Aeromycological analysis of allergenic airborne fungi in Qazvin, Iran

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Airborne fungi are one of the most important agents responsible for triggering allergicreactions such as rhinitis and severe asthma. This study was conducted to analyze and monitor the prevalence and distribution patterns of atmospheric fungal aerosols in the air of Qazvin during winter of 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the current descriptive study, the incidence and diversity of potentially allergenic airborne fungi were determined using two times sampling interval in 25 different locations of Qazvin city by Petri dish trappingtechnique and exposure of 10- cm diameter plates of Sabouraud's dextrose agar medium plus chloramphenicol to the air. RESULTS A total of 2867 fungal colonies were counted on 156 Petri dishes. Of the identified 18 microfungi genera,Cladosporium spp. was the most frequently isolated genera representing 30.9% of isolates, followed by 30.9% Penicillium spp. (27.3%), Aspergillus spp %) . (24.5 , Alternaria spp. (3.3%), Rhizopus spp. (3.1%), and other fungal genera. CONCLUSION The high prevalence, high quantity and variety of allergenic airborne fungi in the air of Qazvin showed that people residing in this area are exposed to health hazards. Furthermore, reduction of exposure to bio-aerosols containing these outdoor fungi is necessary to improve the health of individuals, especially those sensitive to fungal-induced diseases like asthma.