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Pollen, mite and mould samplings by a personal collector at high altitude in Nepal
Abstract
The new personal portable sampler for detection of environmental biologic particles (Partrap FA52, Coppa, Biella, Italy) was used to evaluate both atmospheric and indoor biologic particles in bedding at high altitudes during two Italian scientific expeditions in Nepal, in 1994 and 1996 respectively. The sampling was performed outdoors and indoors at the following altitudes: Katmandu 1,330 meters (m), LuKla 2,800 m, Namche 3,500 m, Pericle 4,200 m and Piramide 5,050 m. In both expeditions each sample of outdoor and indoor air was obtained by sucking air into the sampler either against the wind during a 6-h period, from 9 am to 3 pm, or from bedding of inhabitants resident at the different altitudes for 5 min. The number of pollens, moulds and mites trapped in each sample were assessed. The statistical analysis of the results by Spearman correlation test revealed a significant inverse correlation (p < 0.02) between altitude and the number of the considered biologic particles for sampling carried out during both the 1994 and 1996 expeditions. Moreover, Wilcoxon paired test showed no significant difference between the biologic sampling obtained in the two expeditions. These results confirm the decrease of the environmental biologic charge in relation to the increase of altitude and prove the efficacy of Partrap FA52 in obtaining reproducible quantitative data.
... Construction varies from type to type. There are chambered devices with diaphragms [37], sampling heads using filters [31] and substrate holders with two planetary rings [34]. The stripes used are usually prepared similarly to those of stationary pollen traps (staining and counting; e.g. ...
... The stripes used are usually prepared similarly to those of stationary pollen traps (staining and counting; e.g. Fiorina et al. [37]). Exposed filters are mounted on glass slides (e.g. ...
... Mitakakis et al. [32] found significant effects of location and level of activity on particle counts (pollen and spores), with the help of a personal air sampler and a nasal air sampler. The decrease of pollen loads with increasing altitude was documented by Fiorina et al. [37] and Fiorina et al. [23]. Okuda et al. [33] used the personal sampler in comparison with a stationary Durham sampler, and intranasal measurements did document the dynamics of pollen grains in the human nose, such as inhalation, deposition, transportation after deposition and accumulation. ...
The purpose of the recent review is to give insight into recent attempts to measure individual pollen exposure and to give advice for interpreting such data.
It is well recognized that there are various challenges in monitoring the atmospheric content of pollen in the air. Although pollen data gathered by Hirst type spore traps and evaluated by human expertise are of inestimable value because of long-time data series and as the basic foundation for pollen information services as well as for diagnosis and therapy of pollen allergies, there is a need for more precise information for individual pollen allergy sufferers. Different types of individual pollen exposure measurement samplers are presented, and estimates are offered.
Further developments, especially standardization of personal pollen samplers, are needed. Improvements should lead to more usability. Because of a variety of factors, a pollen count will always stay a pollen count, and a pollen forecast is not a symptom forecast, something pollen allergy sufferers actually desire. Thus, a different promising path to individualized pollen information was recently chosen: personal pollen information is now possible based on personal symptom data and regional pollen data. In future, personal pollen data could complete this achievement.
... In contrast, the cold and low relative humidity found at high altitudes discourage mites (Charpin et al. 1991) and protect from mould growth (Fiorina et al. 1998). In fact, residence at high altitude has been used to control severe asthmatic children for several decades (Charpin et al. 1988; Fiorina et al. 1998; Peroni et al. 1994). ...
... Those epidemiological findings are in agreement with the clinical experience that high humidity and warm stable temperatures are related to asthma and allergies as they create a perfect environment for mites and molds to thrive, these organisms being very important and frequent allergens to which children with asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis are sensitised. In contrast, the cold and low relative humidity found at high altitudes discourage mites (Charpin et al. 1991) and protect from mould growth (Fiorina et al. 1998). In fact, residence at high altitude has been used to control severe asthmatic children for several decades (Charpin et al. 1988; Fiorina et al. 1998; Peroni et al. 1994). ...
