In the period 1995–2001 mycological investigations were conducted in the libraries situated in different buildings in the city of Vilnius. A total of 174 fungal species ascribed to 52 genera have been isolated from the premises of the libraries and identified. Mitosporic fungi (previously Fungi imperfecti) made up the vast majority of the isolated fungi. It was found out that the mycological state of the books depended largely on the condition of the building, its maintenance, location and the type of ventilation system. The main factors, which predetermined mycological pollution of the buildings and the level of contamination of the books, were installations in and overall maintenance of the premises, temperature, humidity, air movement, and the number of visitors. Age of books, materials used for producing them, extent of mechanical damage, intensity of handling and other associated factors were pertinent to the microbiological pollution and the state of the books. Allergenicity and the ability to produce, accumulate or release volatile toxic secondary metabolites into the library surroundings are characteristics of the fungi found in library premises and in books. Such factors may pose a risk to the health of staff and visitors.
Investigations on the diversity of species of filamentous fungi found in the premises of five medical institutions: two hospitals, the museum of heart surgery, the centre of mental health, and a newly established medicine packing factory, have been carried out. A total of 155 species ascribed to 41 fungal genera were isolated and identified, of which species from the genera of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Acremonium, Paecilomyces, Mucor and Cladosporium made up the vast majority. A number of airborne fungi were also found in the same premises as well. Among the fungi found were several identified as allergenic and opportunistically pathogenic species. The potential health risk for the patients and staff posed by the fungi isolated is discussed. ß 2004 Sage Publications
The spread of filamentous fungi in occupational premises and dwellings predetermines not only the pollution of the surroundings, but also influences the health of their occupants. Problems caused by micromycetes are of major importance in Lithuania where, because of the climatic conditions, people spend a large part of their time indoors. Over the years 1994-2000 the microbiological state of various dwellings and occupational premises in Vilnius city has been investigated. Some 359 fungal species ascribed to 100 genera, 20 families, 11 ranges, 2 classes and 4 divisions were isolated and identified. Mitosporic fungi (74 genera, 290 species) constituted by far the majority of the identified isolates. In occupational and residential premises fungal species ascribed to Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Rhizomucor, Ulocladium, Mortierella, Aureobasidium, Oidiodendron, Geotrichum, Trichoderma, Acremonium, Scytalidium, Scolecobasidium genera dominated. The distribution of different species in the investigated premises varied. It was confirmed that respiratory and allergic diseases in the investigated premises were closely related to raised concentrations of airborne fungi.
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