Spores of fungi have also been linked with exacerbation of myriad of diseases including allergies and mycotoxicity (Pringle, 2013;Li et al., 2016;Ezike et al., 2016;Adeniyi et al., 2017). Both pollen and fungal spore constituents of the aeroallergens are very sensitive to seasonal and weather changes. ...
Exposure to aeroallergens has been associated with exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases especially asthma. It is imperative to identify aeroallergens risk periods and triggers, for adaptation and immunotherapeutic approaches. Study on one-year abundance of aeroallergens was carried out in Rujin Sambo, Sokoto state, Nigeria, from August 2019 to July 2020. Aerosamples were collected using Tauber-like samplers modified to achieve a height of 1.52 m above ground level. Fungal spores were more quantitatively and qualitatively abundant than pollen. Aerosamples were infiltrated with dust in the months of November, March, April and May due to higher incidence of sandstorm, orchestrated by North-East trade wind, which could have refloated previously deposited aeroallergens. Incidence of sandstorm interposed the onset of dry and rainy seasons. The sand storm correlated negatively with humidity but positively with temperature and high influx of fern spores in November. Most fungal spores in the region were spores of Curvularia and Alternaria. Dominant pollen were dispersed from Poaceae, Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae and Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. In order to over-smart seasonal allergies and elicitation of asthma symptoms in Rujin Sambo, precautionary measures should be taken at the onset of rainy/dry seasons (March, April, May/ November) and August (active-rainy period) and October.
... Los bioaerosoles pueden penetrar en el cuerpo humano principalmente a través de la nariz, la boca y los ojos (Rick et al., 2016). La inhalación de biopartículas de origen fúngico transportadas por el aire puede provocar alergias respiratorias (Li et al., 2016). Estos bioaerosoles fúngicos mayores de 10 μm se depositan en la nasofaringe, mientras que los de menor dimensión en las vías respiratorias inferiores y los pulmones (Secondo et al., 2021). ...
La Comunidad de Las Terrazas es una de las áreas de la Reserva de la Biosfera de la Sierra del Rosario, con mayor actividad turística. En ella existen estudios sobre los hongos presentes en varios ecosistemas. Sin embargo, la exposición a biopartículas aerotransportadas de origen fúngico ha sido menos estudiada, a pesar de que pueden existir elevadas concentraciones y diversidad de estos bioaerosoles. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar esporas fúngicas y fragmentos de hifas en el aire de la zona recreativa del lago El Palmar, Artemisa, Cuba. El muestreo del aire exterior se hizo el 6 de diciembre de 2019 en seis puntos aleatorios con un equipo volumétrico no viable Zefon Bio-Pump. Posterior a la identificación se determinó la concentración de esporas y fragmentos de hifas. Los valores de abundancia y frecuencia de las esporas se utilizaron para hacer la clasificación de especies ordenada por la prueba de Olmstead-Tukey. Las concentraciones de esporas estuvieron entre 2760 - 15880 esporas/m3 y las de los fragmentos de hifas entre 106 -427 hifas/m3, los valores más elevados se detectaron en las zonas de vasta vegetación. Se identificaron 15 géneros y cinco tipos esporales, en su mayoría informados en la literatura como alergénicos. Además, pueden encontrarse como fitopatógenos o endófitos de plantas, por lo que se sugiere hacer la recolecta de hongos viables para determinar sus propiedades patogénicas in vitro.
... Fungi, fungal spores, hyphae, and by-products are ubiquitous in nature; however, dampness and molds should not be allowed in environments such as homes and public buildings, since fungi in damp and water-damaged buildings play an important role in public health and disease prevention (Yang & Johanning, 2007). According to Rao, Burge, and Chang (1996), and their review of quantitative standards and guidelines for fungi in indoor air, there is a very broad range of accepted values for the CFU counts in indoor air samples, and although our work was performed in a semiopen environment, visitors and staff are actually in contact with contaminated air and are therefore exposed to several potentially harmful fungi. ...
The microbiota present in public buildings—fungal, algae, and fungi that thrive in buildings and in their construction materials—influence the structural condition as well as, potentially, the health of those who live, work, or visit them. These organisms can colonize and deteriorate all kinds of construction materials such as stone, wood, bricks, glass, steal and metals, concrete, ceramics, tiles, among others. One of the vehicles that helps to spread and therefore contributes to this biological contamination is the air and its microbiome in such environments.
