Initial mycological assessment of school facilities

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Initial mycological assessment of school facilities 

Journal Title: Mikologia Lekarska - Year 2008, Vol 15, Issue 4

Abstract

Introductions: In one-age, large group of students the risk of infection between individuals is very high. The sanitary status of the air and walls in small premises where the children stay for many hours a day can form a potential hazard to their health and the health of the adults working at school. Objective: The aim of the study was determination of the characteristics of toxins producing fungi in selected school facilities. Material and methods: The study material consisted of fungi obtained from the air by sedimentation method and from walls by surface swabs technique. The samples were collected from facilities of two schools. In total 321 samples were collected from 13 rooms. The study was carried out in May. Fungi were cultured on Czapek-Dox medium at three temperatures: 25, 37 and 40°C. For MTT cytotoxicity test 33 isolates of fungi were selected. Results: The total of 379 isolates of mould fungi, yeasts and yeast-like fungi belonging to 32 genera and to 72 species were obtained. The most frequently isolated fungi belonged to species: Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum and P. citrinum. The largest number of fungi was obtained at room temperature – 236, fewer by a half at human body temperature – 121 and only 22 isolates of fungi were obtained at 40°C. Among 33 isolates subjected to MTT test, all showed production of toxins. Highly toxic isolates were obtained from corridors, shower and general changing room. Conclusions: The selected school facilities represent a potential threat for health of school children and employees. 

Authors and Affiliations

Elżbieta Ejdys

Keywords

school facilities toxins producing fungi potential threat for health pomieszczenia szkolne grzyby toksynotwórcze potencjalne zagrożenie dla zdrowia

EP ID EP86174
DOI -
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