Airborne Aspergillus and Penicillium in the atmosphere of Szczecin, (Poland) (2004–2009)

The investigation into airborne fungal spore concentrations was conducted in Szczecin (Poland) between 2004 and 2009. The objective of the studies was to determine a seasonal variation in concentrations of amerospores on the basis of meteorological parameters. The presence of spores in Szczecin was recorded using a volumetric method. Fungal spores were present in the air in high numbers in late summer and early autumn. The highest concentrations were noted in September, October and November. The peak period was recorded in August, September, October and November. The highest annual number of spores occurred in 2005 and 2007 and the lowest in 2006. High values of daily concentration of amerospores occurred during the afternoon and late at night. In 2005 and 2007 the late-night maximum was overdue about 1 or 2 h. For daily values of dew point temperature and relative humidity, the coefficients were positive, significant for p = 0.001 and ranged from 0.342 to 0.258. The average wind speed was positively correlated for p = 0.01 and the coefficient was 0.291. The similar relations were noted for hourly values of spore concentrations for p = 0.05, p = 0.01 and p = 0.001. For these spore types, the dew point temperature and relative humidity appeared to be the most influential factor

The occurrence of cladosporium spores in the air and their relationships with meteorological parameters

Together with Alternaria, Cladosporium spores are known to be potent aeroallergens and its concentrations in the air are strongly dependent on meteorological factors. There are many articles from different parts of the world about relationships between Cladosporium spore count and weather parameters. The aim of the study was to review all available publications about Cladosporium spores in the air and compare the results in a short, useful form

The occurrence of Ganoderma spores in the air and its relationships with meteorological factors

According to a recent study, Ganoderma may be the third genus, after Alternaria and Cladosporium, whose spores cause symptoms of allergy and whose levels are directly related to meteorological factors. There are only few articles from different parts of the world about the relationships between Ganoderma spore count and meteorological factors. The aim of the study was to review all available publications about airborne Ganoderma spores and to compare the results in a short useful form

A 10-year study of Alternaria and Cladosporium in two Polish cities (Szczecin and Cracow) and relationship with the meteorological parameters

Alternaria and Cladosporium spores belong to the most frequent and allergenic particles in bioaerosol in the temperate climate. The investigation of Alternaria and Cladosporium spore concentrations was performed in two cities in Poland, Szczecin and Cracow, in 2004–2013. The meteorological parameters taken to assess their impact on fungal spores were average, maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and average wind velocity. In order to reveal whether changes in dynamics of spore seasons are driven by meteorological conditions, ordination methods were applied. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to explore redundancy among the predictors (meteorological parameters). Prior to ordination analyses, the data were log(x)-transformed. Concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores were significantly higher in Szczecin comparing to Cracow, but it was also observed the decreasing trend in the spore concentrations in Szczecin. As regards temperature, it was higher in Cracow and was still increasing in the studied years. Relative humidity and wind velocity were significantly lower in Cracow. In Szczecin meteorological conditions did not explain changes in spore season characteristics (insignificant redundancy analysis models), while in Cracow’s redundancy analysis models indicated that spore season parameters were in over 40 % determined by meteorological conditions, mainly air temperature and wind velocity. If they increase, the peak value, total number of spores and their average concentrations in a season will also increase

Monitoring of anamorphic fungal spores in Madeira region (Portugal), 2003–2008

Seven years of aeromycological study was performed in the city of Funchal with the purpose to determine the anamorphic spore content of this region and its relationship to meteorological factors. The sampling was carried out with a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap following well-established guidelines. A total of 17,586 anamorphic fungal spores were recorded during the studied period, attaining an annual average concentration of 2931 spores m-3 . Anamorphic fungal spores were observed throughout the year, although the major peaks were registered during spring (April–June) and autumn period (September– November). The lowest spore levels were recorded between December and February months. Over 14 taxa of anamorphic fungal spores were observed with Cladosporium being the most prevalent fungal type accounting for 78 % of the total conidiospores. The next in importance was Alternaria (5.4 %), Fusarium (4.7 %), Torula (3.9 %) and Botrytis (1.9 %). Temperature was the meteorological parameter that favoured the most release and dispersal of the conidiospores, whereas rainfall revealed a negative effect. Despite the low concentration levels found in our region, the majority of the fungal types identified are described as potential aeroallergens. This study provides the seasonal variation of the conidiospores and the periods when the highest counts may be expected, representing a preventive tool in the allergic sensitization of the population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Madeira-a tourist destination for asthma sufferers