In this work, we analyzed the fungal air burden existing in the cloister of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, in four chapels and the central square of this cloister, in two different seasons. This allowed relating the fungal air burden with the established fungal communities (mycobiota) that were present in biodeteriorated spots on the walls of the studied chapels, in the context of a previous work from our research team.
The fungal air burden was higher in the summer, although with lower diversity. Patterns of distribution varied between sites, but in general, the most abundant species were found present in both the central square and chapels, suggesting that the air flows between these places are likely to vector the exchange of fungal propagules. Moreover, some less frequent species were found specific to particular chapels and were not found in the air samples from the central square.
These findings support the idea of the specificity and environmental requirements of most retrieved isolates, while showing that the chapels have the potential to host a large set of organisms that are not present elsewhere. Many of these fungi are linked to biodeterioration phenomena of the walls and/or are associated with pathogenic and toxigenic effects in humans.
This study highlights the relevance of assessing the microbiota that thrive in such settings and how the design and architecture can influence the composition of the established microbiota.
... Mould colonisation represents a major issue in buildings facing moisture problems. They are unaesthetic and unhealthy for inhabitants [5][6][7][8][9]. Fungal development depends on three main parameters: temperature, humidity and the presence of organic nutrients. ...
Polyurethane-based polymers are widely used in modern materials and as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The fungal development in buildings is favoured by the degradation of polymeric materials that act as nutritional substrates. In the present study, the fungal biodegradation of a polyether-urethane PCM (PUX1520) was investigated. Two methods of biodegradation by fungal growth on agar and in liquid media were used. Fungal growth on agar plates was monitored by measuring the surface area of each mycelium over a period of 11 days. The degradation products of PUX1520 were analysed by FT-IR and MALDI-TOF. The PUX1520 polymer had no impact on the growth of Aspergillus niger, while the growth of Penicillium sp. was increased in the presence of PUX1520. MALDI-TOF analysis revealed the existence of different soluble forms of the polymer whose concentration decreased after exposure to the fungal strains. From FT-IR analysis on the residual polymer material, an oxidation process is proposed to describe the dissociation of the urethane functions.
... Mycotoxins are available inside due to the presence of indoor fungi which is reported to be in paper products, fabric, insulation materials and jute (Li et al., 2016). Less ventilation and humid environment are favorable for fungal growth (Miller and McMullin, 2014). ...
Bioaerosols in indoor environment include substantial portion of fungi which are considered as “hidden killers”. Pakistan like other countries, also bears the atrocities of fungi and their mycotoxins and suffers more due to its favourable climate, weak economy and unawareness. Genus Aspergillus of Fungi is quite important and is predominant in indoor environment, along with Penicillium. There are not adequate research studies on the indoor micro-floral composition, however, the available data shows that numerous Aspergillus species are found inside the buildings whether they be houses, hospitals, laboratories, cafeteria or slaughterhouses. The mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species include aflatoxins, fumonisins, citrinin, ochratoxins and cyclopiazonic acid. They are mainly carcinogenic and cause various diseases like aflatoxicosis, pentaketide nephrotoxin, and necrosis. To avoid such issues, fungal growth should be avoided by controlling temperature and humidity. In addition, fungicides, ultraviolet radiation or essential oils can be used against fungi. The condition of the buildings can also be adjusted to minimize fungal growth like building material, ventilation system, wall paint and hygiene. The database of the country is not satisfactory with insignificant laws and regulation. To estimate the potential risks of Aspergillus species and their mycotoxins, regular monitoring is required at all levels. It will also help to devise solutions related to health and environment related problems.
... More than 30 species of Albifimbria have been described worldwide (5), and occurrence of itraconazole-tolerant species in soil and food products has been reported. The importance of A. verrucaria in humans arose from the observation that it produces a potent mycotoxin, which may produce numerous adverse effects, such as the inhibition of protein synthesis, immune suppression, and impairment of alveolar macrophage function (6). Some authors have recently reported Myrotecium spp., also called Albifimbria spp., as the causative agents of keratitis in immunocompetent patients (7). ...