... In contrast, the cold and low relative humidity found at high altitudes discourage mites (Charpin et al. 1991) and protect from mould growth (Fiorina et al. 1998). In fact, residence at high altitude has been used to control severe asthmatic children for several decades (Charpin et al. 1988; Fiorina et al. 1998; Peroni et al. 1994). The ISAAC study in Spain could provide some new insights into the influence of geography and climate on the prevalence of asthma. ...
Few studies have focused on the long-term influence of the climate on the prevalence of asthma. The aim of this study is to establish the influence of geo-climatic conditions on the prevalence of asthma symptoms both in adolescents and schoolchildren, and to discover if this influence is associated with their time trends. Eight centres in Spain performed both ISAAC phases I (1994) and III (2002) in children 13-14 years old. Six of them also surveyed children 6-7 years old. For each age group and phase, about 3,000 children were surveyed per centre. This study examines the prevalence of current wheeze and severe current wheeze in two different geo-climatic zones, coast and plateau, considering their relative humidity and temperature range. In both age groups, the mean asthma prevalence on the coast, for phase I and III, was significantly higher than on the plateau. Living on the plateau was an independent protective factor for current wheeze and severe current wheeze for the two age groups. Within the coastal centres, the increase of the annual relative humidity was a statistical significant risk factor for current wheeze, the same trend existing for current severe wheeze. These effects were independent of the sex and of the phase of the study. The prevalence of asthma and severe asthma symptoms is more frequent on the coast of Spain as compared to the inner plateau. This finding was repeated both in 1994 and in 2002.
... en , Decken , Kopfkissen , Teppichen und Polstermöbeln zu finden sind . Zu den idealen Lebensbedingungen zählen eine hohe Raumluftfeuchtigkeit ( ca . 80% ) und Temperaturen um 25 °C ( Kaestner 1993 ) . Neben klimatischen Faktoren haben auch geographische Faktoren , wie z . B . die Höhenlage , Einfluß auf das Milbenvorkommen ( Müller et al . 1995 , Fiorina et al . 1998 ...
... Da es bisher nur wenige Studien gibt , die Bakterien und Pilze in Betten untersucht haben , kann das von uns gewählte Meßverfahren kaum mit denen anderer Studien verglichen werden . In einer italienischen Studie ( Fiorina et al . 1998 ) wurde zur ...
Background and Objective. We investigated if the colonisation of new mattresses with house dust mites, bacteria, and fungi could be reduced by using synthetic mattress covers as compared to common cotton covers.
Patients/Methods. 84 healthy volunteers were assigned to two groups. Group A (n=43) received the cotton covers, group B (n=41) the synthetic covers which were made of a polyester microfaser with a polyurethane surface layer (Pro-Tex®, Germed, Schwarzenbek, Germany).
Results. The mite antigen concentration after six months was significantly lower in group B. Three months after the start of the study counts of bacteria and moulds were significantly higher in group A compared to group B.
Conclusions. It can be recommmended that patients suffering from an allergy to mites or moulds may reduce their domestic allergen exposure by using the synthetic mattress covers tested in this study. Since cotton covers are very likely to become colonised by bacteria and moulds, they must be cleaned periodically (at least every 2nd–3d month).
... As time passed, more types of samplers were developed. This study summarizes the development timeline of pollen samplers ( Fig. 4) and, within the scope of the retrieved studies, the frequency of pollen sampler usage (Fig. 5) [11,44,45,[47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56]. ...
Pollen particles enter indoor areas through various routes, negatively affecting indoor air quality and human health. Therefore, it is important to measure the indoor and outdoor concentrations of pollen and to study the factors influencing the indoor/outdoor pollen concentration (I/O) ratio. Here, we review recent developments in pollen research, focusing on experimental studies on the I/O ratio and contributing factors, and suggest avenues for further research. Based on a literature search of 108 publications, the development, basic principles, advantages, and disadvantages of pollen samplers are summarized, and factors influencing the I/O ratio are summarized. The results showed that pollen type, ventilation, indoor ornamental plants, and human activities significantly affected the value of the I/O ratio, which ranged from 0 to 0.5. Values of I/O ratio of 0.5–1 and higher were mainly found in studies with pollen diameters ranging from 15–30 μm. A window that opened perpendicular to the dominant outdoor wind direction and a larger window opening area also increased the I/O ratio. Outdoor pollen can adhere to human surfaces and enter a room through human activity, increasing the I/O ratio. The results of this study will help other researchers to understand the state of research on pollen I/O ratios and hopefully provide suggestions for future research directions.
