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Aspergillus and other moulds in the air of Kuwait
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Abstract:
A one-year survey was carried out to study the aerial prevalence of Aspergillus species and other moulds in the outdoor and indoor environments of Kuwait. Petri plates containing rose-Bengal medium were exposed for 20 minutes twice a month using a six-stage Andersen air sampler at the pre-determined sites. The exposed plates were incubated at 28 degrees C +/- 1 degree C up to 5 days and colonies were enumerated and identified by colonial and microscopic morphology. The data revealed that Aspergillus species were the predominant component (27.7%) of the outdoor aerospora of Kuwait and A. fumigatus alone accounted for 21.3% of the total aspergilli. In contrast, Cladosporium species formed the major component of the indoor aerospora (22.8%), followed by Aspergillus species (20.9%), Penicillium species (14.6%), and Bipolaris species (10.6%). A comparison of the fungi recorded in the outdoor and in the indoor air revealed that Aspergillus, Alternaria and Fusarium were significantly higher in the outdoor environment, whereas Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Bipolaris were significantly higher in the indoor environment. The relative prevalence of Aspergillus species and other moulds in the outdoor and indoor air of Kuwait was as follows: A. fumigatus 5.9 and 9.8%, A. flavus 4.9 and 3.9%, other aspergilli 16.8 and 7.0%, Alternaria species 19.8 and 7.9%, Cladosporium species 13.7 and 22.8%, Penicillium species 7.6 and 14.6%, and other moulds 31.2 and 34.1%, respectively. During the study, 25 different genera were identified, indicating a wide diversity in the spectrum of local fungal aerospora. The study provides useful information on the prevalence of allergenic fungi in the outdoor and indoor environments of Kuwait.
Insights
This study surveyed airborne fungi in Kuwait, finding Aspergillus species dominated outdoor air and Cladosporium species indoor air. Results offer insights into local allergenic fungal prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Aerobiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal spores are ubiquitous in outdoor and indoor environments.
- Understanding fungal prevalence is crucial for public health, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
- Kuwait's climate may influence the distribution of airborne fungi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aerial prevalence and distribution of Aspergillus species and other moulds in Kuwait's outdoor and indoor environments over one year.
- To identify dominant fungal genera in different environments and compare their concentrations.
- To provide data on allergenic fungal spore levels in Kuwait.
Main Methods:
- A one-year air sampling survey was conducted in Kuwait.
- Rose-Bengal medium petri plates were exposed outdoors and indoors using a six-stage Andersen air sampler.
- Fungal colonies were incubated, enumerated, and identified based on morphology.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus species were the predominant fungi (27.7%) in outdoor air, with Aspergillus fumigatus being most common.
- Cladosporium species (22.8%) were most prevalent indoors, followed by Aspergillus (20.9%) and Penicillium (14.6%) species.
- Outdoor air showed significantly higher levels of Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Fusarium, while indoor air had higher Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Bipolaris.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in fungal spore composition between outdoor and indoor environments in Kuwait.
- Aspergillus species are key components of Kuwait's outdoor fungal aerospora.
- The study highlights the diverse fungal aerosol spectrum in Kuwait, providing valuable data on potential allergens.