We report for the first time the occurrence of a filamentous fungus, Albifimbria verrucaria, in the blood of a pediatric neuroblastoma patient. The Albifimbria genus comprises common soil-inhabiting and saprophytic fungi and has been isolated as a plant pathogen in Northern and Southern Italy. As a human pathogen, A. verrucaria has been implicated in keratitis and can produce trichothecene toxins, which are weakly cytotoxic for mammalian cell lines. A. verrucaria was isolated from blood during the follow-up of a previous coagulase-negative Staphylococcus catheter-related infection. Lung nodules, compatible with fungal infection, had been observed on a CT scan 6 months earlier; they still persist. Possible routes of transmission were considered to be airborne, catheter related, or transfusion dependent, as the patient had undergone platelet and red blood cell transfusions during rescue chemotherapy. No filamentous fungi were isolated from sputum or CVCs. In conclusion, we describe an unprecedented fungemia caused by A. verrucaria and show how an unexpected pathogen may be acquired from the environment by patients at high risk due to immunosuppression. The route of transmission remains unknown.
... The PSD of airborne fungi in the two WSP cabins (PSP and QSP) is shown in Figure 2. Fungal spores usually range in size from 2 to 50 μm in diameter, with most allergenic spores in the respirable size range of 3 to 10 μm [62,63]. The PSD of fungal aerosol in the WSP was the highest for particles with an aerodynamic diameter of between 3.3 and 4.7 μm in the QSP, and between 4.7 and 7.0 μm in the PSP. ...
Bioaerosol monitoring is a rapidly emerging area in the context of work environments because microbial pollution is a key element of indoor air pollution and plays an important role in certain infectious diseases and allergies. However, as yet, relatively little is known about inhaled doses of microorganisms in workplaces. Today, the important issue of social concern is due to waste management, transport, sorting, and processing of wastes and their environmental impact and effects on public health. In fact, waste management activities can have numerous adverse effects on human wellbeing. Health effects are generally linked to exposure (EX), defined as the concentration of a contaminant and the length of time a person is exposed to this concentration. Dose is an effective tool for evaluating the quantity of a contaminant that actually crosses the body's boundaries and influences the goal tissue. This document presents an analysis of the fungal waste-sorting plant EX dose (FWSPED) inhaled by workers in a waste-sorting plant (WSP) in Poland in March 2019. The main purpose of this research was to assess FWSPED inhaled by workers in two cabins at the WSP: the preliminary manual sorting cabin (PSP) and the purification manual sorting cabin (quality control; QSP). It was found that the FWSPED inhaled by workers was 193 CFU/kg in the PSP and 185 CFU/kg in the QSP. Fungal particles were quantitatively evaluated and qualitatively identified by the GEN III Biolog system. During the research, it was found that isolates belonging to the Aspergilus flavus and Penicillum chrysogenum strains were detected most frequently in the WSP. The total elimination of many anthropogenic sources is not possible, but the important findings of this research can be used to develop realistic management policies and methods to improve the biological air quality of WSPs for effective protection of WSP workers.
... Since, Myrotheciumspp. has the ability to grow on walls of houses and produce mycotoxins that are similar to Stachybotrys toxins; they can cause a variety of adverse health effects like inhibition of protein synthesis, immune suppression, and impairment of alveolar macrophage function [5]. The genus Myrothecium is a potential secondary metabolites producer, with more than 30 compounds from M. verrucaria [6]. ...
We report two cases of keratitis caused by a rare fungus Myrothecium species. Clinical presentation, identification, and management were studied. Both fungi were grown from corneal scraping and identified as M. verrucaria and M. gramineum based on the microbiological techniques and DNA sequencing analysis. Both patients were treated with topical natamycin and or voriconazole/econazole. In the first patient, there was total healing of the with scar formation, however, the prognosis was poor in the second patient.
... Myrothecium species are prolific producers of vast of biologically active secondary metabolites such as enzymes, antibiotics, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenes, diterpenoids, cyclopeptides such as verrucamides A-D [11][12][13][14][15]. Additionally, Myrothecium species produce many macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins such as verrucarins and roridins, [16][17][18]. More than twenty compounds were reported from M. roridum, and arround thirty compounds were listed to be originated from M. verrucaria [19]. Some Myrothecium species, such as M. verrucaria, are known for their production of many enzymes such as lipases, chitinases, laccases, and proteinases ...
Myrothecium is a fungal genus that belongs to family Stachybotryaceae and has been involved as promising tool in many important mycotechnological applications such as potent bioherbicides with strong virulence against wide range of weeds and harmful plants from different plant families. Furthermore, Myrothecium exhibited strong insecti-cidal activities especially against mosquitoes and nematodes among other insects, promising antimicrobial activities, Myrothecium species are involved in many biotechnological applications due to secondary metabolites produced by them, and this review discuss challenges and potentials concerning using this genus as a tool in some medicinal and biotechnological applications.
