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

Published on: May 2, 2018

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Occupational exposure to fungi and particles in animal feed industry

Carla Viegas1, Tiago Faria2, Elisabete Carolino3

  • 1Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal (Environment and Health Research Group, Lisbon School of Health Technology). carla.viegas@estesl.ipl.pt.

Medycyna Pracy
|May 26, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fungal and particulate matter (PM) exposure in a Portuguese feed industry was characterized. Aspergillus fumigatus complex was most abundant in air, with smaller particles prevalent in dust, potentially impacting respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational health
  • Environmental microbiology
  • Industrial hygiene

Background:

  • Limited research exists on fungal and particulate matter (PM) exposure in the feed industry.
  • These contaminants may contribute to worker symptoms.
  • Characterizing exposure is crucial for understanding occupational risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize fungal and dust exposure in a Portuguese feed industry.
  • To identify specific fungal species and particle size distributions.
  • To provide baseline data for future health impact assessments.

Main Methods:

  • Air and surface samples analyzed using macro- and microscopic methods.
  • Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used for specific fungal DNA detection (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Stachybotrys chartarum).
  • Particle mass concentration (PMC) and particle number concentration (PNC) measured across various size fractions.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus complex species were most abundant in air samples (46.6%).
  • Penicillium genus was most frequently detected on surfaces (32%).
  • Smaller particles, capable of deep respiratory penetration, were most prevalent in dust samples.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to assess the health effects of co-exposure to fungi and PM in the feed industry.
  • Findings highlight potential respiratory health risks for workers.
  • This study provides essential data for developing targeted workplace safety measures.
Keywords:
Aspergillus flavus complexAspergillus fumigatus complexdustfeed industryfungioccupational exposure

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