Related Experiment Videos
[Contamination of archives by filamentous fungi and their evaluation for potential pathogenicity]
1Zakładu Aerobiologii i Alergologii, Instytutu Medycyny Wsi w Lublinie.
Abstract:
The results of microbiological examinations of dust samples collected from mortgage registers in the court archives are presented. In the samples examined filamentous fungi of Penicillium genus were observed as well as Cladosporium herbarum, Geotrichum candidum, Cephalosporium glutineum, Mucor racemosus, Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus niger. Filamentous fungi of Penicillium genus occurred in the highest concentration accounting for 350,000 CFU/g. The levels of the remaining fungi were lower--they ranged from 500 CFU/g to 100,000 CFU/g. The concentration of filamentous fungi observed in archives can create health risk for workers.
Insights
Microbiological examination of court archive dust revealed high concentrations of filamentous fungi, particularly Penicillium. These fungal levels pose a potential health risk to archive workers.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Occupational Health
Context:
- Court archives house historical documents, including mortgage registers, which can accumulate dust over time.
- Dust in archival environments can harbor various microorganisms, including fungi.
- Previous studies have indicated potential health risks associated with indoor fungal exposure.
Purpose:
- To identify and quantify fungal species present in dust samples from court archive mortgage registers.
- To assess the potential health risks posed by the observed fungal concentrations to archive workers.
Summary:
- Filamentous fungi, including Penicillium (at 350,000 CFU/g), Cladosporium herbarum, Geotrichum candidum, Cephalosporium glutineum, Mucor racemosus, Trichoderma viride, and Aspergillus niger, were identified in dust samples from court archive mortgage registers.
- Fungal concentrations ranged from 500 CFU/g to 100,000 CFU/g for species other than Penicillium.
- Penicillium genus was found in the highest concentration.
Impact:
- The high concentration of filamentous fungi in archives presents a significant occupational health risk.
- Findings highlight the need for improved environmental monitoring and control measures in archival settings.
- This study contributes to understanding the microbial ecology of indoor archival environments and associated health implications.