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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

Airborne fungi in Universiti Sains Malaysia: knowledge, density and diversity

Tham Khai Xin1, Nur Munira Azman1, R B Radin Firdaus2

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|July 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Airborne fungal contamination in Malaysian university buildings exceeded recommended levels in 2008, with Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium being predominant. Awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ) and fungal risks among staff and students was found to be limited.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Mycology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Airborne fungi are common indoor and outdoor contaminants impacting indoor air quality (IAQ) and human health.
  • Fungal contamination in Malaysian institutional buildings remains under-documented.
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) main campus in Penang is a high-traffic institutional environment with potential for fungal exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the density and diversity of airborne fungi at USM main campus.
  • To compare fungal contamination levels between two different time points (2008 and 2019).
  • To evaluate the awareness of indoor air quality and fungal contamination among USM staff and students.

Main Methods:

  • Air sampling using Andersen Single Stage Impact Air Sampler N-6 and MEA plates across 11 sites.
  • Two trials conducted in 2008 (Trial 1) and 2019 (Trial 2).
  • Fungal identification to genus level via morphological features and a survey of 400 respondents on IAQ knowledge.

Main Results:

  • Fungal densities in Trial 1 (81–1743 CFU/m³) exceeded Malaysia Industry Code of Practice (MCPIAQ) recommendations at some sites, while Trial 2 showed lower densities (229–699 CFU/m³).
  • A total of 11 fungal genera were identified, with Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium being predominant in both trials.
  • The survey indicated limited knowledge of IAQ and fungal contamination among USM staff and students.

Conclusions:

  • Airborne fungal levels in the studied university environment can exceed safety guidelines.
  • Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium are key fungal genera of concern in this setting.
  • There is a critical need for enhanced IAQ awareness programs within the university community to promote healthier indoor environments.
Keywords:
AllergensAwarenessFungal diversityIndoor air qualityMalaysia

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