Air-spore in Cartagena, Spain: viable and non-viable sampling methods

Area of Science:

• Aerobiology
• Mycology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Airborne fungal spores are significant aeroallergens contributing to respiratory conditions like hay fever and asthma.
• Understanding the geographical distribution and types of airborne fungi is crucial for public health and allergy management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and quantify airborne fungal spores in Cartagena, Spain.
• To compare the effectiveness of viable and non-viable sampling methods for fungal spore analysis.
• To establish a baseline fungal spore profile for a semiarid urban environment.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous collection of airborne fungal samples using a filtration method (non-viable) and a Hirst-type air sampler (non-viable).
• Viable sampling methods were also employed for comparative analysis.
• Identification and quantification of fungal spores based on morphology and cultivation.

Main Results:

• Non-viable sampling identified Cladosporium (62.2%), Alternaria (5.3%), and Ustilago (7.1%) as dominant fungal spores.
• Deuteromycetes comprised 74% of the total annual spore counts, with Cladosporium being the most abundant.
• Viable methods were better for identifying small hyaline spores and genus-level discrimination, while non-viable methods revealed greater fungal richness.

Conclusions:

• The fungal spore profile in Cartagena is characteristic of dry air conditions.
• Employing both viable and non-viable sampling methodologies provides a more comprehensive characterization of the airborne fungal spore profile.
• This data is valuable for understanding aeroallergen patterns and their potential impact on public health.