Madeira Island is a famous tourist destination due to its natural and climatic values. Taking into account optimal weather conditions, flora richness and access to various substrates facilitating fungal growth, we hypothesised a very high risk of elevated fungal spore and pollen grain concentrations in the air of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Concentration levels of the most allergenic taxa were measured from 2003 to 2009, using a 7-day volumetric air sampler, followed by microscopy analysis. Dependence of bioaerosols on the weather conditions and land use were assessed using spatial and statistical tools. Obtained results were re-visited by a comparison with hospital admission data recorded at the Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital in Funchal. Our results showed that despite propitious climatic conditions, overall pollen grain and fungal spore concentrations in the air were very low and did not exceed any clinically established threshold values. Pollen and spore peak concentrations also did not match with asthma outbreaks in the winter. Identification of places that are "free" from biological air pollution over the summer, such as Madeira Island, is very important from the allergic point of view.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Alternaria spores in the air of selected Polish cities in 2007

Celem pracy było porównanie wartości stężeń zarodników grzybów mikroskopowych z rodzaju Alternaria w 2007 r. w powietrzu Szczecina, Warszawy, Sosnowca, Olsztyna i Krakowa. Pomiary stężenia zarodników prowadzono metodą objętościową z zastosowaniem aparatu Burkard oraz Lanzoni 2000. Sezon zarodnikowy wyznaczono jako okres, w którym w powietrzu występuje 90% rocznej sumy zarodników grzybów z rodzaju Alternaria. Sezon zarodnikowy najwcześniej zaczął się w Krakowie, w pozostałych miastach rozpoczął się w ciągu następnych trzech tygodni. Najwyższe wartości stężeń zanotowano w Szczecinie, Sosnowcu i Olsztynie, maksymalne stężenie wynoszące 1 230 zarodników×m-3 zaobserwowano w Szczecinie.The aim of the study was to compare the concentration of Alternaria spores in the cities of Szczecin, Warsaw, Sosnowiec, Olsztyn and Cracow in 2007. Measurements were performed by the volumetric method (Burkard and Lanzoni pollen and spores sampler). Alternaria season was defined as the period in which 90% of the annual total catch occurred. The Alternaria season started first in Krakow on the 24th May and in the other cities it started during the next three weeks. The highest airborne concentration of 1 230 Alternaria spores × m-3 was noted in Szczecin on the 16nd of July

Cladosporium spores in the air of selected Polish cities in 2014

Celem pracy było porównanie wartości stężeń zarodników grzybów mikroskopowych z rodzaju Cladosporium w 2014 r. w powietrzu Szczecina, Warszawy, Krakowa i Poznania. Pomiary stężenia zarodników prowadzono metodą objętościową z zastosowaniem aparatu Burkard oraz Lanzoni 2000. Sezon zarodnikowy wyznaczono jako okres, w którym w powietrzu występuje 90% rocznej sumy zarodników grzybów z rodzaju Cladosporium. Najwcześniej rozpoczął się on w Szczecinie (30 marca), w pozostałych miastach w ciągu kolejnych pięciu tygodni, a najpóźniej w Poznaniu.The aim of the study was to compare the concentration of Cladosporium spores in Szczecin, Warsaw, Cracow and Poznan in 2014. Measurements were performed by the volumetric method (Burkard and Lanzoni pollen and spores sampler). Cladosporium season was defined as the period in which 90% of the annual total catch occurred. The Cladosporium season started first in Szczecin (on the 30th March) and in the other cities it started during the next five weeks. The fungal season started last in Poznan

Cladosporium spores in the air of selected Polish cities in 2007

Celem pracy było porównanie wartości stężeń zarodników grzybów mikroskopowych z rodzaju Cladosporium w 2007 r. w powietrzu Szczecina, Warszawy, Sosnowca, Olsztyna i Krakowa. Pomiary stężenia zarodników prowadzono metodą objętościową z zastosowaniem aparatu Burkard oraz Lanzoni 2000. Sezon zarodnikowy wyznaczono jako okres, w którym w powietrzu występuje 90% rocznej sumy zarodników grzybów z rodzaju Cladosporium. Sezon zarodnikowy najwcześniej rozpoczął się w Krakowie, zaś w pozostałych miastach nastąpiło to w ciągu kilku następnych dni. Najwyższe wartości stężeń zanotowano w Szczecinie i Sosnowcu, a maksymalne stężenie (21 042 zarodniki × m-3) zaobserwowano w Szczecinie.The aim of the study was to compare the concentration of Cladosporium spores in the cities of Szczecin, Warsaw, Sosnowiec, Olsztyn and Cracow in 2007. Measurements were performed by the volumetric method (Burkard and Lanzoni pollen and spores sampler). Cladosporium season was defined as the period in which 90% of the annual total catch occurred. The Cladosporium season started first in Krakow on the 29th April and in the other cities it started during the next days. The highest airborne concentration of 21 042 Cladosporium spores × m-3 was noted in Szczecin on the 13nd of July