Spatial and temporal distribution of Alternaria spores in the Iberian Peninsula atmosphere, and meteorological relationships: 1993–2009

Abstract

This paper provides an updated of airborne Alternaria spore spatial and temporal distribution patterns in the Iberian Peninsula, using a common non-viable volumetric sampling method. The highest mean annual spore counts were recorded in Sevilla (39,418 spores), Mérida (33,744) and Málaga (12,947), while other sampling stations never exceeded 5,000. The same cities also recorded the highest mean daily spore counts (Sevilla 109 spores m(-3); Mérida 53 spores m(-3) and Málaga 35 spores m(-3)) and the highest number of days on which counts exceeded the threshold levels required to trigger allergy symptoms (Sevilla 38 % and Mérida 30 % of days). Analysis of annual spore distribution patterns revealed either one or two peaks, depending on the location and prevailing climate of sampling stations. For all stations, average temperature was the weather parameter displaying the strongest positive correlation with airborne spore counts, whilst negative correlations were found for rainfall and relative humidity.

Air pollution by allergenic spores of the genus Alternaria in the air of central and eastern Europe

“…On the Iberian Peninsula, Alternaria spores were present in the air in significant concentrations throughout the whole year, even in the winter months (Maya-Manzano et al 2012; Aira et al 2013). In north-western Spain and Italy, the highest concentrations of conidia of Alternaria spp.…”

“…were found between July and September (Rodriguez-Rajo et al 2005; Rizzi-Longo et al 2009). In the south of the Iberian Peninsula, the highest concentrations of spores were recorded in spring (April-June), late summer and early autumn (September-October) (Recio et al 2012; Aira et al 2013). In Turkey (Edrin), there were also two periods of high concentrations of airborne spores of Alternaria spp.…”

Inhalant Allergens in Portugal

“…For this city, Aira et al [69] reported the prevalence of Aspergillus / Penicillium during the autumn. Both genus comprise xerophilic species able to survive in very dry environments.…”

“…Alternaria Alternaria prevails in spring in Funchal (Madeira) and in summer and autumn in Porto city [68][69][70] . Across the Portuguese regions Alternaria spore levels varied between 7% in Coimbra and 3% in Évora and Portimão (Algarve) [68] .…”

Study of airborne fungus spores by viable and non-viable methods in Havana, Cuba

“…Even though, in order to characterise the fungal biodiversity of a given area, we recommend its combination with non-viable volumetric methods (Magyar et al, 2009). Despite the fact this sampling system impedes fungus culture and, therefore, the recognition of other reproductive and vegetative structures, nowadays, volumetric spore collecting methods are widely used around the world as they allow to perform continuous sampling (Oliveira et al, 2009;Stepalska & Wołek, 2009;Mallo et al, 2011;Aira et al, 2013). Spore trap and culture methods are complementary, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.…”