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Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
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Airborne fungi spores distribution in various locations in Lagos, Nigeria

Adeyinka Odebode1,2, Adedotun Adekunle3, Jason Stajich4

  • 1Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria. odebode04@yahoo.co.uk.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|January 5, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Airborne fungal spores, particularly Aspergillus and Penicillium, were abundant in Lagos, Nigeria. Fungal concentrations were highest during the rainy season, posing potential health risks.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Aerobiology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Exposure to airborne fungi is associated with respiratory illnesses like asthma and allergic rhinitis.
  • Understanding fungal composition in outdoor air is crucial for public health assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the airborne fungal composition in Lagos State, Nigeria.
  • To identify predominant fungal genera and species and their seasonal variations.

Main Methods:

  • Airborne fungi were sampled using the sedimentation plate method over two years (May 2014-April 2016).
  • Dichloran-glycerol 18 (DG-18) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) media were used for fungal spore collection.
  • Fungal sporulation was faster on DG-18 compared to PDA.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus niger (14.47%), Aspergillus sydowii (10.37%), and Aspergillus flavus (7.93%) were the most abundant fungal spores.
  • Aspergillus and Penicillium were the predominant airborne fungal genera.
  • Fungal concentrations were significantly higher during the rainy season compared to the dry season.

Conclusions:

  • Lagos State's outdoor air harbors a diverse range of fungal spores, with Aspergillus and Penicillium being dominant.
  • The rainy season presents a higher risk due to increased fungal spore concentrations.
  • Further research is needed to assess the health impacts of these airborne fungi.
Keywords:
AirborneFungiLagos

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