... Key modeling approaches include backward trajectory modeling, and all modeling studies included ambient measurements. Studies focused on aerosols, ozone, biological particles, black carbon, and airborne pesticides (e.g., Bonasoni et al., 2010;Decesari et al., 2010;Fiorina et al., 1998, Li et al., 2006Moore and Semple, 2009;Sellegri et al., 2010). Analysis was performed using lichens (e.g., Bergamaschi et al., 2004) and snow samples (e.g., Marinoni et al., 2001). ...
... Key modeling approaches include backward trajectory modeling, and all modeling studies included ambient measurements. Studies focused on aerosols, ozone, biological particles, black carbon, and airborne pesticides (e.g., Bonasoni et al., 2010;Decesari et al., 2010;Fiorina et al., 1998, Li et al., 2006Moore and Semple, 2009;Sellegri et al., 2010). Analysis was performed using lichens (e.g., Bergamaschi et al., 2004) and snow samples (e.g., Marinoni et al., 2001). ...
... Key modeling approaches include backward trajectory modeling, and all modeling studies included ambient measurements. Studies focused on aerosols, ozone, biological particles, black carbon, and airborne pesticides (e.g., Bonasoni et al., 2010;Decesari et al., 2010;Fiorina et al., 1998, Li et al., 2006Moore and Semple, 2009;Sellegri et al., 2010). Analysis was performed using lichens (e.g., Bergamaschi et al., 2004) and snow samples (e.g., Marinoni et al., 2001). ...
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, has severe air pollution, although few studies examine air pollution and health in this region. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies in Nepal used time-activity diaries or conducted personal monitoring of individuals' exposures. We investigated personal exposure of particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM(2.5)) by location, occupation, and proximity to roadways. PM(2.5) monitoring, time-activity diary, respiratory health questionnaire, and spirometer testing were performed from 28 June 2009 to 7 August 2009 for 36 subjects, including traffic police (TP), indoor officer workers next to main road (IOWs_NMR) and away from main road (IOWs_AMR), in urban area (UA), urban residential area, and semi-UA (SUA). TP had the highest exposure of all the occupations (average 51.2 μg/m(3), hourly maximum >500 μg/m(3)). TP levels were higher at the UA than other locations. IOW_NMR levels (averaged 46.9 μg/m(3)) were higher than those of IOW_AMR (26.2 μg/m(3)). Exposure was generally higher during morning rush hours (0800-1100 hours) than evening rush hours (1500-1800 hours) for all occupations and areas (78% of days for TP and 84% for urban IOW). PM(2.5) personal exposures for each occupation at each location exceeded the World Health Organization ambient PM(2.5) guideline (25 μg/m(3)). Findings suggest potential substantial health impacts of air pollution on this region, especially for TP.
Objectives:
Allergic diseases are a major public health problem, owing to their socioeconomic burden and high frequency. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of allergic diseases in adults and children in the province of Erzurum.
Material and methods:
Primary school students aged 11-12 years old filled out the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II questionnaire, and their parents filled out the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire by themselves. We enrolled 494 questionnaires for ISAAC and 946 for ECRHS.
Results:
The survey response rates were 91.8% for ISAAC and 87% for ECRHS. The frequencies of doctor-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy in children were 11.9%, 8.9%, 27.3%, 3.6%, and 6.5%, respectively. In adults, the rates of wheezing in the chest, accompanying shortness of breath, and wheezing in the absence of flu within the last 12 months were 8%, 8%, and 5.5%, respectively, whereas the rate of asthma attack in the last 12 months was 2.9%, the rate of asthma medication usage was 2.6%, and the frequency of allergic rhinitis was 1.6%. The determined risk factors for childhood were "duration of attending a nursery" for asthma (p=0.02, OR=2.51, 95% CI=1.14-5.53), "having ever been to a nursery" for atopic dermatitis (p=0.02, OR=3.83, 95% CI=1.24-11.8), and "a family history of rhinitis" for food allergy (p=0.01, OR=2.94, 95% CI=1.13-6-57).
