Conidia of Alternaria in the atmosphere of the city of Cordoba, Spain in relation to meteorological parameters.

In this study, we have analyzed the presence of conidia belonging to different species of the genus Alternaria in the atmosphere of the city of Cordoba, using a Hirst sampler. The results show that spores of this genus are present all year, with a clear seasonal pattern which shows two peaks, one in spring and the other in fall. A total of 26,822 conidia/m3 have been sampled, which implies a daily mean of 74.3 conidia/m3. Statistical analyses comparing the data with meteorological parameters show a positive correlation with maximum, minimum and mean temperatures, and a negative correlation with rain. Nevertheless, meteorological parameters seem to affect the number of conidia differently according to the season of the year. Regression analyses carried out in order to obtain a predictive pattern show that the best fit is between the 7-day running mean of the number of conidia and a week's accumulated mean temperature.

Annual and diurnal incidence of Cladosporium conidia in the atmosphere of Córdoba, Spain.

The presence of Cladosporium conidia in the atmosphere of Córdoba, a city in Southern Spain, was studied. Samplings were carried out over a three-year period in the form of hourly analyses by use of a Hirst volumetric inert collection medium trap, located 15 meters above ground level. The results obtained suggest that conidia from species of this genus are present in the atmosphere of Córdoba throughout the year. The mean of the concentrations obtained during the study period was 1065 conidia/m3 day. The conidium concentration show a markedly seasonal variation pattern, with two annual peaks (one in June and the other in September-October). The incidence of Cladosporium conidia in Córdoba appears to be determined mainly by the temperature and relative humidity. As regards intradiurnal variation, the number of Cladosporium conidia peaks between 8 and 10 pm, with a minimum between 5 and 6 am.

Fungal contamination of potential medical interest in Spanish grain stores.

A one-year study was made of fungal spores detected in the air and in the grain of two silos and two seed stores near Córdoba, Spain. Gravimetric and volumetric methods were used simultaneously on culture mediums to sample the air. The dilution method was employed to analyze seed contamination. A total of 70 taxa were isolated, 67 of these from the air and 46 in seeds. The most abundant airborne taxa were: Aspergillus oryzae, Cladosporium cladosporioides and yeast, while yeast, A. niger and A. oryzae were the most common in seeds. The statistical test revealed differences between taxa found in the air and the wheat that could be of biological interest. Finally, it is worth noting among the species isolated the high percentage of species which have been cited in the references as potentially pathogenic or antigenic.