Diversity of airborne mycofloral abundance and allergenic fungal spores of Enugu North, Nigeria

Abstract

Airborne mycofloral spores are important part of the fungal inocula responsible for various infections, decays and allergies in the environment. Unfortunately, the diversity, abundance and rhythm of seasonal occurrence are poorly known and studied in this part of the tropics. The aims of this study were to ascertain the airborne fungal spore diversity and their monthly and seasonal abundance at the different locations. The influence of some meteorological factors on 18 most abundant and fungal spore genera was under studied. The study was conducted in Enugu North using modified Tauber Traps at locations differing in urbanization for a period of 12 months. The results showed that 49 airborne fungal spore genera were identified which varied in abundance across the seasons, months and locations. The highest airborne fungal spore abundance and diversity were recorded during the rainy season, and the majority of the airborne spore genera had their peak frequencies in October, July and March. The highest spore abundance was recorded in Adani, but majority of the spore diversity had their maximum frequency of occurrence at Enugu Ezike and Adani. High fungal spore diversity and abundance were recorded more in higher-altitude locations, especially the most frequent and abundant airborne fungal spore genera such as Nigrospora, Endophragmiella, Ustilago, Botryodiplodia, Pithomyces and Venturia. Statistically, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the abundance of airborne fungal spores at both the locations and months. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that the abundance of spore genera of Cladosporium, Alternaria, Endophragmiella, Torula, Uromyces and Venturia had significant (p < 0.05) correlation relationship with meteorological factors.