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Published on: July 11, 2016
Seasonal variations in mold identification in medical microbiology laboratories using MSI-2 application, France
Arnaud Jabet1, Anne-Cécile Normand2, Laurence Delhaes3
1Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Mycology-Parasitology Department, APHP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris 75013, France.
Abstract:
Molds are ubiquitous environmental microorganisms with major implications for human health, ranging from allergic reactions to invasive infections. Although the environmental seasonality of several fungal spores has long been recognized, its reflection in clinical isolates remains poorly explored. A total of 218 682 fungal spectra generated by 97 medical microbiology laboratories across France between 2020 and 2024 were analyzed, based on identifications performed using the MSI-2 Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization - Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) web platform. Seasonal patterns were assessed through additive decomposition, autocorrelation, and formal statistical testing. Distinct seasonal variation patterns were identified across taxa. Significant seasonality was detected for multiple taxa, including Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus sections Nigri and Flavi, Talaromyces, several taxa of Basidiomycota, and Rhizopus arrhizus. Positive or negative correlations between fungal identification counts and national mean temperature values were observed depending on the taxon. This study highlights the importance of considering seasonality in understanding the epidemiology of fungal diseases and demonstrates the value of multicenter MALDI-TOF MS data as a tool for epidemiological surveillance.
Insights
This study reveals distinct seasonal patterns in clinical mold isolates, with specific fungi like Alternaria and Aspergillus showing significant yearly variations. Understanding this fungal seasonality is crucial for public health and disease epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Molds are widespread environmental microbes impacting human health through allergies and infections.
- The environmental seasonality of fungal spores is known, but its clinical relevance in isolates is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal variations in clinical fungal isolates.
- To explore the relationship between fungal seasonality and environmental factors.
- To assess the utility of large-scale MALDI-TOF MS data for epidemiological surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 218,682 fungal spectra from 97 French labs (2020-2024).
- Identification using the MSI-2 MALDI-TOF MS web platform.
- Statistical assessment of seasonal patterns via decomposition, autocorrelation, and testing.
Main Results:
- Significant seasonal variations were found for multiple fungal taxa, including Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Talaromyces, Basidiomycota, and Rhizopus arrhizus.
- Taxon-specific correlations (positive or negative) were observed between fungal counts and national mean temperatures.
- Distinct seasonal patterns were identified across different fungal groups.
Conclusions:
- Fungal seasonality is evident in clinical isolates, impacting disease epidemiology.
- Multicenter MALDI-TOF MS data is valuable for fungal epidemiological surveillance.
- Considering seasonality is essential for understanding and managing fungal-related diseases.
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