Fungal bio-aerosol in multiple micro-environments from eastern India: source, distribution, and health hazards

Abstract

Health hazards associated with bio-aerosol is gaining immense importance in recent time. However, studies linking the probable source characterization of bio-aerosol, and their potential effect as respiratory ailments on the local people are extremely rare over the Indian subcontinent as well as in global perspective. To fill our knowledge gap, we have conducted a 3-year study on fungal bio-aerosol characterization, possible source segregation, identification of health hazardous fungal species and their role in causing allergy from seven different micro-environments over a semi-rural site of lower Indo-Gangetic Plain, West Bengal, India. The result showed the highest fungal spore concentration as well as spore diversity in the crop field (4477 ± 1343 spores m −3) and the lowest in the classroom (1994 ± 651 spores m −3). Ascospore, basidiospore, Cladosporium, and Aspergilli group were the primary indoor spores. The marker species for the crop field were Curvularia and Drechslera, whereas Ganoderma was for the factory environment. Source profile of the fungal spore of different micro-environments indicates the domination of outdoor species, whereas enclosed microenvironments have been dominated with spores of indoor origin. Aspergillus, Curvularia, Penicillium, and Rhizopus oryzae showed maximum correlation with the local allergic rhinitis and asthmatic patients. In skin prick test, Aspergillus sp., contributing a maximum percentage of the total culturable fungi, was found to be an expected potent allergic candidate in both non-asthmatic and asthmatic patients, as well. This study will directly help the inhabitants to avoid the hazardous fungal sensitization in different micro-environments.

Seasonal variation and size distribution in the airborne indoor microbial concentration of residential houses in Delhi and its impact on health

“…Diversity and abundance were higher in the summer season than in winters (Kumari et al, 2016 ). Karmakar et al, 2020 indicated in their study that primary indoor spaces have the Ascospore, basidiospore, Cladosporium , and Aspergilli group of fungi in high concentrations. The presence of nutrients and optimum temperature favors the occurrence and growth of different fungi in indoors (Karmakar et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Karmakar et al, 2020 indicated in their study that primary indoor spaces have the Ascospore, basidiospore, Cladosporium , and Aspergilli group of fungi in high concentrations. The presence of nutrients and optimum temperature favors the occurrence and growth of different fungi in indoors (Karmakar et al, 2020 ). Significant variation was observed in the indoor bacterial and fungal concentrations in different seasons.…”

“…Various studies have been conducted throughout the World to assess microbial concentration in other indoor sites such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and public libraries or; but less attention was paid to residential houses (Madhwal et al, 2020 ; Frankel et al, 2012 ; Kumari et al, 2016 ; Park et al, 2016 ; Madamarandawala et al, 2019 ; Karmakar et al, 2020 ). Few studies have been conducted in Delhi to assess the bioaerosols concentrations in indoor environments (Gupta et al, 1993 ; Sharma, 2011 ).…”

Identification and biochemical characterization of Asp t 36, a new fungal allergen from Aspergillus terreus

“…A number of them have also been reported as allergenic, and efforts were made to identify the causative proteins. The present study describes the identification of allergens from A. terreus, one of the dominant aero-mycoflora from eastern India (2). A. terreus is well known as plant pathogen affecting a wide range of crops (16).…”

“…There has been a rapid increase in the global prevalence of allergies due to exposure to biopollutants generated from urbanization and industrialization (1). Among these bio-pollutants, fungal spores are the most abundant and can induce a severe allergic reaction in susceptible individuals upon inhalation (2). An atopic response occurs when allergens bind and crosslink IgE antibodies on the surfaces of mast cells and basophils via the FcεRI receptor.…”