Conclusion:
The prevalence of allergic diseases in children and adults in Erzurum was found to be lower than in studies conducted throughout Turkey and in western regions of the Country. Going to a nursery, the length of nursery education, and a family history of rhinitis were identified as the risk factors for allergic diseases in children. The identification of regional risk factors and taking preventive measures in this regard may provide a reduction in the incidence of allergic diseases.
Recent studies carried out by us and others have demonstrated that Fel d 1, the main cat allergen, may be passively transferred by human clothing in cat-free environments. Consequently, the monitoring of the Fel d 1 levels either in indoor environments or on allergen-contaminated clothes of sensitized cat owners should be considered an important tool in prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a personal air sampler (Partrap FA 52) in capturing cat allergen from wool fabrics. Seven identical wool webs (80 x 100 cm) were put in the baskets of seven male cats for 1 week. In our laboratory each web was divided into two parts (80 x 50 cm), the first of which was then divided in two parts (40 x 50 cm) and each was vacuumed directly by one collector. The second part was dry-cleaned at a professional cleaners, divided in two parts and then vacuumed. For the dust collection from wool webs we used a fixed high volume air sampler (CF/20 Gelaire Flow Labs, Milan, Italy) and a personal collector (Partrap FA 52, Coppa Biella, Italy). Fel d 1 content was determined using a two site ELISA (ALK-Abelló Group, Madrid, Spain). Both air samplers collected cat allergens from cat-exposed wool fabrics before and after dry cleaning. There were significant differences between the levels of Fel d 1 before and after dry cleaning by using either CF/20 or Partrap FA52 and between the levels of Fel d 1 before dry cleaning using CF/20 and Partrap FA 52. The results of our study suggest that Partrap FA 52, although its air flow is half that of the CF/20, is able to collect even residual amounts of cat allergen from wool webs after dry cleaning and consequently may constitute a simple and effective means of monitoring the levels of Fel d 1 on the clothes of cat owners.
Changes in climate are altering pollen distribution. Predictive modeling can be used to forecast long- and short-term changes in pollen concentrations. Increasing evidence confirms the presence of pollen allergens on small, respirable particles in the air, explaining the occurrence of pollen-season increases in asthma. Like pollens, aboveground indoor fungal aerosols primarily reflect outdoor concentrations. Basement spore concentrations might be higher and reflective of local sources. Fungal presence in the indoor or outdoor air can be monitored on an area basis or with personal monitors. The samples can be analyzed by means of microscopy, culture, DNA probes, HPLC, or immunodetection. Total fungal biomass can be estimated on the basis of measurements of ergosterol or glucan in environmental samples. Unfortunately, there are no generally accepted standards for interpretation of fungal levels in indoor or outdoor air. At present, the best approach to indoor fungal control is moisture control in the indoor environment. This will essentially prevent fungal growth, except from extraordinary events.
S ummary
A static pollen collector developed for unpowered field operation was subjected to wind tunnel tests to assess its sampling efficiency for a range of pollen sizes and varying wind velocities. The pollen collector and the testing procedure is described. It was found that the catch of particles is independent of whether the collector is operated with or without a roof. Within experimental errors the collection of pollen and spores is proportional to the orifice area. The collection efficiencies vary somewhat with size of pollen grains and with wind velocity, but in most cases less so than would be the case with a static sampler operated by impaction. At wind velocities around 2 m/s, which is close to average natural wind speeds in the lower atmosphere in forested areas, collection efficiencies thus are the same for big and small pollen grains. The overall efficiency of the collector is low, as is always the case with an unpowered collector that operates mainly by gravity settling. In return, the collector is designed to give a smooth flow of air over the orifice at all wind velocities and therefore a fairly predictable catch of pollen grains with varying conditions.
