Thermotolerant Aspergilli in Kuwait Air Compared with Other Areas of Similar Climate

Abstract

Thermotolerant aspergilli were studied in Kuwait air between May–June 1983 and July–November 1985 with 115 one-hour exposures. The most common species found were A. fumigatus (20%), A. nidulans (20%), A. fischeri (18%), A. flavus (16%), A. niger (13%), and A terreus (10%), with the highest concentrations in September. Comparison with available data from other arid and subtropical areas revealed similarities, but no unique pattern could be established. The incidence of some aspergilli, such as A. flavus (16%) and to some extent A. niger (11–17%), were quite consistent, with A. fumigatus the most variable (2-73%).