Aspergillus Conidia and Allergens in Outdoor Environment: A Health Hazard?
Concepción De Linares1, David Navarro2,3, Rut Puigdemunt2,3
1Department of Botany, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Abstract:
Aspergillus is a genus of saprophytic fungus widely distributed in the environment and associated with soil, decaying vegetation, or seeds. However, some species, such as A. fumigatus, are considered opportunistic pathogens in humans. Their conidia (asexual spores) and mycelia are associated with clinical diseases known as invasive aspergillosis (IA), mainly related to the respiratory tract, such as allergic asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), or hypersensitivity. However, they can also disseminate to other organs, particularly the central nervous system. Due to the dispersal mechanism of the conidia through the air, airborne fungal particle measurement should be used to prevent and control this mold. This study aims to measure the outdoor airborne concentration of Aspergillus conidia and the Asp f 1 allergen concentration in Bellaterra (Barcelona, Spain) during 2021 and 2022, and to compare their dynamics to improve the understanding of the biology of this genus and contribute to a better diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic measures in the face of possible health problems. The results show that both particles were airborne nearly all year round, but their concentrations showed no correlation. Due to Asp f 1 not being present in the conidia itself but being detectable during their germination and in hyphal fragments, we report the relevance of the aero-immunological analysis as a methodology to detect the potential pathogenic hazard of this fungus.
Insights
Airborne Aspergillus conidia and Asp f 1 allergen were monitored year-round. Their concentrations showed no correlation, highlighting aero-immunological analysis for detecting pathogenic fungal hazards.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Medical mycology
- Aerobiology
Background:
- Aspergillus species are ubiquitous environmental fungi.
- Some species, like Aspergillus fumigatus, are opportunistic human pathogens causing invasive aspergillosis (IA).
- IA affects the respiratory tract and can disseminate to other organs, posing significant health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure outdoor airborne concentrations of Aspergillus conidia and the Asp f 1 allergen.
- To compare the dynamics of conidia and allergen levels in Bellaterra, Spain (2021-2022).
- To enhance understanding of Aspergillus biology for improved diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Continuous outdoor air sampling for Aspergillus conidia.
- Measurement of airborne Asp f 1 allergen concentrations.
- Comparative analysis of temporal trends between conidia and allergen levels.
Main Results:
- Both Aspergillus conidia and Asp f 1 allergen were detected throughout the year.
- Airborne concentrations of conidia and allergen showed no significant correlation.
- Asp f 1 presence is linked to conidia germination and hyphal fragments, not intact conidia.
Conclusions:
- Aero-immunological analysis is crucial for assessing pathogenic fungal risk.
- The lack of correlation suggests Asp f 1 detection indicates active fungal growth or damage.
- This approach aids in understanding Aspergillus's health impact and developing targeted interventions.
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