Bioallergens in the air of selected areas in Visakhapatnam.

ABSTRACT

Bacteria, fungi and organic dust become a health hazard to those exposed to heavy traffic. People routinely exposed to organic dust suffer from respiratory diseases like asthma and acute bronchitis. A survey of aerospora conducted in five selected areas of Visakhapatnam showed that bacteria and fungi were present in the order of 4 x 10(3) and 1 x10(3) respectively. Twenty one fungal species and seven bacterial species were present in the present study. Many filamentous fungi known to be aeroallergens were present, Aspergillus being the predominant species. Pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus were found in the study area. The threshold limit value (TLV) and biological exposure indices values should be liaised for each area in the city which will serve as a guide to control health hazards.