Comparative performance of two air samplers for monitoring airborne fungal propagules
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Composition and Distribution Analysis of Bioaerosols Under Different Environmental Conditions
Published on: January 7, 2019
L G F Távora1, W Gambale, E M Heins-Vaccari
1Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. laratavora@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Many studies have attempted to evaluate the importance of airborne fungi in the development of invasive fungal infection, especially for immunocompromised hosts. Several kinds of instruments are available to quantitate fungal propagule levels in air. We compared the performance of the most frequently used air sampler, the Andersen sampler with six stages, with a portable one, the Reuter centrifugal sampler (RCS). A total of 84 samples were analyzed, 42 with each sampler. Twenty-eight different fungal genera were identified in samples analyzed with the Andersen instrument. In samples obtained with the RCS only seven different fungal genera were identified. The three most frequently isolated genera in samples analyzed with both devices were Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladophialophora. In areas supplied with a high efficiency particulate air filter, fungal spore levels were usually lower when compared to areas without these filters. There was a significant correlation between total fungal propagule measurements taken with both devices on each sampling occasion (Pearson coefficient = 0.50). However, the Andersen device recovered a broader spectrum of fungi. We conclude that the RCS can be used for quantitative estimates of airborne microbiological concentrations. For qualitative studies, however, this device cannot be recommended.
Insights
The Reuter centrifugal sampler (RCS) provides quantitative airborne fungal data but identifies fewer genera than the Andersen sampler. For qualitative fungal analysis, the Andersen sampler is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Mycology
- Infection control
Background:
- Airborne fungi pose risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals.
- Accurate quantification of airborne fungal propagules is crucial for risk assessment.
- Various air sampling devices exist, each with distinct performance characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of the Andersen sampler and the Reuter centrifugal sampler (RCS) for airborne fungal analysis.
- To evaluate the suitability of the RCS for both quantitative and qualitative assessments of airborne fungi.
- To assess the impact of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on airborne fungal levels.
Main Methods:
- Collected 84 air samples, with 42 analyzed by both the Andersen six-stage sampler and the portable Reuter centrifugal sampler (RCS).
- Identified and enumerated fungal genera from samples collected by each device.
- Correlated total fungal propagule counts obtained from both samplers using Pearson correlation.
Main Results:
- The Andersen sampler identified 28 fungal genera, while the RCS identified only 7.
- Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladophialophora were the most common genera found by both samplers.
- A significant positive correlation (Pearson r = 0.50) was observed between total fungal counts from both devices.
- Fungal spore levels were lower in areas with HEPA filtration compared to unfiltered areas.
Conclusions:
- The Reuter centrifugal sampler (RCS) is suitable for quantitative measurements of airborne microbiological concentrations.
- The Andersen sampler offers a broader spectrum of fungal identification, making it superior for qualitative assessments.
- Air filtration systems effectively reduce airborne fungal spore levels.
