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Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
12:02

Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA

Published on: May 2, 2018

High diversity of fungi in air particulate matter

Janine Fröhlich-Nowoisky1, Daniel A Pickersgill, Viviane R Després

  • 1Biogeochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 27, 55128 Mainz, Germany.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|July 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Airborne fungal spores impact climate and health. DNA analysis revealed distinct fungal groups in coarse and fine particles, including human pathogens and allergens in fine dust.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Atmospheric science
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal spores are significant air particulate matter components.
  • Airborne fungi influence climate and can be pathogenic or allergenic.
  • The diversity and distribution of airborne fungi remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the diversity and distribution of airborne fungi.
  • To differentiate fungal communities in coarse versus fine particulate matter.
  • To assess the implications for atmospheric processes and human health.

Main Methods:

  • DNA analysis of fungal communities.
  • Fractionation of particulate matter into coarse and fine sizes.
  • Analysis of seasonal cycles and relative abundance of fungal groups.

Main Results:

  • Pronounced differences in fungal abundance and seasonal cycles between coarse and fine particulate matter.
  • Plant pathogens were more prevalent in the coarse fraction.
  • Human pathogens and allergens were concentrated in the respirable fine particle fraction (<3 microm).
  • The ratio of Basidiomycota to Ascomycota was higher than previously reported.

Conclusions:

  • Airborne fungal communities differ significantly based on particle size.
  • Fine particulate matter contains a higher proportion of human pathogens and allergens.
  • The high Basidiomycota to Ascomycota ratio may have broader ecological implications.

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