Authors : S. K. Giri and P. A. Matey
Page Nos : 35-42
Description :
Abstract:
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms belonging to a kingdom that is distinct from plants and animals. All fungi depend on an external source of organic material for growth; these organic materials are digested by fungal enzymes and subsequently absorbed. Fungi are introduced into the indoor environment through natural open windows, doors, small ventilators and also mechanical ventilation systems. Indoor ambient concentrations of fungal spores are influenced by several factors including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and water intrusion into building structures, and also the extent of movement of outdoor air into a building.
Homes of asthmatic patient’s of East and South parts of Nagpur city were surveyed during the study period. Study was conducted to reveal the prevalence of airborne fungi in asthma patient’s home during winter season (November, 2013 to February, 2014). Altogether 12 species were isolated and reported from the studied environments. Species of Cladosporium were found to be dominant followed by species of Aspergillus, Curvularia, Trichoderma, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Alternaria, Mucor and Nonsporulating fungi. Six species of Aspergillus were isolated from the studied environments i.e. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terrus, A. tameri, A. fumigatus and A. spp. mostly found in the ranges of relative humidity 47-60% and the temperature ranges from 27-33oC.
In the last decades, much interest has also grown for the fungi present in indoor environments, since exposure to airborne biological agents in both the occupational and residential environments could be associated with a wide range of adverse health effects with major public health impact, including infectious diseases, acute toxic effects, allergies and cancer. The present study was aim to find out the prevalence and concentration of fungal spores in residential homes of asthmatic patients located in two different sites of Nagpur city.
Keyword – Asthmatic patient’s, homes, Relative humidity, Temperature, Aspergillus.
