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Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
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Fungal bioaerosol as an occupational hazard in the podiatrist's workplace

Beatriz Alija-Martínez1, Ricardo Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo1, David Sevillano Fernández2

  • 1Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia Y Podología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research
|December 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Airborne fungi, including dermatophytes like Trichophyton, were detected in podiatry clinics. Nail drilling procedures may lead to brief occupational exposure to these fungi, even with dust control systems.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Occupational health

Background:

  • Nail dust emission during podiatry procedures is a known concern.
  • Fungal bioaerosols in indoor air can pose health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze fungal bioaerosols in podiatry clinics, specifically during nail drilling.
  • To identify prevalent fungal species and assess exposure risks.

Main Methods:

  • Air sampling in 17 Madrid podiatry clinics during spring and summer.
  • Identification of filamentous fungi, including dermatophytes, using culture-based methods.

Main Results:

  • Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. were the most common fungi.
  • Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale were found during drilling.
  • Dermatophyte presence correlated with suspected onychomycosis and use of aspiration systems.

Conclusions:

  • Airborne fungal levels in clinics align with established guidelines.
  • Brief occupational exposure to dermatophytes can occur during procedures, even with dust aspiration.
Keywords:
Fungal bioaerosolsdermatophytesindoor airnail dustoccupational exposure

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