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Mycopathologia2005; 160(1); 29-34; doi: 10.1007/s11046-005-2669-3

Identification and seasonal distribution of airborne fungi in three horse stables in Italy.

Abstract: Fungal agents are responsible for a variety of respiratory diseases both in humans and animals. The nature and seasonal variations of fungi have been investigated in many environments with wide ranging results. The aims of the present report were (i) to evaluate the quality and magnitude of exposure to airborne fungi in three differently structured equine stalls (open air, partially and completely enclosed buildings) during a one-year period, using an air sampling technique and (ii) to compare the distribution and frequency of fungal species, with regards to these different environments. Air samples were collected monthly from December 2001 to November 2002 by means of a surface air sampler (SAS) Super-90, (PBI International, Milan, Italy). Penicillium and Aspergillus spp. were cultured from all the stables in all seasons. Mucoraceae were also recovered in all seasons in stalls 1 and 2, while they were not isolated in spring and fall in stall 3. These fungi were detected in 28.4%, 72.9% and 60.5% of the total number of samples, respectively. Other fungal genera such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Beauveria and Drechslera were also occasionally recovered. Viable fungal concentrations varied greatly, ranging from below the limit of detection to more than 3000 CFU/m3 for stables 1 and 2, and 1750 CFU/m3 for stable 3. The median fungal concentration was approximately 178 CFU/m3. Total fungal concentration appeared to be highest in summer, winter and spring, and lowest in the fall.
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Publication Date: 2005-09-15 PubMed ID: 16160766DOI: 10.1007/s11046-005-2669-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates airborne fungal distribution in three horse stables with different structures throughout a year. It reported high presence of certain fungi species, predominantly Penicillium and Aspergillus, in all seasons and stables.

Objective and Methodology

  • The study aimed at evaluating the exposure levels of airborne fungi in three diverse horse stable structures – open air, partially enclosed, and entirely enclosed structures, over a year. It also intended to compare the distribution and frequency of different fungi species in these environments.
  • Air samples were collected from each stable monthly for one year, from December 2001 to November 2002, using a surface air sampler (SAS) Super-90.

Findings

  • The study identified the species Penicillium and Aspergillus spp. in all the stables in all seasons. Additionally, it found Mucoraceae in all seasons in the first two stables, but not in spring and fall in the third stable.
  • Other fungal genera such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Beauveria, and Drechslera were occasionally identified.
  • The concentration of living fungi greatly varied, ranging from unnoticeable to more than 3000 CFU/m3 for the first two stables, and reaching up to 1750 CFU/m3 for the third stable.
  • The median fungal concentration was around 178 CFU/m3.

Temporal Trends

  • The research revealed seasonal variations in fungal concentration. The highest concentration was recorded in summer, winter, and spring while the lowest was found in the fall.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering seasonal changes in fungal distribution and concentration, potentially impacting animal and human health within and around stables.

Cite This Article

APA
Nardoni S, Mancianti F, Sgorbini M, Taccini F, Corazza M. (2005). Identification and seasonal distribution of airborne fungi in three horse stables in Italy. Mycopathologia, 160(1), 29-34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-005-2669-3

Publication

Mycopathologia
ISSN: 0301-486X
NlmUniqueID: 7505689
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 160
Issue: 1
Pages: 29-34

Researcher Affiliations

Nardoni, Simona
  • Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi ed Igiene degli Alimenti, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy. snardoni@vet.unipi.it
Mancianti, Francesca
    Sgorbini, Micaela
      Taccini, Fabrizio
        Corazza, Michele

          MeSH Terms

          • Air Microbiology
          • Animal Husbandry
          • Aspergillus / isolation & purification
          • Colony Count, Microbial
          • Fungi / isolation & purification
          • Italy
          • Mucorales / isolation & purification
          • Penicillium / isolation & purification
          • Seasons

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