Aerobiological investigations inside repositories of the National Archive of the Republic of Cuba

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the microbial prevalence inside six repositories of the National Archive of the Republic of Cuba in 2 months of the year and to examine some of the physiological features of fungi isolated in order to evaluate their potential for biodeterioration. The microbiological sampling was conducted in February and September using a slit impactor as air sampler. Appropriate selective culture media were used to isolate fungi and bacteria. Temperature and relative humidity were measured during the samplings. The cellulolytic activity and the production of acids and pigments of the fungi isolated were qualitatively determined. Total viable microbiota and bacteria concentrations were greater in February while the fungal concentration was higher in September. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Curvularia and Alternaria were the predominant fungal genera in February while Cladosporium prevailed in September, although Fusarium, Mucor and Neurospora genera were also isolated in this month. The fungi isolated were capable of degrading cellulose and excreting pigments and acids. The Gram-positive bacteria group prevailed in the air and Corynebacterium, Streptomyces, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter and Serratia were some of the genera identified.