Variations of Indoor and Outdoor Airborne Fungal Spores, Pollen PDF Download

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 51

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Author: Katherine F. Switzer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Air
Languages : en
Pages : 56

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Author: Taekhee Lee
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 164

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The objectives of this dissertation are 1) to quantify indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios of bioaerosols including actinomycetes, fungi, and pollen in single family homes using the microscopic spore counts of filter samples, 2) to investigate the relationship between indoor and outdoor (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan concentrations as well as to compare the I/O ratio obtained based on (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan analysis to that obtained from microscopic counts for fungal spores and pollen grains for the overall human exposure to bioaerosols, and 3) to characterize the culturability (the ratio of the culturable concentration of airborne fungi to total fungal spore concentration) for indoor and outdoor airborne fungi. Air samples were collected for 24 hours with a Button Personal Inhalable Aerosol sampler inside and outside of eleven homes located in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Measurements were conducted over five consecutive days at each home. The selected homes were free of visible mold growth. The sampling period was between Spring 2004 and Fall 2005. Three different analysis methods were utilized in order to quantify the indoor and outdoor level of (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan, actinomycetes, culturable fungi, pollen, and total fungal spores (i.e., culturable analysis for actinomycetes and culturable fungi, microscopic counting for total fungal spores and pollen, and the kinetic chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) method for the (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan concentration). The data for the first and second objective regarding the relationship between indoor and outdoor bioaerosols were obtained by conducting two studies. The first study found that the indoor concentration of fungal spores and pollen followed their outdoor concentrations while indoor levels were mostly lower than the outdoor ones. The I/O ratio of total fungal spores (median=0.35) in six homes was greater than that of pollen grains (median=0.03). The low I/O ratios obtained for pollen during the peak ambient pollination season (spring) suggest that only a small fraction penetrated from the outdoor to the indoor environments. This is attributed to the larger size of pollen grains in comparison to other bioaerosols. Higher indoor concentration levels and variability in the I/O ratio observed for airborne fungi may be associated with indoor sources and/or higher outdoor-to-indoor penetration of fungal spores compared to pollen grains. The concentration of culturable actinomycetes was mostly below the detection limit. The median indoor/outdoor ratio (I/O) for actinomycetes was 2.86. The second study demonstrated that the I/O ratio of (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan concentration was marginally greater than that calculated based on the combined number concentration of fungal spores and pollen. This suggests that (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan data are affected not only by intact spores and pollen grains but also by the airborne fragments of fungi, pollen, and plant material, which are not accounted for by traditional enumeration methodologies. Since the (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan level may elucidate the total exposure to fungal spores, pollen, and fungal fragments, its I/O ratio may be used as a risk marker for mold and pollen exposure in indoor environments. The third objective was to investigate the culturability of airborne fungi. The indoor and outdoor concentrations of culturable and total fungal spores were found to significantly correlate. The indoor and outdoor median culturabilities of fungi were 55% and 25%, respectively. Among the seasons, the highest indoor and outdoor culturability of fungi was observed in the fall. Among predominant genera of fungi Cladosporium had the highest median value of culturability (38% and 33% for indoor and outdoor, respectively) followed by Aspergillus/Penicillium (9% and 2%). Increased culturability of fungi inside the homes may have important implications because of the potential increase of allergens from viable spores and the possible pathogenicity of viable fungi for immunocompromised individuals. This dissertation estimated the relationship between indoor and outdoor concentrations of different types of bioaerosols using long-term sampling methods in the inhalable particle size range. It also gave insight on the indoor and outdoor culturability of airborne fungi. Long-term sampling was utilized, which allowed the collection of more representative data to elucidate human exposure to bioaerosols. Furthermore, culturable and total spore counts were determined by utilizing the same samplers and filter types for indoor and outdoor sampling. This ensures the comparability of indoor and outdoor sampling results since different samples and types of filters as known to collect different types of bioaerosols with different efficiency. This dissertation is a first attempt to characterize the relationship between indoor and outdoor concentrations of airborne (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan. The comparison of I/O ratios for (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan versus fungal spore and pollen concentrations provides valuable information on the origin of (1->3)-[Beta]-D-glucan in indoor air.