Moss humus pollen spectra from two transects within a mixed deciduous forest are compared with data for tree composition within 30 m from the sampling points, and pollen-representation rates for Betula, Quercus, Alnus, Fagus, Tilia and Fraxinus are calculated. Pollen frequencies related to the “exotic” pollen total are compared with area figures, and pollen-productivity rates calculated. Correction factors are suggested, and a correction of the pollen percentages is quite satisfactory. The data are compared with data from Borse (1939), and pollen correction factors for Pinus and Carpinus suggested. The results are preliminary, and further investigations are planned.
In order to find whether or not a pattern exist in both pollen concentration and viability along altitudinal transects, samples were collected volumetrically (VPPS) each 25 m, from 500 to 825 m, on Mount Sutton (4504N; 7232W) (970 m). Both minimum concentration and minimum viability were found at 725 m. Airborne pollen viability was species dependent, while airborne concentrations were not specific. Sampling height influence was also investigated volumetrically (BPS), by comparing paired samples at ground and 10 m levels. Again, pollen concentration pattern was found quite stable, while viability was found to be more height influenced, particularly at 725 m. The 725 m hinge altitude is located just above the June Mean Cloud Base altitude (657 m).
This paper stresses the need of a standardized method of sampling, counting, and volumetric conversion of data for air-borne allergens. As a result of five seasons of experimentation with various gravity sampling devices controlled by parallel volumetric tests, the following proposals are submitted: 1.1. The basic index of atmospheric contamination in a given community should depend on aerobiologic data secured from air samples taken on the unobstructed top of a tall downtown building.2.2. A practicable gravity sampling device (slide shelter) is pictured and described, and suggested as a tentative standard device. It has been used in a number of places during the past season and has been carefully rated as to the average proportion of ragweed pollen which it recovers from a cubic yard of air.3.3. A method of volumetric conversion of pollen and fungus spore counts is submitted with definite factors for about 40 pollens and one fungus spore. Two sets of conversion factors are listed so that counting may be done on the basis of 1 sq. cm. of slide area or on 3.6 sq. centimeters.
The effects of altitude on house dust mites (one of the allergenic components of house dust) and the synthesis of anti-acari IgE antibodies were studied. Flotation extraction, counting, and identification of mites were performed each season for 1 yr on 218 mattress-dust samples taken from the Briançon region in the Alps, 900 to 3170 meters in altitude. Of the total dust samples, 41 were repeatedly positive and 177 repeatedly negative. The percentage of positive samples and the concentration of mites varied inversely with the altitude (40% positive with seven mites per 100 mg of dust at 900 to 1100 m, 14% and 4/100 mg at 1200 to 1350 m, 6% and 2/100 mg at 1400 to 1600 m, and 0% at higher altitudes). Species did not vary with altitude (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 17%, Euroglyphus maynei 51%). In contrast, on the plain we found 80% of 77 dust samples positive (88 mites/100 mg of dust, 65% D. pteronyssinus), with the peak in autumn. Total and specific IgE were measured initially and every 3 mo in 42 asthmatic children with positive skin tests to D. pteronyssinus and subjected to a 9-mo stay in Briançon (the highest city in Europe, 1365 m altitude). Geometric mean of initial total IgE (1047 U/ml) dropped to 40% (p≤0.001); specific IgE to D. pteronyssinus also fell. The value of climate change as a therapeutic modality in asthma is not supported by convincing data but may be attributed in some cases to removal of antigenic stimulation. The decrease in the number of mites and in IgE levels at higher altitudes supports this hypothesis.
A new personal portable sampler of biologic particles (Partrap FA52, Coppa, Biella, Italy) was used for pollen sampling in comparison with Hirst's (Burkard) fixed device. The aerobiologic samplings were carried out simultaneously outdoors with the two devices coupled on the same axis, during the daytime of 10 dry, nonconsecutive spring days. The total amount and the percentages of the pollens most often trapped by the two collectors were compared by Student's t-test for paired samples. The Partrap FA52 showed a highly significant efficacy, quite comparable to that of the Burkard device, in pollen trapping for both the total number (P < 0.0001) and the percentages of Parietaria (P < 0.0001), pine (P < 0.002), and grass (P < 0.0001) pollens. Therefore, Partrap FA52 proved to be highly effective in obtaining quantitative and qualitative aerobiologic samples in comparison with the commonly used fixed samplers.