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Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
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Distribution of Airborne Fungi in Vehicles and Its Association with Usage Patterns
Raúl Asael Rodríguez-Villarreal1, Mariana Elizondo-Zertuche2, Nydia Orué-Arreola1
1Laboratorio de Micología y Fitopatología, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66455, Mexico.
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 28, 2025
Summary
Airborne fungi in car cabins are common, with Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium dominating. Vehicle usage and maintenance significantly impact fungal communities, affecting respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Indoor airborne fungal exposure is a public health concern.
- The microbial composition of air inside private vehicles is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize culturable airborne fungi in vehicle cabins.
- To evaluate the association of fungal communities with environmental and behavioral variables.
Main Methods:
- Collected air samples (100 L) from 69 vehicles using a culture-based method.
- Administered surveys on vehicle usage, maintenance, and odor perception.
- Analyzed fungal abundance and community composition using statistical methods and redundancy analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium as the most frequent genera.
- Found significant associations between fungal communities and vehicle usage factors (parking, filter maintenance, odors).
- Observed higher Bipolaris levels in vehicles parked outdoors and elevated Alternaria with infrequent filter replacement.
Conclusions:
- Vehicle usage patterns and maintenance habits significantly influence in-cabin fungal communities.
- Allergenic and opportunistic fungi like Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Bipolaris pose respiratory health risks.
- Regular air filter maintenance and addressing odor cues can reduce fungal load and health risks.
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