Author: Jean-Paul Latgé
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 612

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Offers the latest insights into the fundamental biology and pathogenesis of A. fumigatus. Provides a combined synopsis of both A. fumigatus and its diseases and therapies. Encompasses the most up-to-date knowledge to serve as a resource guide for the next decade of study on this organism and the many diseases it causes. Covers the fundamental biology of A. fumigatus including specific features in genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology that can explain the virulence of this opportunistic pathogen. Discusses the wide range of clinical infection, plus the latest diagnostic and treatment strategies, in specific patient populations.

Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309048311
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 321

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More than 50 million Americans, one out of five, suffer from hay fever, asthma, and other allergic diseases. Many of these conditions are caused by exposure to allergens in indoor environments such as the house, work, and schoolâ€"where we spend as much as 98 percent of our time. Developed by medical, public health, and engineering professionals working together, this unique volume summarizes what is known about indoor allergens, how they affect human health, the magnitude of their effect on various populations, and how they can be controlled. The book addresses controversies, recommends research directions, and suggests how to assist and educate allergy patients, as well as professionals. Indoor Allergens presents a wealth of information about common indoor allergens and their varying effects, from significant hay fever to life-threatening asthma. The volume discusses sources of allergens, from fungi and dust mites to allergenic chemicals, plants, and animals, and examines practical measures for their control. Indoor Allergens discusses how the human airway and immune system respond to inhaled allergens and assesses patient testing methods, covering the importance of the patient's medical history and outlining procedures and approaches to interpretation for skin tests, in vitro diagnostic tests, and tests of patients' pulmonary function. This comprehensive and practical volume will be important to allergists and other health care providers; public health professionals; specialists in building design, construction, and maintenance; faculty and students in public health; and interested allergy patients.

Author: Maureen E. Lacey
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387302530
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 163

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This is an illustrated guide to trapping, identifying and quantifying airborne biological particles such as fungus, plant spores and pollen. Including a comprehensive review of what is in the air and detailing the historical development of theories leading to modern aerobiology, the book explains the fundamental processes behind airborne dispersal and techniques used to sample, identify and quantify biological particles. Includes photographs and 9 colour reproductions of paintings of airborne particles.

Author: S N Agashe
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439843376
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 412

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Palynology finds applications in various fields. Some of them are taxonomy, plant evolution, plant breeding programmes, biotechnology, microbiology of water, soil and air, the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry, energy food industry, forensic science, aerobiology, allergy, epidemiology, meteorology, fossil fuel exploration and biodiversity.

Author: Taylor & Francis Group
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9781032173276
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 600

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The sixth edition of Lockey and Ledford's Allergens and Allergen Immunotherapy continues to provide comprehensive coverage of all types of allergens and allergen vaccines, providing clinicians the essential information they need to accurately diagnose and manage all allergic conditions. With new and updated chapters, the sixth edition is the most up-to-date, single resource on allergy and immunotherapy. Key Features Completely revised and updated Detailed single source reference on allergy and immunotherapy Reorganized to provide clinicians with essential information to make diagnoses and offer the best treatments

Author: Carla Viegas
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0124115357
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 459

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Environmental Mycology in Public Health: Fungi and Mycotoxins Risk Assessment and Management provides the most updated information on fungi, an essential element in the survival of our global ecology that can also pose a significant threat to the health of occupants when they are present in buildings. As the exposure to fungi in homes is a significant risk factor for a number of respiratory symptoms, including allergies and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, this book presents information on fungi and their disease agents, important aspects of exposure assessment, and their impacts on health. This book answers the hard questions, including, "How does one detect and measure the presence of indoor fungi?" and "What is an acceptable level of indoor fungi?" It then examines how we relate this information to human health problems. Provides unique new insights on fungi and their metabolites detection in the environmental and occupational settings Presents new information that is enriched by significant cases studies Multi-contributed work, edited by a proficient team in medical and environmental mycology with different individual expertise Guides the readers in the implementation of preventive and protective measures regarding exposure to fungi

Author: Elisabeth Heseltine
Publisher: WHO Regional Office Europe
ISBN: 9289041684
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 247

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Microbial pollution is a key element of indoor air pollution. It is caused by hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi, in particular filamentous fungi (mould), growing indoors when sufficient moisture is available. This document provides a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence on health problems associated with building moisture and biological agents. The review concludes that the most important effects are increased prevalences of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma as well as perturbation of the immunological system. The document also summarizes the available information on the conditions that determine the presence of mould and measures to control their growth indoors. WHO guidelines for protecting public health are formulated on the basis of the review. The most important means for avoiding adverse health effects is the prevention (or minimization) of persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and in building structures. [Ed.]