Survey of Fungal Aeroallergens of Hospitals in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Abstract

Present study deals with indoor aerospora of Hospitals in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city of Maharashtra. The survey of sampling was carried out from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 in 2 hospitals i.e. Kamal Nayan Bajaj Hospital and Government hospital and training institute (GHATI). Total 248 colonies were observed on petri plates exposed during 3 seasons i.e. Winter, Summer, Rainy. The seasonal variations, colony characters and number of species were compared with meteorological data and Questionnaire.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Indoor fungal spores were chief bio-contaminants, which have adversely effects on human health. Indoor airborne fungi are known to induce numerous human diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, fungal allergies and hypersensitivity reactions (Verman, et.al., 2019). In the low percentage of fungal spores in atmosphere were less harmful as compare to high or susceptible people affects with allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions (Haleem, Khan S and M. Karuppayil, 2012).  Present studies of indoor environment shows that Aspergillus sp, Alternaria sp, Penicillium sp and Cladosporium sp. were predominant fungi responsible for allergies and other diseases.

II. MATERIAL AND METHODS

The indoor fungal aerospora were collected from 2 different hospitals by Petri plate exposure method. The Fungal identification done by identification keys (Illustration of Imperfect Fungi- Barnet 1972) and comparing with reference slides with molecular identification techniques (Aerobiology to Astrobiology- Prof. Tilak 1998).

III. RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

The fungal aerospora were collected from different Hospitals of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with the help of Petri plate exposure method. The fungal species were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA).  Frequent visits were done in Kamal Nayan Bajaj Hospital (KNB) and Government hospital and training institute (GHATI). The fungal aerospora were collected during 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 one-year data were recorded from these 2 hospitals. Total 248 fungal colonies were isolated from 2 hospitals located in different areas. 11 fungal species were obtained in all seasons. (Table No.1 & Photo plate No.1). Percent contribution and composition vary from locations and seasons. (M. Bhonde and R. Chaudhary (2022).

During Summer season fungal spores of Cladosporium sp.(15.15%) and Penicillium sp (15.16%) as well as Alternaria sp. (8.89%) and   Penicillium sp. (15.56%) were found in significant amount at  Kamal Nayan Bajaj Hospital and Government Hospital and training institute respectively whereas Nigrospora sp. were found to be absent during the summer season at selected sites, likely due to unfavourable conditions such as high temperature and low humidity. (Table No.2 & Graph No.1). The average temperature was 35 0 C during summer season. This temperature was favourable for the growth of Cladosporium sp.  Penicillium sp. along with Alternaria species.

While in Rainy season fungal aerospores viz. Alternaria sp. (11.86%) and Nigrospora sp. (16.95%) were noted highly at Kamal Nayan Bajaj Hospital as well as at Government Hospital and training institute fungal spores of Curvularia sp. (12.70%) and Nigrospora sp. (17.02%) were maximum Also the growth of Trichothecium sp (0.99%) were observed throughout this season. The air mycobiota contained numerous fungal species, particularly Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp, Cladosporium sp, Fusarium sp, and yeast (Candida) species. Belizario A. (2021). During this season the average temperature, relative humidity and rainfall was 29oC, 20% and 4.5% respectively, this meteorological data was favourable for the growth of Nigrospora sp, Curvularia sp as well as Alternaria sp. (Graph No.2). (M.R.Majumdara, K.Bhattacharya,2004). The seasonal variation affects quantity of fungal aerospora. 

Over Winter season at Kamal Nayan Bajaj Hospital fungal spores of Alternaria sp (15.15%) and Nigrospopra sp (18.24%) besides at Government Hospital and training institute Alternaria sp (21.88%) and Penicillium sp (16.24%) were found in higher concentration apart from this Trichoderma sp and Trichothecium sp were absent during the winter season. This was due to the cool and moist conditions prevalent during this time, which provide an ideal environment for their growth and sporulation.The percent contribution of Alternaria sp (13.17%), Cladosporium sp (10.64%), Nigrospora sp (10.82%) and Penicillium sp (13.24%) spores plus Aspergillus niger (4.48%), Aspergillus nidulance (2.12%) and Aspergillus flavous (1.94%) were maximum in all three season as compared to other species. (A.G. Gofron and et.al.,2021). Total percent contribution of some dominant fungal spores i.e. Penicillium sp(14.45%), Nigrospora sp (12.06%), Cladosporium  sp (11.23%), Alternaria sp (12.04%) were observed as well as the average percent contribution of some of the dominant fungal spores i.e. Aspergillus sp (15.30 %), Cladosporium sp(12.44 %), Alternaria sp (8.63 %), Penicillium sp (8.07 %) (Vaishali A, P. K. Jite , (2015).

Note – KNB = Kamal Nayan Bajaj Hospital, GH = Government hospital and training institude.

Conclusion

The fungal spores of Penicillium sp (13.24%), Alternaria sp (13.17%), Nigrospora sp (10.82%) and Cladosporium sp (10.64%) were found to be dominant across all three seasons, indicating their consistent prevalence and potential role as major allergens throughout the year. If cleaning and disinfection procedures are not followed strictly and improper hands of hygiene or the use of contaminated medical equipment by healthcare workers can facilitate the transmission of infections. Some pathogens can spread through the air, especially in crowded areas, contributing to contamination in shared spaces. Hospitals often have complex environment with various materials (e.g. carpets, fabrics) that can bear contaminants if not properly maintained. To minimize contamination, hospitals should strictly implement the infection controlling measures including regular cleaning proper waste disposal, and staff training on hygiene practices.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Videkar Ashwini, Rajurkar Suchita. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.